Gallo sells Hornsby's Hard Cider brand

E&J Gallo Winery has sold its Hornsby's Hard Cider brand to C&C Group, an Irish beverage company.

The sale included trademarks, inventory, formulas and global rights to the brand. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"While hard cider is becoming more popular in the U.S., our company is increasingly focused on wine and spirits which is why we made the decision to sell," Peter Abate, vice president and general manager of the value and spirits units of Modesto-based Gallo, said in a statement.

C&C already manufactures cider brands including Magners and the Gaymer Cider Company brands.

"The transaction doubles our volume in a rapidly growing market, broadens the scope of our cider portfolio and presents significant opportunity to develop the Hornsby's brand throughout North America," said Stephen Glancey, C&C chief executive.