CITIZEN CIDER PARTNERS WITH WIRTZ BEVERAGE ILLINOIS

Apr. 17, 2015

Citizen Cider and Wirtz Beverage Illinois announced today a partnership to distribute its refreshing ciders throughout the state of Illinois.

Arriving in cans and bottles beginning Monday, April 20, Citizen Cider’s flagship and specialty beverages are available just in time for patio season and at a time when cider is trending, with 75.4% growth in 2014, according to Nielsen.

"Consumers are demanding more cider and Citizen provides a fresh-pressed, natural option for cider connoisseurs and those just entering the market," said WBI Vice President of Alliance & Craft Beer Division Sales Jeff Roth. "Citizen's wide variety of offerings ensures there is something for every one of our accounts' customers."

Citizen Cider was started in 2011 by three friends, a hunch and hard work. What started as a hobby turned into a business when they sold their first keg, became a consumer favorite, and sold through their cider at record pace.

Based on consumer demand, the cidery has since grown to an 18,000-square-foot facility and 25 full-time employees.

"We’re excidered to expand our reach by distributing with Wirtz Beverage in lllinois," said Citizen Cider co-founder Justin Heilenbach. "We have been available in Illinois but partnering with Wirtz will help grow our brand and introduce consumers to our wide range of refreshing ciders."

Citizen Cider never uses concentrate and produces its cider with 100% locally-sourced apples pressed at Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury, VT.

Make room at your establishment for Citizen Cider’s naturally gluten-free, crisp ciders, including:

Unified Press—Citizen Cider’s flagship cider is clean and refreshing, and pairs well with pork, soft cheese, spicy food, smoked fish, and rustic bread and butter.

Available in: 16 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles

The Dirty Mayor—This 6.9% ABV cider pairs well with fried chicken, Thai cuisine, pan-seared sea bass and vegetable phó.

Available in: 16 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles

The Full Nelson—Described as a "welcome" and "hello" to all the beer drinks willing to take a chance on hard cider, The Full Nelson is dry-hopped with Nelson Sauvin Hops, making it an easy-drinking cider with bright, citrusy notes.

Available in: 16 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles

Wit’s Up—Made with a Belgian Wit yeast and malolactic cultures, this cider also has no sulfites, no potassium sorbate, and no added sugar. It starts like an ale and finishes like a cider.

Available in: 16 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles

bRosé—Handcrafted by co-fermenting 100% Vermont blueberries and sweet cider, bRosé pairs well with lobster, blue cheese, aioli, bouillabaisse and tomato salad.

Available in: 750ml bottles

AmeriCran—This 6.8% ABV cider marries pressed apples and cranberries with co-fermentation, and pairs well with poultry, baked tofu, roasted root vegetables, and hard cheese.

Available in: 750ml bottles

Contact your Sales Consultant to order, and visit CitizenCider.com to read more about its unique ciders!