Martinelli's 1868 Hard Cider. Credit: PRNewsfoto/S. Martinelli & Company.

US-based apple juice and sparkling cider producer S. Martinelli & Company is set to introduce its new beverage 1868 Hard Cider.

The launch will also mark the 150th anniversary of the family-owned company.

Martinelli & Company’s president Gun Ruder said: “We are very excited about the launch of our 1868 Hard Cider. It’s a great way for us to celebrate Martinelli’s rich heritage, as most people don’t realise that we were founded as a hard cider company in 1868.”

1868 Hard Cider was named in recognition of the year that the company was founded and will be initially distributed in the West Coast region.

“We press our juice from a unique blend of the most flavourful apples grown in the Western US.”

The company claims that its juice and cider products are made from 100% US-grown fresh apples, including Newtown Pippin, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Mutsu and Honeycrisp brands.

The apples were freshly pressed, pasteurised and cooled in the bottle to retain their natural fresh flavour.

The juice product is said to have an extended shelf life, with no chemical preservatives or sweeteners.

Martinelli & Company CEO John Martinelli said: “Our number one goal has always been to produce the highest quality juice products with the freshest taste possible.

“We press our juice from a unique blend of the most flavourful apples grown in the Western US in much the same way we did 150 years ago.”

The company proposes to apply sustainable practices that focus on water and energy conservation, recycling and agricultural land preservation.