Some stories begin in the simplest way.
Some brands are born in the most unexpected places.
Some products start out as a personal hobby.
Saigon Cider is one such story: from early recipes developed in a small Saigon kitchen in 2013, to the very first batches made for the local market, and eventually to bottles of Cider appearing on shelves around the world: Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Macau, Cambodia, France.
From a Small Kitchen - Where It All Began
“When I first came to Vietnam over 10 years ago, I often thought: ‘What I need right now is a chilled Cider to enjoy in this heat!’ But I couldn’t find any Cider in Vietnam. Coming from a country known as the cradle of Cider, I began to wonder: If it doesn’t exist here, why not make it myself?”
That was the spark that led Hannah Michelle Jefferys to begin her Cider journey.
She turned her small kitchen into a test lab, experimenting with countless batches until the perfect recipe was born: Original Apple Cider. Using this classic as a foundation, she looked to the spices that define Vietnamese cuisine to create something new.
From that came Apple & Ginger and Apple & Chilli, drinks that are at once familiar and surprising, carrying the freshness of Europe and the warmth of Vietnam.
This is how Hannah, inspired by her love of Cider and her adopted home in Saigon, founded Saigon Cider.
Winning the Local Market
The first recipes received enthusiastic feedback. That was when the next step began: moving from a small kitchen to large-scale production for the Vietnamese market.
At first, sourcing certified organic apples and ingredients was a challenge. Local spices such as ginger and chilli had to be carefully selected to ensure both quality and fair benefits for Vietnamese farmers. The production facility had to meet ISO standards to guarantee food safety and hygiene at every step.
In the early days of production, the Saigon Cider team faced numerous challenges in sourcing internationally certified organic ingredients. Local spices such as ginger and chili had to be carefully selected to ensure not only high quality but also fair benefits for Vietnamese farmers. The production facility was required to meet ISO standards to guarantee that every step of the process adhered strictly to food safety and hygiene commitments.
The first bottles of Cider were finally produced, packaged, and ready to reach customers. However, just as one challenge was overcome, another difficult problem emerged.
To uphold its commitment to minimizing environmental waste from product consumption, Saigon Cider encouraged customers to participate in a bottle return program. All empty bottles and Cider crates would be collected by the company, and customers would receive a discount for each item returned.
Implementing this model placed considerable pressure on the company’s operations, requiring the Saigon Cider team to work hard to solve this logistical challenge while staying true to the brand’s core values and promises.
If one day a bottle of Saigon Cider appears on your dining table, that would be the greatest joy for the entire team. What began with a simple idea from the brand’s founder, “Cider would be perfect for Vietnam’s climate”. It has grown into a product loved by loyal customers for its taste, service quality, and thoughtful design.
Although Cider entered the Vietnamese market later than other alcoholic beverages, it has managed to carve out its own niche. With its low alcohol content, refreshing taste, and light, easy-to-drink character, Cider still carries enough personality to win over even the most discerning drinkers.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone – Putting Saigon Cider on the Global Map
One day, Saigon Cider bottles no longer aimed to stay only on tables in Vietnamese bars and restaurants. A new journey began bringing the pride of Vietnamese Cider to the international market. The moment each shipment of Cider left the port was filled with emotion: joy, excitement, and a sense of nervous anticipation - like watching a young child take their first steps into the big, wide world.
Today, the Saigon Cider logo can be found on shelves in countries such as Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Macau, Cambodia, France, and Singapore. Each destination brings a new experience, a new chapter in the brand’s story. But wherever it goes, Saigon Cider carries with it the spirit and pride of southern Vietnam.
And what could be more rewarding than seeing that pride recognised by the international Cider community? Saigon Cider has not only earned praise from industry experts but has also been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Asia Cider Championship, International Cider Challenge, and Japan Cider Cup.
These accolades are more than just medals - they are a testament to the brand’s persistent journey from a small kitchen to the global stage.
And the Journey Continues
After more than 12 years of development, there were moments when Saigon Cider seemed on the verge of shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, it was the trust and support of customers that inspired the brand’s founder to hold on and rebuild. The first batch produced after the pandemic reaffirmed the belief in Saigon Cider’s quality and values.
The brand’s vision, positioning, and core values are not just empty promises: over 24 international awards and organic certifications from the EU and Japan stand as proof of Saigon Cider’s commitment to excellence.
The story of these Cider bottles, guided by the motto “Peace . Love . Apples” continues because every time a customer opens a bottle of Saigon Cider, whether at a small gathering, a friendly meet up, or simply during a quiet moment alone, the story is written anew, in their own unique way.
We cherish every bottle that reaches our customers, because you are an essential part of our brand’s journey. So next time, if you get the chance, treat yourself to a bottle of Saigon Cider. You just might discover your own chapter in our story.