Heineken USA Expands Distribution of Its 5L DraughtKeg Draught Beer System

PRNewswire ^ | 2/2/2006 | PRNewswire

[Sax]

Heineken USA Expands Distribution of Its 5L DraughtKeg Draught Beer System Thursday February 2, 12:18 pm ET Importer Continues to Lead with Packaging Innovations

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to growing demand from consumers for its new portable draught system, Heineken USA today announced plans to expand distribution of the 5-liter Heineken DraughtKeg to 26 states in the U.S., representing 80% of annual Heineken volume. ADVERTISEMENT

The expanded distribution strategy, which will be achieved by March 1st, underscores the popularity of the disposable draught-beer system introduced to U.S. consumers in April 2005. Heineken USA's parent company, Heineken International B.V., has already launched the DraughtKeg in France and Taiwan with additional market introductions to follow. The DraughtKeg allows consumers to enjoy high-quality draught beer wherever and whenever they choose.

The 5L DraughtKeg improves upon the 4.75-Liter DraughtKeg launched by Heineken USA in early 2005, offering consumers fresh draught beer with increased portability and convenience at the same price point as the smaller-volume package.

"Imagine being able to draw a perfect pint of Heineken in your own living room or serve it at your own backyard barbeque," said Don Blaustein, Vice President, Corporate Sales, Heineken USA. "Well, our DraughtKeg allows our customers to do just that and shows just how committed we are to developing the products they want. We found a way to improve upon an already exceptional package with the 5L and, with advanced technology at the same price point as the 4.75L, offer true convenience -- and value -- to our consumers."

Added Andy Glaser, Heineken Brand Director, Heineken USA, "Packaging development and innovation remain a vital component of Heineken's overall growth strategy. The DraughtKeg furthers this effort by providing consumers with the highest quality draught beer package during key consumption occasions."

The Heineken DraughtKeg is an integrated pressurized and disposable system with mini tap components in a lightweight steel keg. After being pre-chilled at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, consumers can simply click on the easy-to-install tap tube and draw a fresh Heineken draught.

Inside the keg is a unique and patented carbonator pressure unit, releasing CO2 to keep the pressure at 1 bar. This allows for a crisp quality beer with the right head of foam and the right 'bite.' The constant pressure also allows the beer to be dispensed through a tap tube on top.

The system weighs 12.1 lbs and contains 5 Liters of beer. The beer stays fresh for 30 days after tapping, right down to the last glass. On average, 21 8-ounce glasses can be dispensed

[Sax]

Tried laying it on it's side last night - no dice, just spit foam.

[359Henrie]

Great pic. The good old days.

[D Rider]

No they had a co2 cartridge with a tap

[Sax]

Man, I wonder why they never made it this far?!

[D Rider]

I found an image of one on ebay( where else.) Asuming there is beer in it, it isn't much good without the tapper. Which I haven't found a picture of yet.

I would love to find a place where I could get one of these with the tapper system again.