Overview
- Heineken UK confirmed Foster’s will drop from 3.7% ABV to 3.4% across the UK starting in February.
- The brewer cites duty savings for beers at 3.4% ABV or below and growing demand for lower-strength options.
- UK duty rates reported by outlets: £9.61 per litre of alcohol at 1.3%–3.4% ABV versus £21.01 at 3.5%–8.4%.
- Heineken says master brewers reformulated the recipe, consumer tests were run, and the taste remains recognisably Foster’s.
- Related moves include Sol’s reduction to 3.4% earlier this year, with NIQ data showing Foster’s off-trade sales down 13.7% to £252.8m to April.