International drinks group Quintessential Brands Ireland (QBI) has acquired a one-third stake in Tempted Irish Cider.

Tempted was established by Davy Uprichard and his family in 2009 at the family home in Lisburn, which was where he started pressing apples.  He produced his first cider in 2010 and two years later he won a good taste award for his Strawberry Cider.

The Tempted range includes Tempted Sweet, Dry, Medium Dry, Strawberry and Elderflower. The cidery sources dessert and Bramley apples from their neighbours in Co. Armagh, as well as traditional cider apple varieties from Co. Tipperary and Co. Kilkenny.

QBI will assume responsibility for managing the international sales, marketing and distribution of Tempted Irish Cider.  Drinksology will continue to distribute the brand in Ireland.

In Association with

QBI CEO Warren Scott stated: “This investment is part of our ongoing strategy to develop our Irish business and complement our existing brand portfolio with niche, premium brands from other sectors.  Craft cider, like craft beer, is showing dynamic growth and with our route to market distribution network and brand building capabilities, we are well placed to capitalise on this.”

Quintessential recently announced a joint venture with Clanconnel Brewing Company’s McGrath’s Irish craft ales, and also bought the Dublin Whiskey Company.

Steven Pattison of Drinksology added: “We have worked with Quintessential Brands on a number of projects and are delighted that Tempted Cider has joined their fantastic portfolio of brands. The Tempted Cider range created, developed and hand-crafted by Davy and his family is second to none.”

Tempted Cider is available in 500ml bottles in Ireland and will be distributed in Great Britain by brand development agency, Marblehead and Essential Drinks Group, part of the Quintessential Brands group.