Seattle Cider Co has agreed a deal with Wirtz Beverage to launch its portfolio of craft ciders in Illinois as it looks to capitalise on the category's growth.

The company, established in August last year , said the partnership will start on 15 August. Financial details of the tie-up were not disclosed. 

Seattle Cider Co's “gluten-free” ciders are currently available in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

Domestic US cider producers are seeing a significant rise in demand, at the expense of some imported ciders, according to figures this week. 

Jeff Roth, Wirtz Beverage Illinois' VP for its alliance craft beer division, said: “Cider is experiencing a major comeback. It bridges the gap between beer and wine, so it’s no wonder cider is popular amongst many drinkers.”

Despite its rising popularity, cider and perry volumes still account for less than 1% of the total US beer market, according to Euromonitor figures.