At the end of the 1980’s a number of brewers were developing alcohol free and low alcohol (or ‘light’) beers. Despite his initial reservations Freddy Heineken decided to develop a light beer – with the goal of capturing a significant share of this market both in the Netherlands and abroad.

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Heineken launched their low alcohol beer (0.5%) in the summer of 1988. The Dutch brewer deliberately opted for a low alcohol beer rather than an alcohol free beer, fearing that consumers would not take to a beer in which there was no alcohol. The beer was branded ‘Buckler’, which was considered a ‘strong’ brand name, and the name Heineken was left from the label.

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Initially Buckler was a success and captured a significant share of the market for light beers both in the Netherlands and internationally. However, 5 years after its launce, Heineken removed Buckler from the Dutch market.

Dutch cabaret artist Yoep van ‘t Hek had mercilessly ‘mocked’ Buckler beer drinkers on his 1989 New Years Eve show:

“I really can’t stand those Buckler drinkers. You all know Buckler, it’s that ‘reformed’ beer. All those 40-year old guys who stand beside you jingling their car keys. Go to hell! I am here drinking beer to get drunk. Get lost – go and drink your Buckler in the church. Or don’t drink, BUCKLER drinker.”

The impact was disastrous for the low alcohol beer.

In addition, Heineken had also underestimated the impact of competitor Bavaria – Bavaria Malt had obtained the exclusive rights for light beers in Saudi-Arabia during the first Gulf War.

hauv 1991 Heineken attempted to reanimate Buckler by reducing the alcohol content further, but it was already too late. Neither could a television advertising campaign featuring a sexy woman in a tiger outfit or the sponsorship of a cycle team reverse Buckler’s fortunes.

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Although Buckler is no longer available in the Netherlands, it is still a big success in the rest of Europe. Heineken has since re-entered the market for light beers in the Netherlands with a product under the Amstel label – a brand that is considered strong enough to withstand any unforeseen ‘mockery’.

The factors that effectively destroyed Buckler’s reputation in the Dutch market were largely outside of Heineken’s control. However, should a company incur ‘brand’ damage as a result of their own errors then it is useful to remember the following rules: (1) communicate honestly (with the press); (2) be transparent; (3) don’t hide your weak ‘spots’, and above all; (4) admit that you made mistakes (to draw lessons for the future).

Apple, for example, followed these rules impeccably when a bug in the iPod Nano was highlighted by a number of influential bloggers: they immediately admitted the error and promised to repair this free of charge. As a result, the brand became even more popular with consumers.

ntxiv:
Sources include: Elsevier, 23 Lub Tsib Hlis Ntuj 2005, Schokgolf, p. 105.

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Editors IvBM

CIA IB SAIB