VB jumps on mid-strength beer bandwagon

Carlton & United Breweries brand, Victoria Bitter (VB), has launched a mid-strength addition to its line-up, aiming to deliver classic flavour at a reduced ABV.

With more than 30 per cent of Australian beer sales now no, low, or mid-strength, the release of VB Mid is driven by changing beer tastes – with moderation no longer just a trend, but a permanent part of Australia’s beer culture.

The new VB Mid is 3.5% ABV and 1 standard drink per can or stubby, compared to the 1.4 standards and 4.9% ABV of VB Classic. Brewed to deliver the VB character Australians know and love, the company stated VB Mid has a rounded bitterness and full body, showing that mid strength can also have big taste.

VB marketing manager, Zac Gelman, said VB Mid will super charge the mid-strength beer segment by giving consumers a new, full-flavoured option with less alcohol.

“VB Mid stands apart from other mid-strengths with its bold, bitter flavour,” said Gelman.

“VB is still the best cold beer for a hard-earned thirst, but sometimes a full-strength beer isn't what you want at knock off. That’s why we've created VB 3.5%, for those times when the day is done but the job isn't.”

VB Mid will be available from 9 March at liquor stores across Australia in 30 packs of 375 mL cans for RRP $65.99, and in a $19.99 six-pack and $57.99 24-pack of 375ml bottles.

Packaging News

In an initiative led by Viva Energy in partnership with Nestlé, a limited run of KitKat chocolate bars wrapped in locally manufactured recycled PP is rolling out to stores nationwide, demonstrating the potential for locally collected soft plastics to be returned to food-grade packaging in Australia.

Three Gold awards and a Silver saw RePlay top the medal tally in this year's PIDA awards. But behind the accolades lies an equally important story: the practical challenges of making reusable packaging systems commercially viable.

Australia's peak paper industry association has rebranded as the APPIA, reflecting what it says is the growing importance of fibre-based packaging across Australia and New Zealand.