August, 2004 - Nr. 8
German beer to take backseat at World Cup
TWIG - Germans looking to quench their thirst for beer at the upcoming 2006 soccer World Cup will have to reach for an American brew, the tabloid Bild reported this week.
As a main sponsor of the tournament, U.S. brewer Anheuser-Busch has won the exclusive right to serve soccer fans at all official events — much to the chagrin of Germans proud of their domestic brews.
"U.S. beer tastes tame to the German palate," complained the paper.
"Besides that, its high carbonic acid content can cause a beer belly," Bild added, without citing a source.
Budweiser plans to offer its flagship Budweiser brand to soccer fans at both games and official events. But the brew will be sold under the name "Anheuser Busch Bud" because Czech brewer Budvar has the rights to the name "Budweiser" in Germany.
The soccer World Cup kicks off on June 9, 2006, in Munich.
Republished with permission from "The Week in Germany"
Links:
