By Amy Looker
The inaugural International Cider Challenge took place in London this month to recognise the world’s best cider.
Hosted by global liquor trade magazine, Drinks International, the launch of the awards reflects the international growth in the cider category.
More than 100 ciders were entered into the awards, which were judged by a panel of cider experts.
Merrydown Medium Cider was the overall trophy winner, also winning a gold medal and the award for best medium cider – premium.
Australia’s Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) scooped the pool with its cider portfolio, winning a silver medal for Strongbow Clear and bronze medals for its Mercury Draught, Strongbow Original, and Bulmers Pear, while Bulmers Original was acknowledged as a commended winner.
CUB’s group marketing manager for cider, Clive Coleman, said the company was impressed with the results.
“Cider is gaining huge popularity here in Australia and we’re really pleased that Mercury, Strongbow and Bulmers are being recognised amongst the world’s best,” said Coleman.
Drinks International editor, Christian Davis, said the awards indicated that cider has mainstream international appeal. “We had cider from all over the world, including Czech Republic, US, South Africa and Canada. We were really pleased to have such a good response – especially from an international perspective,” said Davis.
“People think cider is an English drink but the competition demonstrates that it’s truly international.”
Click here for a full list of the 2010 International Cider Challenge winners.