MONEY

Woodchuck partners with Pabst on distribution

Free Press Staff

Vermont Hard Cider Co. in Middlebury has signed an agreement with Pabst Brewing Co. to sell and distribute Woodchuck Hard Cider in the United States. Vermont Hard Cider will retain full ownership of its brands and related assets, including the cidery in Middlebury.

Woodchuck Hard Cider in Middlebury launched a new beverage category in 1991 which has turned into a revolution with dozens of brands now on the market.

Under the terms of the agreement, which takes effect on March 1, 2016, Pabst will have an exclusive license to distribute, market and sell all of Vermont Hard Cider's brands, including Woodchuck, Gumption, Wyder's and Hornsby's, plus imported ciders from Ireland and England, including Magners and Blackthorn.

Vermont Hard Cider Co. is a subsidiary of C&C Group, based in Ireland. Pabst is the largest American-owned brewer, with sales of more than 5.5 million barrels in the United States.