Northeast Drinks Group signs agreement to acquire Vermont Hard Cider Company

Northeast Drinks Group, a privately owned holding company in Vermont, US, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Vermont Hard Cider Company (VCC).

This deal includes the acquisition of VCC’s cider brands and production facility in Middlebury, Vermont.

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

The transaction will see Northeast Drinks Group buying Woodchuck, a hard cider brand that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, along with the remaining VCC portfolio of brands.

Furthermore, Northeast Drinks Group will gain complete control over Green Mountain Beverage, a division of VCC that has been a manufacturer and co-packing facility of hard-cider, alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) and speciality non-alcoholic beverages.

Vermont Cider Company sales and marketing vice-president Bridget Blacklock said: “We have good momentum right now with Woodchuck and Wyder’s and I feel this new ownership will only strengthen this as we move forward. In addition, C&C appointing VCC as an importer of their cider brands for the US allows us to maintain our representation of Magners and preserve the strength in our portfolio of iconic and diverse brands.

“As we look to the future, we will continue our passion and focus on cider while also adjusting to consumer beverage trends with brands that we feel complement best our current portfolio. It’s been great getting to know Northeast Drinks Group and I am really excited for what’s to come and I’m happy to be part of it.”

Northeast Drinks Group executive David Mandler said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with C&C and Vermont Cider Company thus far and we look forward to continuing our relationship with C&C as an importer for their cider brands, including Magners.

“We plan to support the VCC portfolio with robust marketing spend and innovative programming. We’ll also leverage the ultra-modern facility to incubate and bring new brands to market over the coming years.”

The deal is expected to be closed within the next 30 days, subject to approvals and customary closing conditions.