From Bic pens to razors, retailers have come under fire for creating pink products “just for women” time and time again. But it seems they haven’t learned their lesson.
Czech beer brand Aurosa has been branded “patronising” and “f**king stupid” by people on Twitter for creating a pink bottle to make #BeerForHer.
The beer, launched by entrepreneur Martina Smirova, was launched abroad earlier this year, but the backlash kicked off after it made its London debut last week.
On the Aurosa website, Smirova says the beer is “designed for the ladies”.
“Aurosa #BeerForHer was created to support, encourage and connect women in their every day life, all while signifying that their feminine nature does not have to be compromised,” she says.
“I created Aurosa #FORHER as a reminder that women shouldn’t forget that they can succeed in all aspects of life without having to adapt or sacrifice their natural tenderness and femininity.
“I was able to succeed in an industry that disregards women and in which it is very hard to start a business in, and many other women who chose to pursue their ambitions, no matter how impossible it all seemed, without sacrificing our nature.”
But on Twitter, people have said the beer is more “patronising” than empowering.
In response to the backlash, Aurosa posted a status to its Facebook page, saying “beer, wine or any alcohol has no gender”.
“However, the beer industry is largely dominated by men. And culturally, even as more women enter the industry as brewers, pub owners and drinkers, beer can still pretty much feel like a masculine affair,” the company said.
“Statistically speaking, women are inclined to drink less beer. Why? Brewers, men and generally, the society have operated under the misconception that women do not like beer or that it is a man’s drink. This has been rendered into the media and the marketing system. The tasteless and sexist marketing that brewing companies use illustrates that point clearly.”
Aurosa added that it “never intended to take part in sexism, feminism or the like”.
“It was never intended to dictate what women should or shouldn’t drink,” it said.
“We are simply a brand that wants to offer beer in an elegant and beautiful bottle, something that has not been done before, for those women who want it and who’s lifestyle we fit.”
The beer isn’t the only pink product to make headlines recently. Last week Cards Against Humanity launched a “for her” set that’s not only pink but costs more.
But the big difference between the beer and the cards is that the latter is a parody product, poking fun at the ridiculous, overpriced products aimed at women. Not that’s a pink product we can get on board with.
100 Controversial Adverts
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Open Image ModalSean John's Unforgivable Woman fragrance.
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Open Image ModalSaatchi and Saatchi's campaign for The Conservative Party ahead of the 1979 general election.
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Open Image ModalDurex.
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Open Image ModalSisley fashion brand.
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Open Image ModalLinford Christie stars in Kleenex's tissue advert.
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Open Image ModalWonderbra's infamous advert.
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Open Image ModalLynx.
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Open Image ModalBMW.
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Open Image ModalBaF's anti-domestic violence ad.
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Open Image ModalRed Tape menswear fashion brand.
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Open Image ModalControversial French anti-smoking advert,
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Open Image ModalMacDonald's.
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Open Image ModalQSOL service provider.
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Open Image ModalNSPCC
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Open Image ModalA German MacDonald's advert.
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Open Image ModalHeinz.
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Open Image ModalCadbury's.
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Open Image ModalLevis.
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Open Image ModalMiquita Oliver in Women's Aid advert.
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Open Image ModalAdvert for Chicolate chocolate substitute.
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Open Image ModalSkin Burn, anti-smoking ad
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Open Image ModalBarnardo's.
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Open Image ModalTipalet cigarette advert.
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Open Image ModalBenetton
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Open Image ModalTG4 television program entitled 'Paisean Faisean'.
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Open Image ModalCourage beer.
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Open Image ModalBudweiser.
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Open Image ModalBarcardi rum.
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Open Image ModalAmnesty International
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Open Image ModalSkyy alcoholic drink.
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Open Image ModalAmnesty International
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Open Image ModalAmnesty International
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Open Image ModalAnti binge-drinking advert
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Open Image ModalVan Heusen
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Open Image ModalBMW
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Open Image ModalPitney-Bowes Postage Meter
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Open Image ModalGovernment anti-drug driving advert
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Open Image ModalAnti-abortion advert
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Open Image ModalAdvert against verbal abuse
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Open Image ModalBenson & Hedges
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Open Image ModalAmerican Apparel
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Open Image ModalAmnesty International
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Open Image ModalAn M&C Saatchi advert for St Matthew's in the City in Aukland, New Zealand.