THISTLY Cross Cider is celebrating after winning a competition to see its product stocked in nearly 180 Scotmid stores across the country.

The West Barns-based business is the second of five Scottish businesses to win the Scotmid Scottish Favourites Competition, which was launched to champion local producers.

The promotional listing, which will run for three weeks from today (Wednesday), will help the cider company to extend its reach and brand awareness.

Peter Stuart, founder of Thistly Cross Cider, was looking forward to seeing the Scottish Fruits Cider on the shelves.

He said: “The promotional listing with Scotmid means a lot to us and our business.

“This partnership will open the door to new audiences and provide us with the opportunity to sell our product to customers directly in store.

'Grateful for this platform'

“Our small and passionate team strive to be at the forefront of the growing craft cider movement and we’re grateful for this platform to shout about the great taste of Scottish craft cider.

“We value Scotmid’s commitment to supporting independent retailers like us and are proud to be offering our authentic Scottish Fruits Cider to their customers.”

Scotmid and Scotland Food & Drink received more than 50 entries from local businesses, which were each judged by a panel of experts.

Kirsty Carnegy, head of local sourcing at Scotmid, congratulated the county business on its success.

She said: “Scotland truly has some of the best food and drink in the world, and the calibre of local producers is continuing to grow year on year.

“Made with hand-picked strawberries, elderflowers and blackcurrants, this cider is Scottish to the core.

“We can’t wait to hear how much our customers love this delicious, locally produced product – massive congratulations to Thistly Cross!”