Innis & Gunn – a family-owned company – has signed a three-year agreement, commencing this month with the launch of Thatchers Gold.

Sales of cider have tripled in the US over the last three years, with volume and sales increasing by 64% and 69% respectively in 2013 (Euromonitor International). It is estimated the category in the US will have grown to 1.3 billion litres in ten years’ time.

Dougal Sharp, founder and CEO of Innis & Gunn, said: “Thatchers Gold is regarded as being one of the best ciders in the world. Thatchers’ commitment to crafting the highest-quality and best-tasting cider means that they are the perfect complement to the position that Innis & Gunn has established in the US beer market.

“Thatchers Gold will be new to the US, where the cider category is showing explosive growth.  A new generation of American consumers is looking for ciders with heritage, quality and character, so this is a very exciting step and we are proud to be part of it.”

Innis & Gunn will assume all administrative, marketing and promotional support for Thatchers’ flagship brand through its US subsidiary, Innis & Gunn USA.

Martin Thatcher, managing director and fourth generation cider maker, said: “The reputation of crafted English cider is rapidly spreading in the US.  Thatchers Gold has gained a well-earned reputation in the UK for its quality and great taste, together with the values of heritage and provenance that it represents.

“With Thatchers Gold sitting alongside Innis & Gunn’s range of craft beers, we are very optimistic for the future.”