During what continues to be a remarkably successful year for Knights Cider, Aston Manor has announced its premium quality cider brand is now available in additional wholesalers and retailers across the country.
Earlier this year, the UK’s number one strong amber cider brand1 revealed it had sold over 12 million cans annually and seen a 54% increase in shoppers year-on-year2.
Fast forward and the brand continues to go from strength to strength, having recorded yet another sharp upwards trajectory in sales – up by 54% in the last 12 weeks3 – at a time when total cider sales have declined by 6.5%4.
Further cementing itself as the wholesale market leader in 2024, Knights Cider is responsible for 12% of all Beer and Cider growth within independent retailers in the last 13 weeks, making it the third biggest driver of growth across Beer and Cider and the number one driver of growth in the Cider category5.
Interestingly, five of the top 10 brands powering growth within the Beer and Lager and Cider categories have an ABV of 6% or more6, including Knights Cider which has an ABV of 8.4%.
Aston Manor has attributed the success of its premium quality cider brand to several factors, including the cost-of-living crisis which has caused many shoppers to change their spending habits. As part of this, more customers are purchasing cider rather than spirits7, which is speculatively due to less disposable income.
Also helping to drive demand, Knights Cider launched an exciting new product, exclusive to Tesco, in February. The Knights Vintage Cider 500ml glass bottle was created for the cider afficionado who values great tasting cider that doesn’t break the bank. This sentiment reinforces Aston Manor’s commitment to affordability and accessibility, helping shoppers focus their spend on what really matters.
Grace Anthony, Brand Marketing Manager at Aston Manor Cider, said: “Aston Manor’s ethos is all about affordability and we strongly believe it is our affordability that is driving demand for our world-class ciders, particularly Knights Cider. We’re delighted to share that Knights Cider is now being sold in even more locations up and down the country, meaning more shoppers can get their hands on great tasting, premium quality cider that doesn’t cost a fortune.”
Knights Cider has been crafted by the brand’s master cider maker using a blend of its finest bittersweet and dessert apples for a refreshing medium dry taste.
1Nielsen, Total Cider Market to 02.12.2023
2Aston Manor Sales Report to 31.12.2023, 6Kantar 52wk to 24.12.2023
3Nielson Total Cider Market to 13.04.24
4Nielson Total Coverage, Cider, to 04.05.24
5SmartView Convenience TWC, Volume and Value Sales, 13 w/e 21.04.24
6SmartView Convenience TWC, Volume and Value Sales, 13 w/e 21.04.24
7Kantar | Take-Home | Alcohol Spend Gains Loss | 12w/e 17 March 2024
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