Strongbow is a dry cider produced by H.P. Bulmer in England since 1962. It is the world’s leading cider with a 15 per cent volume share of the global cider market, and a 29 per cent volume share of the UK cider market.[2][3] Bulmer’s is a subsidiary of Heineken, the multinational Dutch brewer.
Strongbow is the highest selling cider in Australia, and the second highest selling cider in North America.[2] In 2011, Strongbow Gold, produced in Belgium, was launched across Europe in response to cider’s growing popularity on the continent.
The majority of Strongbow is produced at Bulmer’s Hereford plant, although regional variations are also produced at Heineken’s cider mill in Belgium, and in Australia, where SABMiller own the rights to the brand.
In 2014, the original Strongbow cider was discontinued in the USA by Heineken after two new, much sweeter variants had been introduced. This has provoked a massive public outcry for the return of the original, similar to the 1985 “New Coke” fiasco. As of September, 2014, the original is still not available in the USA.
It's a shame, too. The sweet ciders here are godawful hangover hells. The Strongbow over in Britain is crisp, tart and you could knock 'em back one after the next.