August 15/White Plains, N.Y. -- Heineken USA announced the addition of Strongbow cider to its portfolio beginning January 1, 2013. Heineken N.V. is aglobal leader in cider with nearly 25% market share and products available in 20 markets.  The Strongbow brand will further complement the upscale beer company's diverse product portfolio, which includes Heineken, Dos Equis, Newcastle, Amstel Light, and more.

"There is tremendous opportunity to build on the momentum that the Vermont Hard Cider team created over the last nine years. We see this as a pivotal moment to further accelerate Strongbow's growth by supporting the brand with the full weight of HEINEKEN USA's resources and capabilities," said Dolf van den Brink, president and CEO, HEINEKEN USA. "By growing our core and investing in innovation, we will continue to enhance our position as the industry's leading upscale importer."

Heineken USA will position Strongbow as the leading upscale cider brand, offering both male and female consumers an alternative alcoholic beverage option. The company will finalize its distribution strategy and marketing plans in the coming months ahead of the January 2013 kickoff.