Imperial Beer: Us Availability And Import Laws

Imperial Beer, also known as Cerveza Imperial, is a Costa Rican lager that has become a favourite among travellers to the country. The beer is manufactured by the Florida Ice & Farm Company (FIFCO) and was first produced in 1924. It has a light and silky texture with a touch of bitterness. While it was previously difficult to find outside of Costa Rica, it is now available in select areas in the US.

Imperial Beer is now widely available in the US

Previously, Imperial Beer was only sporadically available in a few specialty stores in the US. However, with the recent acquisition of North American Breweries by Cerveceria Costa Rica, the beer's parent company, it is now much easier to find. In fact, an employee at Aggies Liquor in Old Town Ft. Collins, Colorado, reported that they were having trouble keeping Imperial on the shelves due to its popularity.

You can now find Imperial Beer in liquor stores across the US, including in Colorado, Texas, California, Washington, and New York. It is also available for purchase online through websites like Drizly, GotoLiquorStore, and BevMo. Prices vary depending on location, but a six-pack can be found for around $4 in Colorado, and cases are about $12.

The availability of Imperial Beer in the US is a result of a merger between Florida Ice and Farm Co S.A., the parent company of Cerveceria Costa Rica, and North American Breweries. This has led to increased distribution and more affordable prices for consumers. So, if you're looking for a taste of Costa Rica, be sure to keep an eye out for Imperial Beer at your local liquor store or online.

It is significantly cheaper in the US than in Costa Rica

Imperial Beer, or Cerveza Imperial, is a Costa Rican lager manufactured by the Florida Ice & Farm Company (FIFCO). It is the No. 1 selling beer in Costa Rica and is considered the 'Beer of Costa Rica'.

While it is unclear whether Imperial Beer is available in the US, it appears that it is significantly cheaper in the US than in Costa Rica. One source indicates that a six-pack of Imperial Beer in Costa Rica costs around $8.50, while another source mentions that a single beer can cost up to $1.50 in restaurants. In comparison, a user on TripAdvisor mentions that they were "surprised at the $8.50 six-pack of Costa Rica's own product" and wondered if the price would be different outside of tourist areas. This suggests that Imperial Beer is more expensive in Costa Rica than in the US.

Another factor contributing to the higher prices in Costa Rica could be the import tax. A user on TripAdvisor mentions that they buy Imperial Light at a large market and it costs them only $1.20 per beer. In contrast, a six-pack of Imperial Beer is significantly more expensive at $8.50. This price discrepancy could be due to the import tax, making locally produced beer cheaper than imported options.

Additionally, drinking in bars in Costa Rica can be quite expensive. Local beer typically costs 2,000 CRC, which is equivalent to $3.30, and cocktails are usually at least double that price. While this may not seem too expensive, it can quickly add up, especially when compared to drinking in the US, where prices tend to be lower.

It is the world's only water-positive beer

Imperial Beer, a Costa Rican lager, is the world's first and only water-positive beer. On March 6, 2017, Imperial announced its unique achievement of being the first water-positive beer globally. This means that Imperial understands the importance of water in ecosystems and strives to conserve water, protect tropical forests, and provide fresh water solutions to communities in need. The brand invites consumers to "enjoy the refreshing taste of a sustainably brewed beer that gives back more than it takes."

Imperial Beer's water-positive status is the result of a meticulous four-step process. Firstly, they measure and understand their water footprint, aiming to brew beer with less water. This involves assessing 100% of their processes and those of their suppliers. They adhere to ISO 14046 international guidelines, which are reviewed by the Life Cycle Analysis and Sustainable Design Center in Mexico and verified annually by the Institute of Technical Standards of Costa Rica.

Secondly, Imperial has been working diligently for over a decade to significantly reduce water consumption in the production of their beer. Through these efforts, they have successfully lowered water usage in the Imperial production process by 44%. This includes initiatives such as reusing water in closed-loop systems for cleaning and cooling during pasteurization and capturing condensation from the brewery steam system for reuse.

Thirdly, Imperial actively conserves more than 600 hectares of tropical forests, recognizing their crucial role in rainwater trapping, recharging natural water basins, and maintaining water quality by reducing runoff. These conserved forests supply water to metropolitan areas in Costa Rica and the Osa Peninsula, an area that boasts 50% of the country's biodiversity and 2.5% of the world's biodiversity.

Lastly, Imperial partners with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address the needs of communities lacking access to fresh drinkable water. They work together to improve, conserve, clean, and sustain freshwater sources. Imperial's commitment to being water-positive means they strive to "give back more water than we use." This dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility sets Imperial Beer apart in the industry and makes it a unique and innovative brand.

It is the best-selling beer in Costa Rica

Imperial Beer, or Cerveza Imperial, is a Costa Rican lager that has been the country's favourite beer since 1924. It is manufactured by the Florida Ice & Farm Company (FIFCO) and is considered the 'Beer of Costa Rica'. With its refreshing taste, it is no surprise that Imperial Beer is the number-one selling beer in Costa Rica.

The beer combines German brewing traditions with Costa Rican tastes. It is made with a combination of two-row and specialty malts, grains, and hops, giving it a pleasing touch of bitterness. Golden yellow in colour, with a light body and silky texture, Imperial Beer offers a clean and refreshing taste.

Prior to the recent acquisition of North American Breweries by Cerveceria Costa Rica, Imperial Beer was only sporadically available in a few specialty stores in the United States. Now, it can be found in liquor stores and online at select retailers, such as Drizly, BevMo, and Total Wine, in states like Colorado, Texas, California, and Florida.

The availability and affordability of Imperial Beer in the US vary by region. In some areas, it is reported to be significantly cheaper than in Costa Rica, even with high alcohol taxes. The beer's popularity among those who have visited Costa Rica and its recent increased presence in the US market suggest that it may become more widely available and accessible in the country.

It is manufactured by the Florida Ice & Farm Company

Imperial Beer, or Cerveza Imperial, is a Costa Rican lager manufactured by the Florida Ice & Farm Company (FIFCO). The company, headquartered in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica, has a diverse portfolio of over 2000 products, including beverages and food items, which are sold in over 15 countries.

The Florida Ice & Farm Company was founded in 1908 by the Lindo Brothers, who were of Jamaican origin. The company was initially dedicated to agriculture and ice making, with its name, "Florida Ice and Farm Company", derived from the finca (property) where it was located, called "La Florida". In 1912, the brothers purchased a brewery and beverage business, marking their entry into the beverage market. Over the years, they expanded their operations and acquired several companies, including breweries and food brands, diversifying their product offerings.

Imperial Beer was first produced in 1924 by Cervecería Ortega, which was later purchased by FIFCO in 1958. The beer combines German brewing traditions with Costa Rican tastes and has been a favourite in Costa Rica since its launch. It is known for its combination of two-row and specialty malts, grains, and hops, resulting in a pleasing touch of bitterness. The golden yellow colour, light body, and silky texture contribute to its refreshing taste.

FIFCO has a subsidiary called FIFCO USA, which is headquartered in Rochester, New York, and is among the top 10 brewers in the United States. FIFCO USA offers a range of brands, including Seagram's Escapes, Genesee Brewing Company, and Labatt. The company also provides contract manufacturing services to top alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage companies. With its triple bottom line philosophy, FIFCO USA strives to balance profitability, community care, and environmental responsibility.

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