UK: Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck's to become weaker from February

Big-brand lagers Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck's will be weaker from next month as brewers try to cut costs, The Mirror reported on January, 22.

Industry insiders say reducing the alcohol level by 0.2 per cent from 5 per cent will mean less duty payable to the UK Government as well as lower raw material and energy costs.

Analysts claim it could save up to £8.6 million in duty from Stella sold in shops alone.

The world's biggest brewer, Belgium-based AB InBev, makes all three lagers.

A spokesman said the decision to cut the strength of Stella Artois, Budweiser and premium Beck's to 4.8 per cent during 2012 was in line with UK trends.

But industry insiders say some big retailers objected to demands for price rises - so cutting alcohol content was the only option.

Until a few years ago Stella brewed in England was 5.2 per cent alcohol by volume. It still is on the continent, which won't be hit by this cut.

Hannah Stodell from trade magazine The Grocer said: "This is not about Stella's 'wifebeater' nickname.

"But with brewers struggling with duty hikes and cost increases, something had to give.

"It might put a few off, but most drinkers won't bat an eyelid so long as the 4.8 per cent brews deliver on taste."

25 January, 2012