Menu
16/09/2008
Cider Drinkers Boost NI Agri Economy
As much as half of the entire apple crop in Northern Ireland ends up as cider, and although that figure is set to fall this year slightly, it is still good news for NI.
The importance of the popular alcoholic beverage to the agricultural industry was underlined this week when the NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew visited Magners cider production facility, based at Clonmel in Co Tipperary.
She was told that the company has developed Ireland's fastest growing drinks' brand and as a result apples for cider manufacture are in great demand.
Indeed, the Co Armagh Bramley apple is a very significant ingredient used in the manufacture of Magners cider as it provides the right mix of sugar, tannins and acid to make the cider taste so distinctive.
Speaking during her visit to the factory and orchards, the Minister said: "This is a great example of how a brand can be grown and recognized virtually worldwide.
"Magners is a truly Irish success story and I am pleased to be able to say that Armagh Bramleys have played a major part in this. I am sure that the business relationship between growers in the North and Magners will continue.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage growers to continue to look to the future of their industry.
"Considerable work has been done by the apple industry to identify its objectives for the future through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Supply Chain Development Programme.
"One of their objectives is to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bramley apple in Ireland with a number of high profile promotional events to raise consumer awareness of the Bramley's merits," she said.
The Minister heard that the plant at Clonmel produces Magners Irish cider and Bulmers Original. Bulmers Original is sold only in the Republic of Ireland while Magners Irish cider is exported worldwide.
They also grow apples within their own orchards. Bulmers employ around 460 staff and have recently invested €300m in their cider production facilities.
While between 40% and 50% of Bramley apples grown in Northern Ireland were sold to Bulmers for cider production in 2006 and 2007, it is likely that this tonnage will fall in 2008 however.
(BMcC)
The importance of the popular alcoholic beverage to the agricultural industry was underlined this week when the NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew visited Magners cider production facility, based at Clonmel in Co Tipperary.
She was told that the company has developed Ireland's fastest growing drinks' brand and as a result apples for cider manufacture are in great demand.
Indeed, the Co Armagh Bramley apple is a very significant ingredient used in the manufacture of Magners cider as it provides the right mix of sugar, tannins and acid to make the cider taste so distinctive.
Speaking during her visit to the factory and orchards, the Minister said: "This is a great example of how a brand can be grown and recognized virtually worldwide.
"Magners is a truly Irish success story and I am pleased to be able to say that Armagh Bramleys have played a major part in this. I am sure that the business relationship between growers in the North and Magners will continue.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage growers to continue to look to the future of their industry.
"Considerable work has been done by the apple industry to identify its objectives for the future through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Supply Chain Development Programme.
"One of their objectives is to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bramley apple in Ireland with a number of high profile promotional events to raise consumer awareness of the Bramley's merits," she said.
The Minister heard that the plant at Clonmel produces Magners Irish cider and Bulmers Original. Bulmers Original is sold only in the Republic of Ireland while Magners Irish cider is exported worldwide.
They also grow apples within their own orchards. Bulmers employ around 460 staff and have recently invested €300m in their cider production facilities.
While between 40% and 50% of Bramley apples grown in Northern Ireland were sold to Bulmers for cider production in 2006 and 2007, it is likely that this tonnage will fall in 2008 however.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2015
Police Seize 'Concerning' Amounts Of Alcohol From Under-Age Drinkers
Police from the North Coast seized a large amount of alcohol from under-age drinkers on Easter Monday. The PSNI posted a picture of the haul on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. It included cider, beer and spirits. Police described the amount seized as "concerning".
Police Seize 'Concerning' Amounts Of Alcohol From Under-Age Drinkers
Police from the North Coast seized a large amount of alcohol from under-age drinkers on Easter Monday. The PSNI posted a picture of the haul on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. It included cider, beer and spirits. Police described the amount seized as "concerning".
10 June 2009
Police Tackle Underage Drinking In Derry
Up to 60 police officers are taking part in an operation to tackle underage drinking in Londonderry. The police enforcement campaign - called Operation Snapper - will run throughout the city throughout the summer. According to Inspector John Burrows, over 300 items of alcohol were seized from underage drinkers in Derry last weekend.
Police Tackle Underage Drinking In Derry
Up to 60 police officers are taking part in an operation to tackle underage drinking in Londonderry. The police enforcement campaign - called Operation Snapper - will run throughout the city throughout the summer. According to Inspector John Burrows, over 300 items of alcohol were seized from underage drinkers in Derry last weekend.
10 July 2001
BASS TO DISTRIBUTE MAGNERS DRAUGHT CIDER IN C&C DEAL
CANTRELL and Cochrane, owners of Bulmers Ireland, have announced an exclusive agreement with Bass Ireland that will see Bass distribute Draught Magners Cider to Northern Ireland’s pubs and clubs.
BASS TO DISTRIBUTE MAGNERS DRAUGHT CIDER IN C&C DEAL
CANTRELL and Cochrane, owners of Bulmers Ireland, have announced an exclusive agreement with Bass Ireland that will see Bass distribute Draught Magners Cider to Northern Ireland’s pubs and clubs.
23 August 2011
Patton Scoop Green Apple Award
Northern Ireland company Patton Heritage (part of the Patton Group) has won a Green Apple Environment Award for its restoration project at Lowther Castle, Cumbria, in the Lake District. The Ballymena-based company has been selected from over 500 nominations in the national campaign to find Britain's greenest companies.
Patton Scoop Green Apple Award
Northern Ireland company Patton Heritage (part of the Patton Group) has won a Green Apple Environment Award for its restoration project at Lowther Castle, Cumbria, in the Lake District. The Ballymena-based company has been selected from over 500 nominations in the national campaign to find Britain's greenest companies.
20 February 2009
Magners Jobs Losses Felt In NI
The impact of job losses in the drinks industry in the Irish Republic has spilled over into the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland. NI Minister Michelle Gildernew yesterday expressed regret and disappointment at Irish cider manufacturer Magners' announcement of 120 job losses across Ireland.
Magners Jobs Losses Felt In NI
The impact of job losses in the drinks industry in the Irish Republic has spilled over into the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland. NI Minister Michelle Gildernew yesterday expressed regret and disappointment at Irish cider manufacturer Magners' announcement of 120 job losses across Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
