Here are the top ten fastest growing international beer and cider brands in Australia. In the last year, these products collectively contributed $79m worth of growth to the category. Beer continues to dominate, but perhaps we’ll see more ciders on this list in the future with local trends suggesting continued growth for this segment – and it’s positive that there are already two mentioned here (Strongbow and Monteith’s). The newest of the ten are Heineken 3 and Estrella Damm Lager, suggesting their initial uptake in the market has been positive.

Asahi Super Dry (Asia)
5.0% ABV
RRP: $54.95 (case)
Distributor: Asahi Premium Beverages
This premium lager is clean and crisp with a low bitterness and subtle citrus aroma from the delicate hop profile. Created as Japan’s first karakachi (dry) lager, this beer gets its distinct dryness from careful fermentation and the traditional addition of rice. Refreshing and with plenty of balance, it is the ideal accompaniment to a range of Asian and Western cuisines.

Heineken 3 (Netherlands)
3.3% ABV
RRP: $41.95 (case)
Distributor: Lion
Heineken 3 is the Dutch brewer’s premium mid-strength beer, released in August 2016. It’s an easy-drinking lager, retaining the original flavour of Heineken but slightly lighter in style. It is also lower in calories (86) and carbohydrates (5g), and has a floral and fruity aroma and fresh and clean taste with a slight bitterness.

Somersby (Denmark)
4.5% ABV
RRP: $52.00 (case)
Distributor: Asahi Premium Beverages
Somersby is a premium European cider made from fermented apple juice and natural apple flavouring. It’s crisp and refreshing with sweet, juicy apple flavours. Best served over ice.

Kirin Megumi (Asia)
4.5% ABV
RRP: $50 (case)
Distributor: Lion
Kirin Megumi is made using the Japanese brewer’s unique First Press method, which extracts the first press of liquid from the malt to catch the most flavoursome part of the beer during brewing. It is crisp and smooth and produces a creamy head when poured. On the nose, there are hoppy notes from Noble hops, followed by a subtle fruit character on the palate. Pairs well with seafood or fresh sushi.

Hollandia (Netherlands)
4.7% ABV
(Private label)
Surprisingly, a private label is found amongst the top ten fastest growing imported beer and cider brands. Hollandia is produced at one of Holland’s oldest breweries, Bavaria Brouwerij, in the village of Lieshout, Netherlands. It’s a European style of lager with a rich malty aroma and full-bodied flavour. It has a semi-sweet malt taste that’s not too bitter and is light and easy to drink.

Strongbow Lower Carb (UK)
5.0% ABV
RRP:$48 (case)
Distributor: Carlton & United Breweries
Strongbow Lower Carb has 35 per cent fewer carbohydrates and 50 per cent less sugar than regular ciders. It’s slow filtered at in Herefordshire, England for a light and refreshing taste. It’s clean with a noticeable apple character that’s balanced with acidity and some tartness.

Asahi Soukai (Asia)
3.5% ABV
RRP: $49.95 (case)
Distributor: Asahi Premium Beverages
Asahi Soukai is a premium midstrength beer, released after Asahi Super Dry in Australia in response to growing demand for lighter styles and lower alcohol. It has a cleaner and smoother taste to Asahi’s other Japanese beers. It’s also sessionable and non-filling and has a smooth texture brought about by a gentle fizz.

Monteith’s Pointers Pale Ale (New Zealand)
4.2% ABV
RRP:$58.99 (case)
Distributor: Drinkworks
Monteith’s Pointers Pale Ale is a Kiwi take on an Australian-style pale ale, made from a blend of five New Zealand hops. Layers of aroma and flavour open up to reveal tropical fruit notes and smoothly blended malts. A balanced and crisp beer. Best matched with fish, steak or soft cheese such as brie or camembert.

Estrella Damm Lager (Spain)
4.6% ABV
RRP: $54.95 (case)
Distributor: Asahi Premium Beverages
Estrella Damm is a premium, authentic beer of Barcelona. The beer embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle and has been brewed from the same recipe since 1876. It’s a sessionable lager suited to warmer climates and made from 100 per cent natural ingredients including barley malt, rice, hops and Estrella’s unique yeast.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro (Italy)
5.1% ABV
RRP:$55 (case)
Distributor: Carlton and United Breweries
Brewed locally in Lombardia, Italy to a recipe that originates from the 19th century. It is a Mediterranean style of lager that delivers a crisp, refreshing taste and subtle aroma, perfect for warmer climates.

Source: IRI MarketEdget MAT to 05/03/2017
All pricing may vary between state and customer

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