UK: Beer lovers now paying more for mainstream lager at supermarkets
United Kingdom’s beer lovers are now paying more for mainstream lager after supermarkets binned bottles and multi-packs of popular brands to make room for cheaper hipster craft ales, The Sun reported on June 25.
Kronenbourg, Heineken and Beck’s now cost consumers more with average prices surging four per cent in the last year, as UK brewers point the finger at rising imported raw material costs.
Heineken drinkers buying booze in supermarkets will feel the pinch with their products experiencing an eight per cent year-on-year price hike.
The average cost of a four pack of 440ml Kronenbourg is now £4.44, up a shocking 11 per cent on last year, while a six pack of 275ml bottles of Beck’s has risen to £5 – an inflation-busting 14 per cent price hike.
Sainsbury’s recently axed more than 70 popular beer and cider lines in a major overhaul of its booze offering and earlier this year Tesco canned Heineken beers, reducing stocks to just 22 products – down from 53 at the beginning of the year.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We have de-listed some lines and also added others, as part of our regular reviews of our ranges to make sure we offer customers great quality and value across all our products.”
Tesco also stripped shelves entirely of brands including Amstel, Birra Moretti, Sol, Tiger Beer and Kingfisher.
Trade magazine The Grocer says shoppers are paying less for up-and-coming craft beer brands, like Brewdog, as retailers reduce mainstream lager and cider in favour of “trendier” premium lines.
Retail consultant John Butler said: “Imported raw material prices have impacted all the brewers.
“Some have not been to the trade with a cost price increase in four years, instead cutting their own costs.
“But there comes a point where they can take no more.”
According to market analyst Brand View, the average prices the average price for lager, cider and beer are four per cent higher than last year across almost 1,000 high street chains.
25 June, 2017
