Armagh family apple enterprise, Long Meadow, launches an alcohol-free option

The company, which is based on the family orchards at Loughgall, has responded to the strengthening trend in the UK and Ireland, especially from women, for a refreshing cider drink that’s completely free from alcohol.

Long Meadow Cider, according to Alanna McKeever, the tourism and sales executive, explains had been approached to consider the alcohol-free cider and started developing the new product in 2024.

“We had been monitoring market trends for some time and saw an opportunity for us to use our longstanding expertise in the production of ciders and apple juices to create an alcohol-free cider that maintained the refreshing flavours of one of our successful ciders.

“We used our award-winning medium cider as the base for the new product. We’ve been very excited by the feedback from customers who have tasted it. The response to the new cider was amazing at our official launch at Balmoral Show.

“We believe that we are the first Northern Ireland cider producer to offer a truly non-alcoholic cider option,” adds Alanna.

Research shows that the trend of non-alcoholic drinks is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased consumer awareness of health and wellness, a shift towards moderate alcohol consumption, and a desire for different beverage options.

Formed by husband and wife team Pat and Catherine McKeever in 2012 and run with son Peter and daughter Alanna, Long Meadow Cider is among Ireland’s most innovative and successful apple growers and cider processors. It has won a string of UK Great Taste and Blas na hEureann awards,

The entrepreneurial family has also turned the apples, the orchards and the modern processing operation into a ‘must see’ destination for locals and especially tourists from many parts of the world, winning awards from CIE Tours for its enterprise. The company has also developed the Bramley Barn for a range of social and cultural events.