"Heineken Cuts Foster's Beer Strength to 3.4% in UK"

Heineken UK Lowers Foster's Beer Strength to 3.4% in Bid to Qualify for Lower Alcohol Duties In a move aimed at reducing the financial burden of alcohol duties, Heineken UK has announced plans to lower the alcohol strength of its Foster's lager from 3.7% to 3.4% in the UK, effective from February. This change is set to make the lager eligible for lower rates of alcohol duty, a move that follows changes in UK government policy. According to Heineken UK, the reduction in alcohol strength will result in more competitive pricing for customers, with the brewer claiming that the taste of the lager will remain unchanged despite the reduction. The company cited "extensive" consumer testing to support this claim. "Customers benefit from more competitive pricing because of the lower tax charge," a spokesperson for Heineken UK said. This is the second time in three years that Foster's alcohol percentage, or ABV, has been diluted. The change is a response to the UK government's introduction of a new system of alcohol duties based on strength, making lower-alcohol options relatively cheaper. The new system, which came into effect in 2022, aims to reduce the financial burden of alcohol duties on consumers. Heineken UK's move is part of a broader trend in the brewing industry, with many companies seeking to reduce the strength of their beers to qualify for lower rates of alcohol duty. The company's decision to lower the alcohol strength of Foster's lager is expected to have a significant impact on the UK beer market, with many consumers likely to benefit from cheaper pints. The change is set to go into effect by February, with Heineken UK expected to begin brewing the new version of Foster's lager in the coming weeks. The company has not announced any plans to change the packaging or branding of the lager, with the new version set to be available in stores and pubs across the UK. Heineken UK's decision to lower the alcohol strength of Foster's lager has been welcomed by some industry experts, who see it as a positive move for consumers. "This is a good example of a company responding to changes in government policy and passing the benefits on to consumers," said a spokesperson for the UK's Beer and Pub Association.