Strongbow

The brand takes its name from Richard de Clare, the 12th-century Norman lord and 2nd Earl of Pembroke who earned the nickname "Strongbow". H.P. Bulmer was founded in 1887 by brothers Percy and Herbert Bulmer, and its historic cider mill in Hereford is the world's largest. More than 90% of the apples used are grown within 40 miles of that facility, sourced from orchards across Herefordshire. At launch, Strongbow was marketed as a strong cider aimed at men.

Strongbow is a dry blend of bittersweet apple varieties, drawing on over 50 different varieties, and is fermented with a controlled yeast strain at the Hereford facility.

In 2003, H.P. Bulmer was acquired by Scottish & Newcastle. In 2008, Heineken and Carlsberg jointly acquired Scottish & Newcastle, with Heineken taking on the cider division; Strongbow and the Bulmer portfolio have been part of Heineken since. The brand entered the United States market in 2012, and in 2020 Heineken acquired the Australian rights to Strongbow from Asahi Group Holdings. In 2023, the brand completed a significant relaunch accompanied by a major packaging redesign.

Strongbow holds a 29% volume share of the UK cider market and is widely stocked in mainstream supermarkets. Alongside its established cider range, the brand offers an alcohol-free variant for sober-curious drinkers and those reducing their alcohol intake.