Photo by Filip Mishevski on Unsplash
Corona beer is in the spotlight amidst the panic over the coronavirus and an advertising made by the brand judged inappropriate.
Corona USA, the beer brand’s distributor in the United States, is the target of criticism because of advertising that seems to associate the virus with beer. This is a short video broadcast on Twitter on Monday, February 24.
Viewed more than 7 million times, the Corona USA video promotes new cans of alcoholic and flavored soda water. These will soon be marketed in the U.S. market. In the video, a message warns consumers of the “imminent arrival” of this product. And it reinforces the fear of the spread of the coronavirus in recent days.
On Twitter, several Internet users reacted by denouncing the inappropriate advertising. One social network user commented upset: “From now on I’m sure I’ll never buy again.”
Constellation Brands, the parent company of Corona USA did not respond on the network. However, the video was removed from the social network.
A drop in Corona’s sales due to the coronavirus
The coronavirus known as COVID-19 is said to have an impact on beer sales. The brand has even become the subject of memes and videos on social networks since the appearance of the virus.
But there is great confusion between beer consumers – and non-consumers – and the virus. In fact, an increase in the search for phrases such as “corona beer virus” and “beer coronavirus” was reported on the Internet. The intention to buy this drink in the United States is at a low point for the first time in two years. This was reported by YouGov Plc.
Another study by 5W Public Relations released Thursday and conducted on some 737 American beer fans shows that 30% had no intention of buying Corona beer in the current situation. Fourteen percent said they wouldn’t dare ask for the drink in public. And 16% said they didn’t know if Corona had a relationship with the coronavirus or not.
Constellation Brands denied, however, that the association between the brand and the coronavirus has caused it harm. “It is extremely sad that false information is circulating in social networks and traditional media about the impact of the virus on our sales. Without having been the subject of an in-depth investigation or confirmation,” reacted Constellation Brands Director Bill Newlands.
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