Cider Drinking Boosting Ireland's Agri-Economy

The importance of the ever popular cider to the Irish 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, with an apple from her own area in the North being in particular demand.

Co Armagh's 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.

"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)