How Strongbow is helping Scottish operators maximise the Cider opportunity throughout the year

October 8, 2025

This article contains sponsored content.

As Scotland’s number one Cider brand^[1], Strongbow is a must-stock option for venues offering cider – generating a monumental £37 million in On-Trade sales across Scotland in 2024 alone.^[2]

The Power of Cider in Scotland’s On-Trade

Cider is worth £135 million annually to Scottish pubs, bars and restaurants, and the Strongbow brand leads the category with 41% of draught cider volume sales^[3]. The category has followed steady growth over the past few years, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the rise of innovative flavours and serves ^[4].

With 55% of weekly Cider drinkers enjoying both Apple and Flavoured Cider variants^[5], stocking a balanced range is key to driving rate of sale and meeting customer expectations.

Innovation That Delivers: Strongbow Strawberry

Strongbow’s first On-Trade flavour innovation in over a decade – Strongbow Strawberry – has already made a splash. Launched in the Off-Trade in August 2024, it quickly became one of the brand’s most popular SKUs and is now available in over 700 outlets across Great Britain ^[6].

Strawberry is one of the most popular Cider flavours, and Strongbow’s take offers a trusted, mainstream option that is refreshing the category by attracting new, younger consumers^[7].

Cider Beyond Summer: Seasonal Opportunities

Cider is synonymous with the summer months, pub gardens, and warmer weather – when category sales peak – but even as we approach the colder months, there is a huge opportunity for operators to tap into.

Strongbow Dark Fruit, for example, sees a significant sales uplift in the lead-up to Halloween. This October, HEINEKEN UK is launching the ‘Spine-chilling Refreshment’ campaign to boost visibility and reinforce Strongbow’s connection to spooky season.

With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, venues can maximise footfall and sales by featuring Strongbow Dark Fruit in themed events like apple bobbing and costume parties.

Make the Most of the Cider Opportunity

By stocking Strongbow’s full flavour range, operators can tap into key calendar occasions and maintain strong sales momentum from summer through to Christmas.

To learn more about how Strongbow can support your venue throughout the year, visit https://www.eazle.co.uk/huk/en/