Cider maker brews up plan to bring US scrumpy to UK

East Lothian's Thistly Cross is bringing US cider to these shores

Thistly Cross, the East Lothian cider maker, is brewing up a plan to bring US craft brand JK’s scrumpy cider in cans to the UK.

The Scots firm said the new product line would hit shelves this month and followed a long-standing collaboration between the two cider businesses.

Through the existing tie-up, Thistly Cross has achieved distribution in more than 40 states, in keg and bottle formats, and has employed two US-based “cider ambassadors” to manage overseas development. The US is the company’s top overseas market, with

sales there doubling in the past year.

Peter Stuart, head cidermaker at Thistly Cross, said: “Although both farms are separated by over 3500 miles, it was clear from the start that the companies shared the same values and goals.

“Both are innovative companies, making ciders from natural ingredients and with strong links to their respective local communities. Working together was a logical step to take.”