Newcastle Cabbie and Taxi Magic Partner to Encourage Safe Travel
Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the U.S. , announces the upcoming release of Newcastle Cabbie this November. Newcastle’s newest limited edition, Cabbie, is a deep, dark black ale that has a soft hoppy aroma and subtle fruit notes that lead to bittersweet tastes of dark malt, chocolate, coffee and vanilla. To support the launch, a national social responsibility program will be introduced to encourage consumers, 21 and older, to get home safely throughout the holiday season. Depending on the market, the initiative will offer a $5 credit toward a cab fare using the Taxi Magic app, or the chance to win a year of free cab rides home.
“During the holidays, there are increased incidences of people driving under the influence,” states Brett Steen, Brand Manager, Newcastle Brown Ale. He continues, “Newcastle has always been committed to promoting responsible consumption and safety, and we are especially thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Newcastle Cabbie Black Ale and Taxi Magic which will help consumers find safe rides home this winter and holiday season.. Taxi Magic allows users to not only find and book taxis based on their location, but also to track the arrival of the taxi, charge the ride to a credit card and receive an e-receipt.”
In markets with Taxi Magic, Newcastle Cabbie POS will feature a short code to download the Taxi Magic mobile application directly to a smartphone. Newcastle will reward consumers with a $5 credit when they download the app, and give them the option to gift a $5 credit to a friend. In markets where Taxi Magic is not available, alternative POS will be used to promote a text-in program where consumers will text a short code for the chance to win free cab rides home for one year. POS elements include tuck cards, cooler decals and standees for off-premise retailers, while coasters, tap handles and special glassware will be available for on-premise locations.
This winter, Newcastle Cabbie will not only be supported by the breakthrough packaging and POS for the social responsibility program, but also a national digital campaign, an extensive social media promotion, and cutting-edge sampling activations (where legal). Additionally, there will be compelling, multi-layered consumer overlay with a gifting component for the holidays.
Newcastle Cabbie is a rare black brew with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2 percent and 25 International Bittering Units (IBUs). It will be priced comparably to Newcastle Brown Ale and available nationally from November 2013 through January 2014 in 6-packs and 12-packs at retail and in draught format for on-premise accounts in most major markets.
About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand, Heineken Light, Amstel Light, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Strongbow cider. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the HEINEKEN USA-sponsored Taxi Magic application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com.
