Beer People: Question regarding Tsingtao and import beers?!
Hey guys,
I’m doing a marketing research assignment (for my marketing class) on Tsingtao (a popular Chinese beer)!. My goal is to make a marketing plan in placing this product in America!. The problem is I don’t drink AT ALL!. My personal experience/knowledge in this area is a very amateur!. I am hoping you guys can give me some perspective; please answer any or all of the following questions:
- As a drinker, what is your impression of Tsingtao!? (As compared to other imports!?)
- If you don’t drink Tsingtao, why don’t you!? (You’ve never heard of it!? It tastes gross!? You view it as a low budget beer!?)
- Do you see it becoming an extremely popular beer!? If not, why!?
- Do you understand how importing works!? (Tsingtao apparently has more than one importer: Crown and Monarch!. How does this work!?)
Any input is appreciated!. :]Www@FoodAQ@Com
I’m doing a marketing research assignment (for my marketing class) on Tsingtao (a popular Chinese beer)!. My goal is to make a marketing plan in placing this product in America!. The problem is I don’t drink AT ALL!. My personal experience/knowledge in this area is a very amateur!. I am hoping you guys can give me some perspective; please answer any or all of the following questions:
- As a drinker, what is your impression of Tsingtao!? (As compared to other imports!?)
- If you don’t drink Tsingtao, why don’t you!? (You’ve never heard of it!? It tastes gross!? You view it as a low budget beer!?)
- Do you see it becoming an extremely popular beer!? If not, why!?
- Do you understand how importing works!? (Tsingtao apparently has more than one importer: Crown and Monarch!. How does this work!?)
Any input is appreciated!. :]Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
First off, distribution for imports works like this!.!.!.
A brewery produces beer!.
The brewery sells the beer to the importer, who brings the product into the US!.
The importer sells the beer to wholesalers/distributors!.
Distributors/wholesalers sell to retail establishments (bars, grocery stores, etc!.)
Consumers purchase beer from the retail establishments!.
Some beers do have several different importers in the US, simply because of the amount of territory that must be covered!. Tsingtao used to be imported through 2 different importers: Barton and Gambrinus!. If you drew a diagonal line from Detroit to El Paso, TX, that was sorta how it was divided!. Barton had everything west of that line, while Gambrinus had everything east!.
A couple of years ago, Grupo Modelo (the brewing conglomerate that includes Corona, Modelo, Pacifico - also a strategic partner with Tsingtao and St Pauli Girl) merged all of their US business into one importer: Barton, out of Chicago!. If I'm not mistaken, the importer is now at least majority-owned by the brewery, and it's name was changed to Crown Imports!.
You mention Monarch!.!.!. I can only assume you're referring to the wholesaler in Indiana!. Remember, wholesalers buy from importers and re-sell to retailers!. The language tends to be fuzzy at times, since some importers are also called distributors (since they distribute to wholesale distributors)!. In some states (such as PA) distributors who carry multiple brands to market in different states sell to a distributor who sells to bars and distibutors who have a warehouse where other smaller sub-distributors and consumers alike can buy beer!.!.!. but only by the case!.
What I'm getting at is the only reason you are having difficulty understanding importing and distributing is because the language is so damn silly and garbled at times!.
As far as the beer itself, it cannot go beyond the level of penetration it currently sees!. It is an okay beer for some, but in all reality is nothing more than the Chinese version of Budweiser - it even uses poor quality cheap rice adjuncts just like AB - what a surprise that they own more than 1/4 of the brewery!.
Because of the green bottle, it is very susceptible to light damage, so it is rare that sonsumers will get a fresh tasting beer!. (UV rays penetrate green and clear glass, break down hop oils, and create a skunked flavor/aroma)!. The only reason Heineken, Beck's and Stella suceed moderately with green glass (although they are all losing considerable market share) is because of the velocity of movement off the shelf!.
Another user was also correct in that in this day and age with all these recalls, consumers as a whole are wary of buying anything Chinese!. The beer probably doesn't have GHB in it, but average joe isn't sure!.
also, that style of beer (European-style Pale Lager) is really declining!. Heineken, for example, is hemmoraging case sales month after month, so much that not even the success of Heineken Light can keep it in the green (no pun intended)!.
Marketers of Tsingtao are best off continuing penetration of Asian markets in the US!. Asian beers will not grow in the US - they will grow in Asia!. These brewers are not worried about losing market share - they've got a built-in growth plan at home!.
Cheers!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
A brewery produces beer!.
The brewery sells the beer to the importer, who brings the product into the US!.
The importer sells the beer to wholesalers/distributors!.
Distributors/wholesalers sell to retail establishments (bars, grocery stores, etc!.)
Consumers purchase beer from the retail establishments!.
Some beers do have several different importers in the US, simply because of the amount of territory that must be covered!. Tsingtao used to be imported through 2 different importers: Barton and Gambrinus!. If you drew a diagonal line from Detroit to El Paso, TX, that was sorta how it was divided!. Barton had everything west of that line, while Gambrinus had everything east!.
A couple of years ago, Grupo Modelo (the brewing conglomerate that includes Corona, Modelo, Pacifico - also a strategic partner with Tsingtao and St Pauli Girl) merged all of their US business into one importer: Barton, out of Chicago!. If I'm not mistaken, the importer is now at least majority-owned by the brewery, and it's name was changed to Crown Imports!.
You mention Monarch!.!.!. I can only assume you're referring to the wholesaler in Indiana!. Remember, wholesalers buy from importers and re-sell to retailers!. The language tends to be fuzzy at times, since some importers are also called distributors (since they distribute to wholesale distributors)!. In some states (such as PA) distributors who carry multiple brands to market in different states sell to a distributor who sells to bars and distibutors who have a warehouse where other smaller sub-distributors and consumers alike can buy beer!.!.!. but only by the case!.
What I'm getting at is the only reason you are having difficulty understanding importing and distributing is because the language is so damn silly and garbled at times!.
As far as the beer itself, it cannot go beyond the level of penetration it currently sees!. It is an okay beer for some, but in all reality is nothing more than the Chinese version of Budweiser - it even uses poor quality cheap rice adjuncts just like AB - what a surprise that they own more than 1/4 of the brewery!.
Because of the green bottle, it is very susceptible to light damage, so it is rare that sonsumers will get a fresh tasting beer!. (UV rays penetrate green and clear glass, break down hop oils, and create a skunked flavor/aroma)!. The only reason Heineken, Beck's and Stella suceed moderately with green glass (although they are all losing considerable market share) is because of the velocity of movement off the shelf!.
Another user was also correct in that in this day and age with all these recalls, consumers as a whole are wary of buying anything Chinese!. The beer probably doesn't have GHB in it, but average joe isn't sure!.
also, that style of beer (European-style Pale Lager) is really declining!. Heineken, for example, is hemmoraging case sales month after month, so much that not even the success of Heineken Light can keep it in the green (no pun intended)!.
Marketers of Tsingtao are best off continuing penetration of Asian markets in the US!. Asian beers will not grow in the US - they will grow in Asia!. These brewers are not worried about losing market share - they've got a built-in growth plan at home!.
Cheers!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Tsingtao's sold in a lot of Chinese restaurants, so I've had a number of chances to try it!. Generally I thought it was decent, enough so that (like ordering Sapporo in Japanese restaurants) I'll have a few with Chinese food!. But, I've definitely never picked up a six-pack of Tsingtao to drink while watching the game at home!. I've also never seen a Tsingtao commercial - they don't seem to be making much effort to market to Americans!.
Mexican beer has done well in the states in part because they can sell that relaxing-on-the-beach appeal, but I can't even think of anything similar that Chinese beer could use!. Commercials with hot Asian women!? I might be on to something!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Mexican beer has done well in the states in part because they can sell that relaxing-on-the-beach appeal, but I can't even think of anything similar that Chinese beer could use!. Commercials with hot Asian women!? I might be on to something!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Much like the previous answerer, I usually drink it at a Chinese restaurant!. I really like it and do occasionally buy a six pack for home consumption!. It has a nice easy taste!.
It will not become popular without marketing!. I was introduced to it years ago by Chinese friends in New Orleans!.
Unfortunately, I know nothing about how it is imported!.
Good luck!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
It will not become popular without marketing!. I was introduced to it years ago by Chinese friends in New Orleans!.
Unfortunately, I know nothing about how it is imported!.
Good luck!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I drank Tsingtao before!.!.its quite decent beer!. i think it taste kinda sweet to me!.!. but compare to american popular beer like bud, it tastes stronger!. Comparing budget to bud/miller/coors/other low budget domestic beers, tsingtao costs more but less compare to other imported beers!.
It can become popular as fast and as much as chinese food!. But if people dont like to eat chinese food anymore, then tsingtao can become less popular!. it goes with the food flow!.
I dont understand importing works much!. sometimes i read the label , it said made in China; sometimes U!.S!.A!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
It can become popular as fast and as much as chinese food!. But if people dont like to eat chinese food anymore, then tsingtao can become less popular!. it goes with the food flow!.
I dont understand importing works much!. sometimes i read the label , it said made in China; sometimes U!.S!.A!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
it is definitely cleaner and better than when I first tried it 25 years ago!. It is a good Asian beer, I think it could compete with other Asian beers like San Miguel and Kirin!. First step would be to get it into every Chinese restaurant, then expand to pan-Asian places, then to general market!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Check for beer reviews at www!.beeradvocate!.com since you don't drink the stuff!. Might help you out!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Ugh!.!.!.!. Tsingtao is absolute crap and I'm ashamed that my store carries it!. Why don't I drink it!? Because it's CRAP and it comes from China, and it's too pale!. Real beer is yellow or brown and comes from Germany, England, America!.!.!.!.!. lots of places!. Never China!. Do I see it becoming popular!? Not in America! People who want cheap crappy beer go for Budweiser/Busch/Hamms!. The name alone will stop most consumers from trying it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I too am confused about how beer importing works!. Tsingtao to me is like Corona (=crap!.) I only buy it if I am going to eat sushi and want something "authentic!." And then I usually end up drinking sake!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
First i dont like its taste as well the method of preparation is not good
Thats it
$Www@FoodAQ@Com
Thats it
$Www@FoodAQ@Com
Tsingtao is a good all round lager beer, refreshing and easy to drink with spicy Chinese food!. A lot of foreign beers are actually brewed under license so they do not have to be shipped to far!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Heard of it, but never indulged, sorry I'm a North American beer drinker!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Tsingtao is everywhere in Ohio!.
Most of the grocery stores carry, as do many of the convenient stores!.
It's not bad!. i liked Yinpu better!.
i think it hit it's popularity about 10 years ago here!. It's still a big seller though!.
Here's the hook:
Tsingtao costs about 10 bucks a 6 pack!.
Yinpu is like 3!.75 a six!. (and is on a par with Tsingtao!.)
I've never looked at Tsingtao as a low budget beer as it costs more than most micro-brewed beers in Ohio!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Most of the grocery stores carry, as do many of the convenient stores!.
It's not bad!. i liked Yinpu better!.
i think it hit it's popularity about 10 years ago here!. It's still a big seller though!.
Here's the hook:
Tsingtao costs about 10 bucks a 6 pack!.
Yinpu is like 3!.75 a six!. (and is on a par with Tsingtao!.)
I've never looked at Tsingtao as a low budget beer as it costs more than most micro-brewed beers in Ohio!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I think Tsingtao has done well because of it's advertising campaign (much like Corona)!.!.!. it's advertised in Chinese restaurants as an expensive import, something different, exotic, etc!. In reality, it's not a great beer as far as real beer goes!. It is not very flavorful, somewhat watered down, and very forgettable!. Just read some of the BeerAdvocate reviews:
http://beeradvocate!.com/beer/profile/281!.!.!.
Just as Corona is America's best selling import (I believe), it relies on advertising to sell itself!. Corona is also not a very good tasting beer!. The lime it is served with is to hide the inevitably skunky, watery flavor!.
http://beeradvocate!.com/beer/profile/75/!.!.!.
To answer your question about if I see it becoming a popular beer: I do see the potential for it to become more popular!. Some of what's considered the worst-tasting beers by real beer enthusiasts are some of America's best sellers!. Why!?!? They all have big advertising campaigns!. Some of what's considered to be the best beers in the world have never even been heard of by most people because they are more concerned with producing a quality product than making a ton of money!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
http://beeradvocate!.com/beer/profile/281!.!.!.
Just as Corona is America's best selling import (I believe), it relies on advertising to sell itself!. Corona is also not a very good tasting beer!. The lime it is served with is to hide the inevitably skunky, watery flavor!.
http://beeradvocate!.com/beer/profile/75/!.!.!.
To answer your question about if I see it becoming a popular beer: I do see the potential for it to become more popular!. Some of what's considered the worst-tasting beers by real beer enthusiasts are some of America's best sellers!. Why!?!? They all have big advertising campaigns!. Some of what's considered to be the best beers in the world have never even been heard of by most people because they are more concerned with producing a quality product than making a ton of money!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I drink it whenever I'm at a Chinese restaurant!. Pronounce it "chin dao" and they'll be so impressed your meal may be free!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I am not imnpressed with Tsingtao, as i prefer a beer that is a bit more robust!. I will never see it becoming a popular beer as a lot of folks don;t know how to pronounce it right and with so many beers out there to choose from, it gets passed over
You need to establish what makes this import beer better than any other import beer!. and that means taking on the germansWww@FoodAQ@Com
You need to establish what makes this import beer better than any other import beer!. and that means taking on the germansWww@FoodAQ@Com
Impression/Don't Drink:
Exactly which one do you mean!? Tsingtao makes about 8 - 10 different beers!. If you mean the "Premium Lager" it is anything but "Premium" in my book!. It is a sub-par lager at best!. If I'm going to drink a lager it will be something with flavor like a Sam Adams!. If I'm going to drink a pale lager (like Tsingtao) again I will drink something with taste like a Pilsner Urquell!.
Popular:
No, Sapporo has the market of bad Chinese imported lagers cornered!. It would take an extremely well done ad campaign to change minds!.!.!. Then again Budweiser's extremely good ad campaign has people believing they make good beer!.
Imports:
Kinda!.!.!. to my knowledge an importer acts as a middleman between the brewer and the distributor!.!.!. In some cases the importer/distributor are the same!.!.!. In the case of Guinness they are actually the brewers as well!.!.!. I won't get into that here!. In the case when there are two importers they divide the country into regions and are only allowed to distribute within those regions!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Exactly which one do you mean!? Tsingtao makes about 8 - 10 different beers!. If you mean the "Premium Lager" it is anything but "Premium" in my book!. It is a sub-par lager at best!. If I'm going to drink a lager it will be something with flavor like a Sam Adams!. If I'm going to drink a pale lager (like Tsingtao) again I will drink something with taste like a Pilsner Urquell!.
Popular:
No, Sapporo has the market of bad Chinese imported lagers cornered!. It would take an extremely well done ad campaign to change minds!.!.!. Then again Budweiser's extremely good ad campaign has people believing they make good beer!.
Imports:
Kinda!.!.!. to my knowledge an importer acts as a middleman between the brewer and the distributor!.!.!. In some cases the importer/distributor are the same!.!.!. In the case of Guinness they are actually the brewers as well!.!.!. I won't get into that here!. In the case when there are two importers they divide the country into regions and are only allowed to distribute within those regions!.Www@FoodAQ@Com