Marble Beers has reversed a decision to lower the strength of one of its flagship ales to 3.4% abv.
The Manchester-based brewer is to return its Pint ale back up to 3.9% abv, having initially watered down the brew in August 2023 to take advantage of the duty discount offered on lower-strength beers.
The Grocer understands Marble is the first brewer in the UK to undertake such a move.
“Immense financial pressures throughout the supply chain” had prompted Marble to reduce the alcohol content of Pint last year, said the suppler.
However, following conversations with trade and retailer customers, Marble had “made the decision to return the beer to its original recipe, at its full strength”, it added.
The intention [of reformulating] was to give us some breathing space when it came to our duty bill,” said Marble’s head of sales Paul Plowman. “While we were happy with the 3.4% version, it became apparent many of our loyal customers were not.
“Although we never compromised on quality, sometimes things just shouldn’t be messed with,” Plowman continued. “As a result we’ve gone back to the original 3.9% recipe, which hopefully will return Pint to one of the most-loved and respected pints in the country.”
Described as “easy-drinking and sessionable” and made with New Zealand and US hops, Pint is sold in pubs and bars in both cask and keg format.
The 500ml can version of the beer is called Metric, having been renamed after a row with trading standards back in 2018.
While Marble is returning its Pint ale to its original strength, many suppliers are reformulating or bringing out new products to take advantage of lower duty rates on drinks below 3.5% abv. High-profile beers that have been reformulated include Carlsberg Pilsner and Bud Light.
The duty rate for beers with an abv of 3.5% to 8.4% is £21.01 per litre of alcohol, compared to £9.27 per litre of alcohol for those between 1.3% and 3.4% abv.
Both these figure are set to increase in line with RPI inflation from 1 February.
No comments yet