Heineken UK has said it is lowering the alcohol content of a popular lager

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has confirmed the price of beer will rise, and by how much, from February 2026. During today's Budget , Ms Reeves said that alcohol duty would rise in line with inflation.

It normally rises in line with the Retail Price Index from September – which this year was 4.5%. Alcohol duty will be uprated with the RPI on February 1. Earlier this month, a major brewer confirmed one of its popular lagers will have its alcohol content lowered - also from February.

Heineken UK has revealed plans to lower the alcohol by volume (ABV) of its Foster's lager to 3.4%, taking advantage of duty reductions for beverages with less strength. Currently brewed at 3.7%, the change is also aim

See Full Page