CCL HELPS FOSTER’S BRING THE ALUMINUM BOTTLE DOWN UNDER

Foster’s had been watching the development of the aluminum bottle market in North America and decided that the timing was right for a launch in the Australian marketplace.

“We waited to launch our Crown Lager in aluminum bottles until just the right time,” said Paul Gloster, Consumer Solutions Manager, Foster’s Australia. “We celebrate Christmas and New Year’s under the summer sun here in Australia, and we wanted to introduce our premium brew in its unique new packaging at the height of the holiday season.”

Foster’s Crown Lager is the market leader in Australia, popular with the nightclub set as well as sports fans. Crown Lager was first introduced to the Australian consumer in June 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Before that event, it was available only to an exclusive group of individuals comprised of diplomats and visiting dignitaries. And until now, Crown Lager was only available in 375ml glass bottles.

“Just as in the North American market,” explained Ed Martin, CCL Container’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “the aluminum bottle helps marketers drive consumption. Foster’s considered other on-premise package options, including PET and shaped cans, but ultimately decided that our aluminum bottles offered the unique shape, upscale look and distinct style that would enhance the premium image of Crown Lager.

CCL Container has been in the forefront of the beer industry’s wave of enthusiasm for the aluminum bottle. In fact, CCL introduced the American beer-drinking market to the first American-made aluminum crown beer bottle for Pittsburgh Brewing Company’s Iron City beer. That landmark introduction earned CCL one of the two WorldStar Awards it was selected for in 2005. Although a perennial winner at the yearly showcase for the world’s most outstanding packaging, the 2005 WorldStar that CCL received for its aluminum beer bottle entry had special significance at CCL. In 2004, CCL Container’s aluminum bottle was selected as one of BusinessWeek Magazine’s Best New Products. The package also won a “Stevie Award” at the 2005 American Business Awards for “Best Package Design.”

“We’re very proud of the role we’ve been able to play in changing the look and shape of the future for the beer industry,” said Martin. “Now we’re working with brewers and bottlers around the world, Australia included. The Crown Lager project has been an exciting one for CCL Container.”

Meanwhile, down under, acceptance for the aluminum bottle has been more than enthusiastic from both the trade and consumers. “It looks great in people’s hands,” says Gloster, “and aluminum keeps our Crown Lager cooler much longer than glass in the hot Australian sun.”

Of course, the new packaging introduction was not without its bumps in the road, according to Gloster. “Many operational challenges were overcome, ranging from pallet sizes to seal application. But we had CCL and Amcor Australasia as partners through the process. We couldn’t have done it without them.” The end result is a great looking aluminum bottle that has premium beer written all over it. Amcor Australasia played an important role in the Crown Lager aluminum bottle launch. The company assisted with the logistics and distribution of the CCL Container bottles which were manufactured in North America.

Foster’s Group is a premium global multi-beverage company delivering a total portfolio of beer, wine, spirits, cider and non-alcoholic beverages. The company consists of Foster’s Australia, Foster’s Brewing International, responsible for managing the Foster’s beer brand globally, and Foster’s Wine Estates, which includes premium wine brands such as Beringer, Penfolds and Rosemount. Foster’s beer has enjoyed international growth of more than 40 percent in the last five years, and is one of the fastest growing beer brands in the world. In total, over 100 million cases of Foster’s are sold annually in more than 150 countries.

CCL Container is North America’s leading manufacturer of recyclable aluminum aerosol cans and aluminum bottles available in multiple closure systems. The company’s manufacturing facilities are located in Hermitage, PA, Penetang, Ontario and Mexico City, Mexico. All facilities are ISO 9002 Registered.

For more information on CCL’s products and services, please contact:
Ed Martin, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
CCL Container
Tel: (203) 354-4523
Fax: (203) 354-4524
E-mail: emartin@cclcontainer.com


CCL Container U.S. Operations:
One Llodio Drive
Hermitage, PA 16148


For further press information, please contact:
Trish Hamer
Delia Associates
Tel: (908) 534-9044
Fax: (908) 534-6856
E-mail: thamer@delianet.com
Website: www.delianet.com



For a downloadable version of this release and photo,
please visit www.cclcontainermedia.com/pr/pr-CrownLager.html


For more information on CCL Container, go to
www.cclcontainermedia.com