WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Today, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, the number one selling global cider brand1 and best tasting hard cider at the 2015 World Cider Championships2, unveiled its newest flavor, Strongbow Cherry Blossom. The new flavor and recipe delivers a cut-through, refreshing taste with delicate cherry blossom and red fruit aromas and an underlying note of apple, in a sophisticated shade of red.
In celebration of the launch, legal drinking age attendees of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. will be among the first consumers to sample Strongbow Cherry Blossom. The brand is sponsoring several Festival events, including its debut at the Pink Tie Party and continuing through the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks.
“We are particularly excited that spring is here, and that we can finally celebrate it in style by sharing our new Strongbow Cherry Blossom with our fans!” said Alejandra de Obeso, Brand Director Strongbow, HEINEKEN USA, who was involved in the development of the new flavor. “Strongbow Cherry Blossom is a beautifully balanced cider that evokes some elements of a rosé wine, and has actually received the highest taste test ratings in our brand’s history from both men and women. We recommend serving Cherry Blossom over ice to help bring out its distinctive cherry blossom and red fruit aroma, and enjoy the bright taste of its unique blend of bittersweet and culinary apples.”
The flavor announcement follows the launch of Strongbow’s latest TV commercials starring legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart. The second iteration of this witty national campaign highlights Strongbow’s impressive range of award-winning hard cider flavors, which over ice deliver the “bestest” cider experience possible. Strongbow Cherry Blossom will be revealed as part of the campaign starting next week, on March 28.
“In working with Strongbow, I have been able to follow the impressive creativity that is poured into both their advertising campaigns and their hard ciders,” said Sir Patrick Stewart. “I had the opportunity to be one of the first persons to try Cherry Blossom right before we did the shoot, and find that it is a perfect complement to their range of flavors.”
Strongbow is the fastest-growing hard cider in the U.S. in total sales, and its Gold Apple flavor has been recognized as the Best Tasting Hard Cider for two years in a row at the 2015 World Cider Championships. Over the past year, Strongbow has tripled its market share in locations where alcohol is sold, outperforming the cider category growth eight times over. 3
“Strongbow is known for its heritage and commitment to providing legendary liquids, and we know our consumers are curious and always looking for new and exciting flavors,” said Nuno Teles, Chief Marketing Officer, HEINEKEN USA. “Strongbow Cherry Blossom is a reflection of our relentless commitment to product innovation.”
Cherry Blossom will be launched in a six-pack during the month of March and will eventually replace Red Berries in the Strongbow Variety Pack in June, alongside Strongbow Gold Apple, Strongbow Honey and Strongbow Ginger. The new flavor will also be competing at the next 2016 World Cider Championships in April.
All flavors in the new Variety Pack are gluten-free and sold in 11.2 oz. bottles. Strongbow Gold Apple and Strongbow Honey are 5% ABV, while new Strongbow Cherry Blossom and Strongbow Ginger are 4.5% ABV. To find all Strongbow flavors near you, please visit our product locator at www.Strongbow.com. Strongbow recommends enjoying its hard apple ciders served over ice, for a crisp, refreshing taste.
- 1 — Based on 2015 global sales volume of largest single cider brands from Canadean Research, Inc.
- 2 — 2015 Highest rated common cider at the World Cider Championships, Gold Medal Winner, by Tastings.com
- 3 — FDCM+ and Grocery, Nielsen. Latest 52 Weeks, ending 01/02/2016.
About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International NV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken®, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.