Molson Coors Beverage Company will spend £10 million over the next five years at its Aspall Cyder House in Suffolk, UK.
It is one of a number of initiatives being taken as part of a wider £100 million investment in its UK brewery and beverage network.
Major production and packaging upgrades at the Aspall site will be invested in, which will enhance operational efficiency. It will further support Molson Coors to achieve its ambition of being carbon net zero for direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) in the UK by 2035.
This is after a £13 million capacity expansion investment finished in 2022 at Aspall, which enabled the business to meet increased demand for its super premium cider.
Damian Mills, Aspall Cyder's head of supply chain, said: "This plan is an important investment in the future of the Aspall Cyder House to help us meet demand for our ciders and vinegars, while making strong progress against our sustainability targets."
"Molson Coors' latest investment will ensure we can continue to grow the brand whilst protecting the heritage of the site and continuing our commitment to the very highest quality."
Aspall, an employer of more than 130 people in Suffolk, already utilises 100% renewable electricity in its manufacture, contributing toward Molson Coors' goals to reach net zero emissions by 2035.
CMI Research: Key Cider Industry Insights
As per Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the cider industry is supposed to grow at 3.1% CAGR during the period from 2024 to 2031, owing to the growing interest among consumers towards hard ciders. It was valued at more than US$ 5.20 billion in 2024 and is supposed to reach UD$ 6.44 billion over the foreseen period.
Growing interest in locally produced and artisanal beverages supported the growth of smaller craft cider producers. It is expected to generate the growth momentum for the industry during the next five years.
Analyst Opinion: Strategic Role in Cider Industry Growth
The popularity of alcoholic ciders among millennial consumers who prefer drinks with lower alcohol content is witnessing the steady rise of the global cider industry, said Yash Doshi, a senior management consultant.
Conclusion: Business Takeaways
The investment from Molson Coors into the £10m Aspall Cyder also portrays a potential direction of growth towards premium and craft segments. Cider companies themselves are bound by the significance to innovate, remain quality, and sustainable as an imperative in attaining new industries with shifting demand patterns. Adding a few investment lines to proven premium brands that already exist serves to bolster those businesses in those industries. In addition, a focus on local sourcing and sustainability initiatives will likely attract environmentally conscious consumers and help businesses secure long-term growth and competitiveness in a dynamic industry.
