Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Brewer freezes prices to tempt World Cup drinkers

Paul Routledge
Monday 18 May 1998 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

WOLVERHAMPTON & Dudley, the UK's largest regional brewer and pub group, is planning to freeze the price of its beer throughout the summer in an effort to attract customers during the World Cup and step up its competition with the national pub companies.

The group hopes to draw in sports fans who would normally watch the football at home nursing a few cans of beer bought from the supermarket or off- licence. David Thompson, chief executive, said yesterday: "We want to get people out of a dark room to watch football in our pubs. Where better to drink than at a Banks's pub where prices are guaranteed."

A pint of Banks's bitter and Cameron's, its North-eastern brew, will be held at around pounds 1.40 a pint. W&D has embarked on the strategy instead of investing heavily promoting its brands.

"We went out in Warrington last week and the only pubs that were selling beer were those charging one pound for a bottle of lager. It makes more sense to hold prices rather than spend money promoting beers," said Mr Thompson.

W&D needs all the help it can get from the World Cup. It admitted yesterday that it had suffered a disappointing Easter, and trading in the second half of its financial year had started poorly.

Investment Column, this page

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in