VietNamNet Bridge – Saigon Binh Tay Beer Joint Stock Company has introduced Sagota-brand non-alcoholic beer on the domestic market to meet the demand of those wanting to drink beer without getting drunk.

Van Thanh Liem, chairman of the company, said the new beer is brewed from the same ingredients used for alcoholic beer such as barley and rice, but the difference is that alcohol is extracted from the product. Therefore, the new product is suitable for women, drivers and athletes.

Saigon Binh Tay Beer has marketed a limited volume of non-alcoholic beer to test the response of local customers. The company will launch promotion campaigns for the product to boost sales once consumers get used to it.

“Beer is considered as an important drink at wedding and anniversary parties in Vietnam. However, as local authorities have tighten controls on drunk driving and the Ministry of Health is drafting regulations prohibiting the sale of beer and spirits after 10 p.m., non-alcoholic beer may be a choice for beer lovers,” Liem said.

Non-alcoholic beer has been available in many countries and imported into Vietnam for sale with retail prices ranging from VND20,000 to VND50,000 a can.

Saigon Binh Tay Beer is the first producer of non-alcoholic beer in Vietnam. The company sells a box of 24 cans at around VND275,000 or nearly VND12,000 a can if no special consumption tax is imposed on the product.

However, the price will be higher if local authorities consider the product by Saigon Binh Tay as beer.

SGT/VNN