Aspall cider bought by US beer giant Molson Coors

Aspall, the cider brand founded in Suffolk, UK, in 1728, has been sold to US beer giant Molson Coors who owns brands such as Carling, Miller and Cobra.

The family which has run Aspall cider for eight generations is set to toast a multi-million-pound windfall as the brewing giant is believed to have snapped up Aspall in a deal  worth around GBP£40mn, including debt. 

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US Molson Coors, the seventh biggest brewery by volume in the world, said that it wanted to make Aspall the UK’s top-selling premium cider and build on the potential of its vinegars. 

The UK currently accounts for almost half of the global cider market, according to the National Association of Cider Makers. 

The Chevallier family, who have been brewing cider Aspall Hal in Suffolk, UK, for almost 300 years, will continue to play a role in the company's future. 

The volume of cider sold by Aspall in 2016 rise by a tenth.

Mr Chevallier Guild said: “This is an important milestone in Aspall’s long history and a proud day for everyone involved with the company.
“Having been in close discussions with Molson Coors for over a year, we were delighted to find that they share our rich heritage, passion for making quality cider and vision for the future development of Aspall and its people.
“Molson Coors is known for respecting the provenance of local brands it has acquired in the past, and has the scale and expertise to accelerate our growth in the premium cider category in the UK and beyond.”

Aspall will continue to press, ferment keg and bottles its Cider at the Cyder House in Aspall, UK, and will operate as part of Molson Coors UK and Ireland,