A POPULAR lager has been removed from shop shelves, leaving fans fuming.
Drinkers are campaigning to get Carling Premier back in to supermarkets after its manufacturer Molson Coors said it was no longer viable to produce in cans.
Punters can still buy it but only on draught in selected pubs – a decision which has has gone down badly with its army of loyal fans.
Due to their scarcity, cans are now being sold on Amazon for an eye-watering £62.99 for a pack of 24.
Multipacks have been spotted in Iceland, Spar, Premier stores and various corner shops in recent weeks, but many fans now say they can’t find any.
One fans asked Molson Coors on X: “Please tell me it’s not true you’ve stopped making Carling Premier in cans?”
A second enquired: “Can you tell why I can’t find Carling Premier lager in any shops as of late? I’ve been every where, no luck as yet.”
A third wrote: “Very sad to hear this. I think it is much better than standard Carling.”
One supporter, John Henrick, has even launched a petition on Change.org.
He wrote: “Carling Premier, a beloved lager known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavour, has been discontinued by Molson Coors in cans.
“This decision has left countless fans and loyal customers disappointed and longing for the unique taste that only Carling Premier can provide.
“It’s not just a beverage; it’s a part of our social fabric that brings people together.”
A Facebook group called “Carling Premier WE LOVE IT So bring it back to Pubs” features discussions on which pubs serve the bevvy, as many don’t have it, as well as stock levels in shops.
Carling Premier was originally introduced to celebrate Carling’s sponsorship of the FA Premier League in 1992.
It is known as a super smooth pint due to being nitrogen-activated.
The addition of nitrogen forms smaller, more profuse bubbles that gives beer a smoother taste and texture than if it was made with carbon dioxide.
Premier’s alcohol content is also higher at 4.7%, compared to Carling Original’s 4%.
A spokesman for Molson Coors Beverage Company confirmed production had stopped in November.
He added: “It’s great to see the latent love for Carling Premier!
“Unfortunately, demand had been falling in retail stores which made producing it in can packaged format no longer viable, but it is still available on draught in the on-trade in more than 300 pubs, clubs and social venues across the UK.
“The pub is a great place to enjoy a Carling Premier, which has always been a super smooth pint because it is nitrogen activated.
You can also find out your nearest on-trade stockists by dropping us a line at [email protected].”
It’s not the only change to beer in recent months.
Heineken reduced the alcohol content of John Smiths Extra Smooth from 3.6% to 3.4% ABV at the start of the year.
The drinks company said the decision to make the bitter weaker was to promote healthy drinking.
Last year, Carlsberg lowered its pilsner to 3.4% from 3.8% ABV.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills – Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other. So if you’re planning a pint at a Spons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights. For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it. Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Both now fall into the new, lower tax rate on booze under 3.5% after a change to alcohol duty by the government.
Meanwhile an investigation by The Sun found alcohol levels in popular supermarket wines have been cut — but the prices have not followed suit.
They say they are doing it to keep prices low after UK Government alcohol duty reforms, which mean stronger booze incurs higher taxes.
Heineken also reduced Fosters ABV from 4% to 3.7% at the start of 2023.
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
