Northeast Drinks Group (NDG), a privately owned holding company in the US, has concluded the purchase of Vermont Hard Cider Company (VCC) from C&C Group for an undisclosed sum.

The deal was first announced in March.

NDG now owns VCC’s cider brands, including Woodchuck and the production facility in Middlebury, Vermont, US.

NDG executive David Mandler said: “We’re pleased to share that all will remain intact at VCC. NDG was formed for the sole purpose of acquiring VCC and it will be keeping all employees and contracts in place to ensure a seamless transition.

“NDG has plans to add employees to support key areas of the business as we evaluate the Company’s needs for the future. We could not be more excited to return VCC to local ownership. In addition, NDG is continuing the relationship with C&C as the importer for their cider brands including Magners.”

Going forward, the company plans to re-introduce several limited-edition ciders to pay homage to the brand’s popular variants over the years.

Additionally, VCC’s company Green Mountain Beverage, a manufacturer and co-packing facility of hard cider, ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages and speciality non-alcoholic beverages, will now be fully owned and controlled by NDG.

Vermont Cider Company sales and marketing vice-president Bridget Blacklock said: “New ownership comes at an exciting time for the company as Woodchuck celebrates its 30th anniversary and has demonstrated healthy growth in 2020, which has continued this yearwith depletions trending +26% over the past 90 days.

“With NDG, we look forward to new ownership not only investing in key areas of support with our existing brands but also focusing on new product innovation and launches.”