Heineken announces price hike for pints of beer and cider in June

Heineken has informed publicans that it plans to increase the price it charges for its draught beer products this summer.

The price increase by the brewer will see around 6 cent added to the price of a pint across the company's range of drinks in June. This range includes Heineken, Heineken 0.0, Coors, Tiger, Birra Moretti, Murphys, Orchard Thieves, Cute Hoor and Lagunitas IPA.

"A list price increase of 3pc (6 cent per pint) will apply to our draught product range and will come into effect on the 4th June 2024," a spokesperson for Heineken said.

"Despite our ongoing efforts to increase productivity and reduce costs, it is impossible for us to absorb all of the increased costs that we have been faced with, and therefore we need to adjust our pricing," they added. 

The latest price increase follows a similar move from Diageo last month. The cost of a pint rose again from April 15, affecting Diageo’s full range including Guinness as well as Hop House 13, Harp, Rockshore and Smithwicks.

In response to the announcement by Diageo, the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) expressed deep concern over the timing and magnitude of the increase, highlighting the severe impact it will have on the already struggling pub trade.

VFI CEO, Pat Crotty, said: "The announcement by Diageo is not just disappointing, it’s a critical hit to an industry on the brink. Publicans have been navigating a storm of rising costs, including the increase in minimum wage, additional mandatory sick days and the impending pension auto-enrolment scheme. This latest price hike is a blow they cannot afford".

According to the VFI, the cumulative effect of these financial pressures threatens the viability of the trade. Mr Crotty added: "The government must come forward with support measures for the trade as the Increased Cost of Doing Business grant, while welcome, is not an adequate response. The VFI is calling for further supports to include a reduction in excise, a return to the 9% VAT rate for pubs serving food and a reduction in employer’s PRSI. Publicans can’t be expected to take all these hits without meaningful support".