Dutch Gold
- For the metal alloy see Tombac.
Dutch Gold is a low-cost, imported, pilsner lager beer sold in the Republic of Ireland. It was launched in 1995.[1]
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[edit] The beer
The beer is brewed and canned in the EU under licence of, and distributed by, Zuidhollandse Bierbrouwerij, a trading name of InBev, a large Belgian brewery that owns the 'Dutch Gold' trademark.[2] Distributed in Ireland by Comans Wholsale, it has an alcohol volume of approximately 4.3%. The distributor describes it as having a "clean, fresh, crisp, typical Dutch beer flavour". [1]
[edit] Irish retailing/ The Boys
In the canned beer market in Ireland, Dutch Gold has a market share of between 11% and 14%, making it the third most popular beer after Budweiser and Heineken Pilsener.[3] In-shop advertising is the primary promotional method and there are a variety of multi-pack offers. Dutch Gold is not advertised on television or radio.
[edit] Social and cultural implications
In 2006, the Gardaí launched a campaign against anti-social behaviour in Lucan under the name 'Operation Dutch Gold'. The distributors of the product, Comans Wholesale of Tallaght, complained that the naming of the project was unfair to them.[4]
University College Dublin has a Dutch Gold Appreciation Society.[5]
[edit] Competitors
Competitors to Dutch Gold include:
- Amsterdam Lager, a less popular beer.
- Bavaria, made by Bavaria Brewery, another Dutch import.
- Biére d'Or. Dutch Gold holds a 0.2% lead in alcohol volume.
- Castlemaine XXXX, a widely-promoted Australian beer.
- Druids Celtic Cider, a strong, inexpensive alternative.
- Pražský a relatively new Czech competitor.
- St. Bernards Larger which, at 88¢ a can, easily beats it in value but is not sold on such a large scale.
- Tuborg, a rich pilsner beer from Denmark, drank by royalty.
- Devils Bit, Strong cider similar to Druids Celtic Cider. Sold as 4 cans for €6.
- Hereford Dry Cider, Cheap Cider.
- Biere Special, a cheap Tesco brand beer very similar to Biere D'or. Sold as 8 bottles for €3.99.
- Galahad, a cheap Aldi lager, sold at €8 for 12 cans.
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Dutch Gold - Go Dutch", Comans Wholesale, retrieved 17 May 2008
- ^ InBev 2005 Annual Report List of trademarks including 'Dutch Gold' is on page 55
- ^ East European Beers increasing significance Drinks Industry News, 8 November 2006
- ^ Garda drink clampdown 'unfair' to lager company - The Irish Independent 20, June, 2006
- ^ "Why there's now more to student life than boozing and beans (... seriously!", Irish Independent, 23 March 2005
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