Aston Manor has announced that its fast-growing Knights Cider brand is now available in additional wholesalers and retailers nationwide.
Earlier this year, the strong amber cider brand revealed it had sold over 12 million cans annually and seen a 54% increase in shoppers year-on-year. The brand has since seen another sharp upward trajectory in sales – growing by 54% in the last 12 weeks – at a time when total cider sales have declined by 6.5%.
Aston Manor noted that Knights Cider is responsible for 12% of all beer and cider growth within independent retailers in the last 13 weeks, making it the third biggest driver of growth across beer and cider and the number one driver of growth in the cider category.
Aston Manor has attributed the success of the cider brand to several factors, including the cost-of-living crisis, which has caused many shoppers to change their spending habits. As part of this, more customers are purchasing cider rather than spirits due to having less disposable income.
Also helping to drive demand, Knights Cider launched a new product exclusive to Tesco in February. The Knights Vintage Cider 500ml glass bottle was created for the “cider afficionado who values great-tasting cider that doesn’t break the bank”.
Grace Anthony, Brand Marketing Manager at Aston Manor Cider, commented: “Aston Manor’s ethos is all about affordability, and we strongly believe it is our affordability that is driving demand for our world-class ciders, particularly Knights Cider. We’re delighted to share that Knights Cider is now being sold in even more locations up and down the country, meaning more shoppers can get their hands on great tasting, premium quality cider that doesn’t cost a fortune.”
