Corona Beer In China: Is It Available?

The Mexican beer Corona is now being brewed in China for the Australasia market. This has been met with criticism, with some consumers vowing to boycott the beer due to its change in taste and concerns over China's manufacturing processes.

Corona beer is now made in China for the Australasia market

The decision to move production to China may be influenced by the lower labour costs in the country compared to Mexico, where Corona was previously brewed. However, it is important to note that the beer is still owned by the Belgian-Brazilian company AB InBev, which brews Corona for all markets, including the US.

The change in production location has also led to accusations of false advertising, as some drinkers feel that the association with Mexico was an important part of Corona's brand identity. Some consumers have even vowed to boycott the beer due to its Chinese production, preferring to support local breweries or seek out independently imported Mexican Corona.

It is worth noting that the change in taste could also be due to differences in water quality between Mexico and China, as some drinkers have speculated. This may be a contributing factor to the perceived change in taste, in addition to any changes in ingredients or brewing processes.

While some drinkers have expressed disappointment and plan to switch to alternative beers, it remains to be seen what the long-term impact of this change will be on Corona's sales and brand perception in the Australasia market.

The recipe remains the same, but the taste is different

It's true that you can buy Corona beer in China, but the taste may be different to what you're used to. This is because, while the recipe remains the same, factors such as storage temperature, shipping, and cleaning standards can affect the flavour.

The temperature at which beer is stored and shipped can alter its taste. Large temperature swings or storage above cellar temperature can increase the ageing process of the beer, and in extreme cases, spoilage bacteria and chemical changes can occur. Beer that is too warm can taste almost flat, whereas beer served too cold can mask flavours and aromas, making the drink seem thin and tasteless.

The cleanliness of the bar's tap lines and glassware can also affect the taste of beer. Dirty tap lines can cause off flavours, and dirty glassware can prevent lacing, or the head stuck to the edges of the glass.

The type of water used in the beer can also change its flavour. This is why Coca-Cola, for example, tastes slightly different in each country, despite the formula remaining the same.

Other factors that can affect the taste of beer include the age of the keg, the glass it is served in, the way the beer is poured, and the drinking environment.

Some consumers are boycotting the beer due to its country of origin

Some consumers are boycotting Corona beer due to its country of origin. The beer, which is now brewed in China for the Australasia market, has faced a backlash from drinkers who are unhappy about the change in production location. This shift has led to some loyal Corona drinkers refusing to purchase the beer anymore, with some expressing their disappointment and others stating they will switch to alternative brands.

The decision to start brewing Corona in China has sparked strong reactions from consumers, particularly those in Australia and New Zealand. Many drinkers associate Corona with Mexico, and the change in country of origin has been seen as a betrayal of the brand's identity. Some consumers feel that the beer no longer holds the same appeal or authenticity, and they are unwilling to pay a premium price for a product that is no longer true to its roots.

The shift in production to China has also raised concerns about the use of different ingredients and the potential impact on taste. Some drinkers have noticed a change in the flavour and fizziness of Corona, which they attribute to the use of fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar. The difference in water quality between Mexico and China is also believed to be a contributing factor to the perceived change in taste.

In addition to taste concerns, there are also worries about the safety and reliability of products made in China. One consumer mentioned the recent scandal involving a Chinese beer brand, Tsingtao, which further fuelled their reluctance to consume a beer produced in the country. There is a perception that manufacturing standards and regulations may not be as stringent in China, leading to a lack of trust in the quality and safety of the product.

The backlash against Corona's new country of origin highlights the importance of brand perception and consumer trust. Some drinkers feel that the change was made solely for profit, without considering customer sentiment. This perception has led to a strong negative reaction, with many consumers stating their intention to boycott the brand and encourage others to do the same. The impact of this backlash on Corona's sales and market share remains to be seen, but it is clear that the decision to brew the beer in China has had a significant impact on a portion of its customer base.

The beer is now more expensive

It seems that Corona beer is now more expensive, and this is causing some backlash among consumers. The price increase is likely due to the change in production location from Mexico to China, which has resulted in a perceived decrease in quality. Some consumers have noticed a difference in taste, with one claiming that the Chinese version uses fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar, which is used in the original Mexican version. This change in ingredients may be a factor in the increased cost of the beer.

The higher price of Corona beer is particularly notable in Australia and New Zealand, where customers have expressed their disappointment and frustration. Some feel that the price does not match the quality of the product, with one reviewer stating that it is "absolute cat's piss at a premium price." The change in production location has also led to concerns about the safety and trustworthiness of Chinese manufacturing processes. One reviewer mentions the recent scandal involving contaminated cooking oil in China, raising doubts about the safety of consuming products made in the country.

The increase in price, along with the change in taste and concerns about production quality, has led to some consumers boycotting Corona beer and looking for alternative brands. Some are specifically seeking out Mexican-made Corona or switching to other Mexican beer brands, such as Sol. The perception that the price is no longer justified by the quality of the product is a significant factor in these decisions.

It is worth noting that not all consumers have noticed or been bothered by the change. One reviewer who had consumed 50,000 Coronas noted that the difference in taste was not significant enough for them to care about the change in production location. However, the overall sentiment among reviewers seems to be negative, with many expressing disappointment and feeling deceived by the change in production location and the resulting increase in price.

The Chinese version of Corona uses fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar

The Chinese version of Corona is indeed made in China, but only for the Australasia market. This means that if you buy Corona beer in China, it is likely imported from Mexico, where the beer is produced by Grupo Modelo. Constellation Brands is the exclusive licensee and sole importer of Corona in the United States, while AB InBev owns the beer in all other markets and brews it for all markets, including the US.

The use of HFCS in the Chinese version of Corona may be due to the lower cost of production and the popularity of HFCS in the region. However, it is important to note that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that HFCS is safe for consumption, and there is no evidence that it is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey. The debate around the health effects of HFCS is ongoing, and some companies have reverted to using cane sugar due to consumer preferences and health concerns.

The choice between HFCS and cane sugar in beer production is a complex one, involving taste preferences, cost considerations, and health implications. While HFCS may offer advantages in terms of manufacturing and cost, the preference for cane sugar in some markets highlights the importance of consumer preferences and health consciousness. Ultimately, the decision to use HFCS in the Chinese version of Corona may be a strategic choice to cater to local tastes and reduce production costs.

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