AN award-winning craft cider maker is heading across the Irish Sea as their export market continues to expand.

Hogan's Cider, whose cider production is based at H & MH Weaver, in Castlemorton, near Malvern, has teamed up with Premier International Beers, Ireland’s leading and longest established importer of premium and craft beers, to introduce their products to the country.

The company, which has its headquarters just outside Alcester in Warwickshire, has seen their export markets expand from the US to Russia, Hong Kong, Germany, Australia and Finland in the last 12 months but this is a little closer to home.

Allen Hogan said: “This latest overseas venture sees us heading back to my homeland to tap into a growing Irish interest in the craft cider movement.

"Ireland is no stranger to cider drinking with a population reputed to have the world’s greatest cider consumption per head.

"Up to now the market has been dominated by big players but more recently the craft cider phenomenon which is sweeping the world seems to be making inroads and we hope that our multi award-winning craft ciders tickle the tastebuds of Irish drinkers keen to explore an authentic artisan taste.”

Dean McGuinness, of Premier International Beers, said: “Premier International Beers has been researching ciders for quite some time now to find a range of craft ciders of excellent quality to complement our range of leading premium imported and craft beers.

"Hogan’s Cider has ticked every box that we would want it to – in terms of the quality of their ciders and perry, the superb attitude that the team at Hogan’s has, and in terms of their commitment to quality.

"The chance to bring cider made by a renowned cider-maker with Irish roots back to his home country is an added bonus.”

Premier deliver their imports nationwide to ensure that quality and choice is available in every corner of the country, serving the Irish restaurant trade, pub trade, off-licenses and supermarkets.