Randalstown brewery leads Tesco NI’s Six Nations push for local beer and cider

Buyers and suppliers (L-R) – The judges: Jonathan Mitchell (Our Brewery’s co-founder), Esther Paul, (Business Development Manager at Armagh Cider Company), Chelsea McCullagh (Marketing Manager at Heaney Brewery), Michael Crealey ( Lead Packaged Buying Manager at Tesco NI), Karen O’Neill (Sales Manager at Anzac Drinks/ Farmageddon Brewing Co), Bernard Sloan (Managing Director at Whitewater Brewery) and Peter McKeever (Production Manager at Longmeadow Cider).

A Randalstown-based brewery is among six Northern Ireland producers selected by Tesco NI to showcase locally crafted beers and ciders during this year’s Six Nations tournament, as the retailer strengthens its long-standing support for regional suppliers.

Tesco Northern Ireland has partnered with breweries and cider makers across the region — including Randalstown, Derrygonnelly, Bellaghy, Castlewellan, Armagh and Portadown — to recommend six locally produced drinks for rugby fans preparing for match days.

The initiative places a strong spotlight on independent producers and aims to encourage customers to support Northern Ireland businesses while enjoying the championship.

Randalstown’s Our Brewery backs Italian-style pilsner

Pressure to Pick by Our Brewery, Randalstown in County Antrim

For those opting for a crisp lager, Our Brewery in Randalstown, Co. Antrim, is backing its Pressure to Pick — an Italian-style pilsner designed for extended match viewing.

Jonathan Mitchell, co-founder of the independent brewery based in Randalstown, said:

“This lager is clean, crisp and refreshing, with subtle bitterness. An easy-drinking option that works well across a long game.”

The collaboration brings particular visibility to the Co. Antrim brewery during one of the busiest sporting periods of the year, offering a valuable platform for local producers.

Fermanagh and Bellaghy breweries highlight match-day favourites

Farmageddon Gold 4.2% (Farmageddon Brewing Co - Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh)

From Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh, Farmageddon Brewing Co. is recommending Farmageddon Gold 4.2%, described as a light and refreshing choice.

Norman Donaldson, Owner of Farmageddon Brewing Co., said:

“Light, refreshing, and easy to drink, it’s the perfect match day beer. Soft bready malt flavours are balanced by fresh citrus hops, with a clean finish that keeps it crisp through the whole match.”

Heaney Irish Pale (Heaney Brewery - Bellaghy, Co. Derry/Londonderry)

IPA drinkers are also catered for, with Heaney Brewery in Bellaghy, Co. Derry/Londonderry, putting forward its Irish Pale.

Suzanne McCay, co-owner of Heaney Brewery, said:

“It’s crisp, full of flavour, the kind you can sip through the highs and lows of a game. It’s easy going for IPA newcomers and full of flavour for the regulars. A good beer for good company.”

Castlewellan craft brewery backs fan favourite

Whitewater Brewery — Northern Ireland’s largest craft brewery, based in Castlewellan, Co. Down — is recommending Maggies Leap, a 4.7% IPA known for its citrus-forward profile.

Maggies Leap (Whitewater Brewery - Castlewellan, Co. Down)

Bernard Sloan, Managing Director at Whitewater Brewery, said:

“Hopefully like our Maggie the players will leap towards the line for a winning finish.”

The brewery has become a recognised name among craft beer enthusiasts across Northern Ireland, and its selection adds further regional representation to Tesco’s Six Nations line-up.

Armagh and Portadown cider producers join line-up

Carsons Crisp Cider (The Armagh Cider Company - Armagh)

Cider producers are also featured in the Tesco NI partnership.

The Armagh Cider Company, which has worked with Tesco Northern Ireland for more than 12 years, has selected Carsons Crisp Cider for match days.

Esther Paul, Business Development Manager, said:

“It’s light and well-balanced, with that distinctive Bramley apple taste, perfect from kick-off to the final whistle and, of course, the green label is in keeping with the Irish theme.”

Longmeadow Cider, based in Portadown, Co. Armagh, is promoting Blossom Burst Cider, inspired by springtime in the orchard.

Blossom Burst Cider (Longmeadow Cider - Portadown, Co. Armagh)

Alanna McKeever, Tourism and Sales Executive at Longmeadow Cider, said:

“It is smooth, elegant and mellow and captures the feeling of springtime in the orchard. The finish is long, crisp and refreshing, making it easy to enjoy from kick-off to the end of the match.”

Tesco NI emphasises support for local producers

Tesco NI says the partnership reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Northern Ireland suppliers and strengthening the local economy.

Michael Crealey, Lead Packaged Buying Manager at Tesco NI, added:

“Supporting our local producers is hugely important to us at Tesco, and we’re incredibly proud to offer customers such a strong range of high-quality drinks produced right here in Northern Ireland.

“These are local flavours made by local businesses, and every time customers choose them, they’re helping to support jobs, skills and the local economy across Northern Ireland.

“With the Six Nations bringing people together to enjoy the rugby, it’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate our local products too.”

The Six Nations tournament traditionally sees families and friends gather to watch matches at home and in hospitality venues, providing a significant seasonal boost for local food and drink suppliers.

Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit drinkaware.co.uk.