AN old friend, loved by many, will not be around this Christmas.
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Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' highly popular traditional apple cider variety has been discontinued with the company having no plans to re-introduce the familiar green bottle.
The apple cider was part of an extensive range from the family-owned company most famous for its ginger beer.
Lovers of the sweet yet tangy non-alcoholic cider began noticing the disappearance from shelves earlier this year.
A statement from Bundaberg Brewed Drinks confirmed the apple cider had in fact "had its last pour" and was no longer part of the Bundaberg Brews range.
"As a business, we are continually managing and reviewing our range of brews to suit our consumers globally," a spokesperson said.
"At present, our range consists of 12 traditional brews and three diet brews. We are also working on the development of market-specific flavours."
Traditional apple cider first appeared in 2014 along with traditional lemonade, plus pineapple and coconut.
Other remaining flavours include guava, blood orange, passionfruit, peach, tropical mango and lemon lime and bitters.
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks said it was always on the lookout for new brews to add to its range, and it implored consumers to keep their eyes peeled on shelves.
It's understood the company's Royal Crown Draft Cola (RC Cola) is also no longer being made.
The apple-flavoured beverage joins the company's two-up and root beer which were discontinued some time ago.
While apple cider devotees may be mourning the loss of the flavour, there could be consolation in the seasonal release of its spiced ginger beer for the festive season.
Described as "Christmas in a bottle", the drink is the standard three-day brewed ginger beer infused with the festive flavours of cinnamon and cloves.
It has also partnered with Kettle and launched a new ginger beer potato chip.
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks was established in Bundaberg in 1960 by the Fleming family
All ginger used in the products is grown in Queensland.
Its products are now exported to more than 30 countries, including sales to US giant, Costco.
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Ashley Walmsley
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
