Foster's launches lager in aluminum bottles

Until now, Crown Lager has only been available in 375-mL glass bottles. The brewer had considered a move into PET bottles, but preferred the appearance and shelf-life advantages of aluminum bottles.

The unique shape of the bottle and the distinctive, upscale look aim to enhance the premium image of the Crown Lager product. Paul Gloster, consumer solutions manager for Foster’s Australia, says that consumer reception to the new quick-chill packaging has been more than enthusiastic. “It looks great in people’s hands, and the aluminum bottles keep our Crown Lager cold longer than glass in the hot Australian sun.”

The aluminum bottles are filled on Foster’s current glass bottle filling equipment that was converted to accommodate the new containers. Standard steel crown closures top the bottles. —Judy Rice