Aspall Cider sells to Molson Coors

Aspall Cider is a well known British family-owned drinks company that has been in business for nearly 300 years and 8 generations of the same family.

The Chevallier family first planted orchards at Aspall Hall back in 1728, since then the family has been responsbile for growing the brand and cider into a national, and international success.

Barry Chevallier Guild, who is chairman of Aspall, said the deal is "an important milestone in Aspall's long history and a proud day for everyone involved with the company".

Molson Coors said the acquisition "brings together two companies with a passion for building extraordinary brands and similar family-orientated ownership structures, with close to 650 years of combined experience in operating excellence".

It said it planned to grow the business in the UK by investing in the firm's Suffolk operation, as well as "establish a leading presence for the Aspall brand in key markets around the world". It added members of the Chevalier family would remain part of the business and play a key role in "shaping the strategic direction of Aspall", which has a 1.6% share of the UK cider market.

We're also delighted to report that the Chevallier family will continue to play an important role in the company's future, with the US drinks giants investing in the Suffolk site and keeping on the firms current 127 workers.