Zeffer Cider: Fresh, Bold, Real
If you’ve ever cracked open a can of Zeffer, you’ll know it’s not just cider, it’s a taste of sunshine, crisp apples, and happiness. What started in 2009 with a few apples pressed in a shed has grown into one of New Zealand’s most adventurous beverage creators – best known for their cider, but now crafting a wider range of drinks, all with the same focus on fresh, real ingredients.
Zeffer was born from a simple idea: to bring something a little different to the Kiwi cider scene, a premium, drier style that captures freshness, flavour, and makes every sip feel like a moment worth savouring. Or, as Head of Beverage Jack Anderson puts it, “Fresh. Bold. Real. For us, it’s about taking the best fruit we can find, crafting with care, and creating ciders that make every sip feel like a moment worth savouring.”
Even the name tells a story. Zeffer is a playful twist on zephyr, a gentle breeze, perfectly capturing the freshness, lightness, and that relaxed, outdoorsy spirit the ciders embody.
Looking after the land is just as important to the team as making great cider. As a Net Zero Carbon EKOS certified business, they carefully measure and offset their emissions while making choices that protect and replenish the environment. At the same time, they love to have fun and experiment. Their Apple Crumble Cider, for example, became such a runaway hit that die-hard fans still beg for its return. And while new flavours are always brewing, Jack admits his go-to remains the classic Crisp Apple Cider: “It’s the heart of who we are—freshly crushed Hawke’s Bay apples, clean, balanced, and full of flavour. It’s the kind of cider you never get tired of.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the NZ Cider Festival and Zeffer has been a part of the celebration every year since the very beginning. For the Zeffer-team, it’s more than just cider, it’s a chance to connect with the collaborative, down-to-earth community of Kiwi cider makers, a small but passionate industry where camaraderie runs deep and everyone is raising the bar, both locally and abroad.
So what’s next? At this year’s NZ Cider Festival, you’ll be the first to try their new exciting range, promising to be light, refreshing, and full-flavoured with an Italian twist; these drinks are set to make a splash.
From humble shed beginnings to bold new ranges and festival favourites, Zeffer continues to bring “life in full flavour” to every pour. Whether you’re discovering their latest creation or sticking with a tried-and-true classic, one thing’s for sure: with Zeffer, there’s always something worth savouring.
Come along to see the next chapter of their journey unfold right here in Nelson on 1 November at Founders Heritage Park. Grab your tickets at www.nzciderfestival.com.
Follow The NZ Cider Festival Facebook Page for the latest update.
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