A diverse range is the key to developing beer culture and also increases appreciation throughout the entire beer market. At the beginning of 2008, Hartwall rounded out its beer portfolio with Czech Krušovice beers and 1836 Classic Chocolate Porter from Finland. International beers Newcastle Brown Ale and Foster's are now available in appealing new cans.
Hartwall wants to develop a true beer culture in Finland. Finnish and import speciality beers spice up the offering and appeal to today’s consumers.
“In terms of value, 2007 sales of Finnish speciality beers grew by 24% on the previous year. Although speciality beers only account for about two or three percent of total sales, consumers are clearly showing increasing interest in these products. We believe that speciality beers will double their share of the beer market by 2010,” says Hartwall’s Pekko Koski, Brand Manager, Premium Beers.
At the beginning of 2008, Hartwall rounded out its product range with Czech Krušovice beers. These premium beers have been produced in a small Bohemian town near Prague for over 400 years. They’re well known and appealing to Finnish consumers. Krušovice beers are not only some of the best selling beers in the Czech Republic, but are also successful exports. In 2006, almost 25 million litres of Krušovice beer were exported to 30 different countries.
Hartwall’s range now includes Krušovice Černé, a 3.8% alc/vol dark beer, Krušovice Mušketýr, a 4.5% alc/vol pale beer, and Krušovice Imperial, a stronger pale lager of 5% alc/vol. Krušovice Černé and Mušketýr are sold in 0.5-litre cans, 0.5-litre glass bottles and 30-litre kegs. They are available both on- and off-trade. Krušovice Imperial is sold in 0.5-litre glass bottles at Alko and is also available in restaurants and pubs.
From February, Newcastle Brown Ale will also been available in 0.5-litre cans. As its name suggests, Newcastle Brown Ale is a reddish brown ale with a full and slightly sweet flavour. This exceptionally refreshing ale is popular the world over. In Finland, this 4.5% alc/vol ale is also available in kegs and 0.33-litre glass bottles.
A new Finnish beer for 2008 is Chocolate Porter, part of the 1836 Classic range. It’s sold in individual 0.44-litre cans. 1836 Classic Chocolate Porter is a dark, chocolaty full-malt porter. You can really taste its superb, chocolaty flavour. It’s produced from a dark special malt and roasted barley, which give this beer its typically roasted flavour. Aromatic hops add a fruity element. This 4.5% alc/vol beer will be available as a seasonal product during early 2008.
The popularity of pint cans continues to grow. Hartwall’s Foster’s now comes in new 568-ml Barrel cans. The name Barrel refers not only to the size of the cans, but also to every surfer’s dream – that perfect moment inside a wave.
For more information, contact:
Hartwall Ltd, Marketing Manager Pekka Tola, pekka.tola@hartwall.fi, tel. +358 20 717 2042
Brand Manager Pekko Koski, pekko.koski@hartwall.fi, tel. +358 20 717 2695
External Communications Manager Tuija Kleimola, tuija.kleimola@hartwall.fi, tel. +358 20 717 2595
Photos: http://kuvapankki.hartwall.fi