By James Atkinson
Lion's Tooheys Five Seeds and James Squire Orchard Crush cider brands have both added new pear SKUs.
The announcement is hot on the heels of Magners becoming the first non-spirits brand to enter the Bacardi Lion portfolio.
Industry sources suggest that Lion may be creating its own portfolio under the Bacardi Lion banner, in recognition that its considerable suite of beer and cider brands is becoming somewhat unwieldy.
"Just have a look at the Lion portfolio – it's too big," said one source.
"It's like CUB in the old days when their portfolio was a mile long – that's why you had Carlton Special Beverages (CSB)."
CSB formerly distributed brands including Corona, Stella Artois, Jim Beam and Bacardi.
Tooheys 5 Seeds Crushed Pear joins the three existing variants in the 5 Seeds range – 5 Seeds Crisp Apple, 5 Seeds Cloudy Apple and 5 Seeds Sour Apple.
James Squire Orchard Crush Perry is being released nationally in both a 500ml bottle, and on tap at selected venues.