RESIDENTS of Mumbai are now able to enjoy a real taste of Somerset after a firm started exporting the the county's most famous produce - cider - to the region.

David Sheppy, master of Cider of Sheppy’s Cider and 6th generation Somerset cidermaker, travelled to the Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Mumbai last month to introduce his premium craft cider brand to restauranteurs, bar managers and journalists from across the region.

With cider drinkers around the world becoming more sophisticated in their tastes, cider brands are continually on the lookout for international opportunities to tap into.

Sheppy’s has been no exception, and has found the growth in appetite for premium alcoholic beverages in the region, combined with the appeal of Sheppy’s strong cider-making provenance and British heritage, made India a natural destination for their award-winning range.

Now, with consultation from UK-based export insight company Tudor Rose International, they are now successfully exporting Sheppy’s Cider to India-based drinks specialists Morgan Beverages.

The award-winning Classic Draught Cider is the first in the range to be exported to India.

David said: “In the United Kingdom we are well established with our premium traditional craft cider and we’re excited to be bringing our award-winning Classic Draught to India.

"Cider isn’t very well known in India yet, but we’re confident that our premium, traditional values and deep-rooted Somerset heritage will translate across cultures.”

Head of sales at Sheppy’s Cider, Melanie Timmins, said: “Importing Somerset cider into India has been an exciting development that has been made possible with the support of Tudor Rose International and the Department of International Trade.

"Sheppy’s cider export trade has increased by 47% this year and we have plans in place to continue driving our international success in 2019."