Westons Cider has announced the acquisition of its distributor down under, World Brands Australia (WBA).

The deal is part of a focus on international growth for family-owned Westons and aims to consolidate its position in the Australian cider market, which, like the UK, has seen a boom in recent years. Australia saw MAT volume growth of 42.8% in cider the year to February [Nielsen Scantrack].

WBA will be renamed Westons World Brands and Roger Jackson, commercial director at Westons Cider, will become managing director of the Australian company alongside his current UK role.

WBA has distributed Westons brands in the Australian market for several years. Roger Jackson said the export business “has become an increasingly important element of our business strategy and growth achievements,” with the purchase of WBA providing “a strong and sustainable platform to invest fully in the fast-growing Australian cider market.”

WBA has distributed Westons brands in the Australian market for several years, and has “been instrumental in placing Westons Cider at the forefront of growth”.