Summary
Heineken UK will reduce the alcohol content of Foster's lager in the UK from 3.7% to 3.4% by February. This change aims to lower alcohol duty costs due to new UK government policies, making the product cheaper.
Key Facts
- Heineken UK plans to lower Foster's lager alcohol content to 3.4% in the UK.
- The reduction from the current 3.7% will happen by February.
- Lower alcohol content makes the lager eligible for reduced alcohol duty.
- The change is part of Heineken's response to UK government policy encouraging lower alcohol options.
- The company claims the taste will remain the same despite the change.
- A new alcohol duty system in the UK, introduced in August 2023, taxes drinks based on their strength.
- Competitors like Carlsberg Pilsner and Coors Light also adjusted their alcohol content for lower tax benefits.
- Heineken anticipates a global drop in beer sales next year due to consumer budget pressures.
