Armagh’s Long Meadow launches alcohol-free cider
Award-winning family business Long Meadow Cider, a FoodNI member, has just
introduced an alcohol-free cider in response to a growing market trend towards
healthier drinks.
The company, which is based on the family orchards at Loughgall, has responded to
the strengthening trend in the UK and Ireland, especially from females, for a
refreshing cider drink that’s completely free from alcohol.
Long Meadow Cider, according to Alanna McKeever, the tourism and sales
executive, explains: “We had been monitoring market trends for some time and saw
an opportunity for us to use our longstanding expertise in the production of ciders
and apple juices to create an alcohol-free cider that maintained the refreshing
flavours of one of our successful ciders.
“We used our award-winning medium cider as the base for the new product. We’ve
been very excited by the feedback from customers who have tried it. The response
to the new cider was amazing at the launch at our launch in the fantastic FoodNI
Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show.
“We believe that we are the first Northern Ireland cider producer to offer a truly non-
alcoholic cider option,” adds Alanna.
Research shows that the trend of non-alcoholic drinks is experiencing significant
growth, driven by increased consumer awareness of health and wellness, a shift
towards moderate alcohol consumption, and a desire for different beverage options.
Formed by husband and wife team Pat and Catherine McKeever in 2012 and run
with son Peter and daughter Alanna, Long Meadow Cider is among Ireland’s the
most innovative and successful apple growers and cider processors.
The entrepreneurial family has also turned the apples, the orchards and the modern
processing operation into a ‘must see’ destination for locals and especially tourists
from many parts of the world interested in our food and drink. It’s become a thriving
business which is a key player in the local cider industry and has won a string of
awards for its products.
