FOSTERS is making a major change to its pints and punters are not impressed.
The move will see the alcohol content in pints watered down.
1
Heineken, which owns Fosters, said that it will reduce the alcohol content in the Australian tipple from 4% to 3.7% in the New Year.
At the same time the Dutch beer maker said it will start charging 15.8% more per keg across all of its products from January 16, 2023.
The rise could hit drinkers if pubs and supermarkets decide to pass on the rise to their own prices, or they could choose to absorb the cost.
Fosters fans are not impressed by the news, with one calling the company “price gouging b****rds”.
Another wrote on Facebook: “Less bang for your money.”
A pub landlord posted: “ANYONE WITH HAVE A BRAIN KNOWS IT IS FOR THE DUTY SAVINGS TO THE BREWER.”
While a punter commented on a post detailing the changes: “Worse than ever.”
Another man said: “So if my maths is correct a pint of Fosters goes from £4.40 to £5.06 a rise of 66p and it’s gonna be weaker. Oh dear.”
Most read in Money
Others were not looking forward to the change in the taste.
One man said: “Fosters is gonna be like ‘p**s water’.”
Another commented: “I have nothing against low ABV session beer, but Foster’s tasted like piss at 4% what the hell will it taste like at 3.7?”
Heineken says that the ABV decrease in Fosters is due people opting for lower percentage drinks as part of a “healthy lifestyle.”
A company spokesperson previously told The Sun: “We know consumers are increasingly choosing lower ABV beers and ciders as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Acknowledging this trend, we have made the decision to brew Foster’s lager at a slightly lower ABV, reducing it from 4.0% to 3.7%.
“Reducing the alcohol content of one of our highest volume brands will also help remove millions of alcohol units across the UK, aligned to our long-held position of promoting moderation.
“Foster’s is a much-loved brand up and down the country, which is why we have spent many months ensuring we can produce the same great refreshing taste and following extensive testing with consumers, we’re confident in its launch in the new year.”
We have contacted Heineken for comment on the backlash.
Heineken also owns major brands like John Smith, Amstel, Birra Moretti, Kronenbourg, Desperados, Bulmers and Old Mout.
The 15.8% price increase will affect pints on draught sold by pubs, as well as bottled and canned beers sold in both pubs and supermarkets.
Heineken says the move is due to rising energy prices which is having an impact across the sector.
Heineken had previously warned in February that prices would have to rise because of soaring inflation.
The cost of raw ingredients, including wheat and barley, are now rising more than the rate of inflation.
