Aussie brewer pitches light beer's full flavour

SYDNEY: Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) is stirring competition in Australia's beer market with the launch of the country's first independently-branded light beer.

Called Carlton Sterling, the beer is a 2.5 per cent premium lager brewed with Saaz hops to make it taste more like a full-flavoured beer.

The brewer is pitching the product to drinkers who prefer the full strength flavour and image but sometimes want a lighter alternative.

"The timing is perfect, said CUB general manager marketing, David Yardley.

"CUB research reveals that consumers are ready for a light beer that has strong 'real beer' brand credentials. They have moved on from reduced alcohol beers that screamed 'light' and were all about functionality and a forced choice."

Yardley said the market for light beer drinkers had expanded but with this growth consumers had also become more specific about their demands.

"These consumers want a credible brand - not a light version of another beer brand. They want a brand with a unique identity and a charisma they can call their own."

Short-term, the product is pitched to extend CUB's lead in the light beer segment of New South Wales, and grow the overall light beer category.

Carlton Sterling will be supported by a major marketing campaign from George Patterson Bates, which carries the tagline: Carlton Sterling - Beer lovers' light. The first TVC takes an entertaining peek at an intimate moment between a man and his beer.

"It's a tongue-in-cheek play on the fact that while some blokes have a problem committing to love, no bloke has a problem committing to and falling in love with Carlton Sterling, Bates group communications director, Kevin Mier said. CUB spent 18 months developing the campaign with Bates.

Along with TV, the campaign will include print, PR and promotional activity.

The first work breaks this month, with the TVC airing throughout the remainder of the AFL, NRL and V8 Supercar seasons.