Cider launch sparks S&N counter-attack

C&C’S plans to launch Magners cider in Britain has opened the Irish company to a counter-attack from British brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle (S&N), which plans retaliation by launching Strongbow draught cider in Irish pubs.

C&C’s Bulmers cider has 95% of the Irish market and S&N hope to take about 20% of this from the Clonmel-based cider maker.

S&N’s Irish subsidiary Beamish & Crawford managing director Alf Smiddy said it is looking at a possible launch of a draft cider within the next 18 months.