Cider company embraces zero-alcohol future

WHEN Sam's Cider set out to craft a cider with barely a whisper of alcohol, they weren’t just following a trend - they were tapping into a cultural shift.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

Health-conscious consumers, inclusive those socialising, and the timeless appeal of proper cider, all came together to inspire Sam's Zero, a 0.5% ABV cider that’s creating ripples in a rapidly evolving industry.

From their Devon-based cider house, steeped in over a century of heritage, the team at Sam's Cider are balancing age-old methods with modern innovation. And if the early feedback is anything to go by, they've struck just the right note.

“The current trend is low or no alcohol ciders,” co-director Kylie Beardon explains, “and a lot of our customers are more conscious of the alcohol they consume. But they also want to be included in social gatherings.”

That desire for connection without compromise is what led to the development of Sam's Zero. Unlike many non-alcoholic alternatives that sacrifice flavour for function, this cider is crafted to retain the authentic taste that defines Sam's Cider. The process was anything but simple.

“It takes many months to produce a cider,” Chris, Kylie’s husband adds. “But it takes even more craftsmanship to produce a no-alcohol cider. We've spent a lot of time perfecting it.”

And the effort has paid off. Since its launch, Sam's Zero has received an overwhelmingly positive response.

“Everyone has said that we've kept the authentic taste of cider,” says Kylie. “But with an alcohol content of just 0.5%.”