E-Malt.com News article: Taiwan: Taiwan beer more expensive at home

Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation (TTL), a state-run enterprise, is being criticized for selling its best-seller beer at a much higher price in Taiwan than China with a difference of NT$11 dollar per bottle, Taiwan News posted on February, 26.

“Taiwan Beer is too expensive in Taiwan and the TTL seems to brag about it,” DPP legislator Huang Wei-cher said at a press conference, adding that TTL should take quick action to alleviate people’s anger.

Huang noted that even after the tax difference between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is well considered, consumers in Taiwan still have to pay higher for the beer. As a state-run corporation, the TTL should take people’s feelings into consideration and accept further investigation from Consumer Protection Commission and MOEA, added Huang.

In response to the accusation, You Hang-liu, the Deputy General Manager of TTL, said that the beer is sold cheaper in order to expand the market share in China, adding that TTL still makes money despite the price-cutting.

TTL emphasized that markets in Taiwan and China are equally important for them and the strategy to hit China market is unconditionally endorsed by TTL labor union and the board of directors.


26 February, 2010