Beer Sales Plunge After ‘Urine Terror’ Incident: All Staff Opt for Voluntary Retirement

“Urine Terror” Fallout Hits Tsingtao
Domestic Importers Opt for Voluntary Retirement
Sales Plummet

Following the so-called ‘urine terror’ incident at a Tsingtao beer factory in China, there has been a drastic drop in beer sales. This ultimately led the importer to offer voluntary retirement. The offer’s shock stems from its extension to the entire staff, not just a few employees.

According to recent industry reports, BeerK, the beer importer, accepts voluntary retirements after recommending a few employees for resignation. The company made the offer to all 120 staff members.

The company merely stated that “austerity measures are necessary.” They did not reveal specific details about the retirement plan’s scale, compensation, or duration.

The cause is the fallout from the ‘urine terror’ incident that occurred on October 20th.

A man in work clothes urinated in the malt storage facility, an ingredient for beer, at a Tsingtao factory in Shandong, China. Social media users shared the incident, and it quickly went viral online.

BeerK explained that “the factory related to the incident produces beer for domestic consumption, not for export.” However, beer sales have plummeted to a level close to a boycott in the Korean market.

According to trade statistics from the Customs Service, beer imports from China in October were 5,025 pounds (2281 tons), a 42.6% decrease compared to last year. Regarding import value, it was $1.927 million, a 37.7% decrease, suggesting that the Tsingtao beer incident had an impact.

Additionally, sales of Tsingtao beer at convenience stores also fell by up to 40% from October 21st to 26th following the “urine terror” incident.

In response, BeerK stated, “Due to the recent sharp drop in sales, we have no choice but to implement austerity measures,” and described it as a “decision for the company’s survival.”

By. Joo Seung Hee