A HEREFORDSHIRE cider producer has created a big impression in the Big Apple.

Westons Cider, based in Much Marcle, is celebrating after winning English cider producer of the year in the New York International Beer Competition, as well as scooping two silver awards for its Stowford Press and Wyld Wood ciders and a bronze award for its Westons Premium cider.

The New York International Beer Competition acknowledges the vast range of packaged products in the diverse and growing international drinks category across the globe.

The competition is open to all commercially produced beers, ciders and other related products from around the world attracting companies that wish to increase awareness of their brands within the US market.

The products were tasted by a panel of trade only judges and assessed on their aroma, taste and finish.

With the U.S. cider market in growth, 49% for the on trade and 6% in the off trade according to Nielsen 2013, it has become one of the fastest-growing beverage categories in the United States, and Westons has identified that this is being driven by consumer demand for more traditional premium ciders.

Roger Jackson, commercial director, said: “The New York International Beer Competition is an internationally recognised competition and we are very excited to have been awarded so many awards, particularly English cider producer of the year.

"We are spoilt for choice in the UK when it comes to great cider and beer producers and it is great to see that in our efforts to break into new markets, we are not only being recognised for our individual products, but also as an award winning producer.

"We are delighted to be able to shout about our on-going passion for good quality ciders on an international spectrum through these awards.”

Westons Cider has been produced in Much Marcle for more than 130 years.

Its range of ciders and perries, crafted by the Master Cider Maker to age-old recipes, offer sparkling, still, oak conditioned, vintage or organic cider.

?