Press Release:

(Middlebury, VT) – The Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC (‘VTHCC’) recently reached an agreement with Heineken Brouwerijen of the Netherlands to transition our importation rights to the Strongbow® cider brand in the United States, effective December 31st, 2012. Beginning January 1, 2013, HEINEKEN USA will be appointed as the new importer for the brand.

VTHCC has been committed to growing Strongbow® cider for the last decade. In that time Strongbow® has enjoyed 500% growth, received seven consecutive IMPACT Hot Brand Awards, and is now the second largest cider brand in the United States. We are proud of our accomplishments and the momentum we built with Strongbow® and wish HEINEKEN USA the best in furthering its success.

This change in VTHCC’s portfolio and operation will not change our course as the leading hard cider company in the country. No jobs will be lost. The plans for a new $24 million cidery in Middlebury remain intact and are moving forward.

It has been a year of great growth for the cider category in the United States with increased competition creating greater exposure for all cider producers. VTHCC is now focused 100% on the brands it owns and remains committed to crafting the highest quality hard ciders, just as we have for more than two decades.

About Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC

Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC, located in Middlebury, Vermont, is the leading hard cider producer in the United States, which includes the nation’s number one cider – Woodchuck Hard Cider. Having won 16 IMPACT Hot Brand Awards, Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC is recognized for its superior cider brands. Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC handcrafts and manages all levels of quality control in Middlebury, VT by employing a team of cider makers with over 30 years of combined experience directly in cider making and a team devoted exclusively to producing, marketing, and selling hard cider. More information is available at www.woodchuck.com.