MAKE MINE A PINT-CHO

Heineken® launches the world’s first beer resistant poncho – and the first beer insurance scheme – to protect fans from spilt beer in pubs this weekend

To protect football fans from spilt beer in pubs when England take on Slovakia on Sunday, Heineken® has dropped what might be the football fashion piece of the summer. Forget about nostalgic 90s football shirts and bucket hats because this year, it’s going to be all about the Pint-cho.  

Developed by Amsterdam-based designer rainwear brand Rainkiss, the Pint-cho is a super lightweight, achingly cool beer resistant poncho. Available in two stand-out colourways, Heineken® green and a retro kit-inspired white version (complete with blue and red shoulder stripes), the Pint-cho is everything traditional Ponchos are not.

Unlike conventional single-use ponchos which are devoid of any colour, stylistic integrity or design, the Pint-cho is a loose-fitting, semi structured three-quarter length garment made from 100% certified recycled polyester, that can be used time and time again. 20 bottles are recycled to make one Pint-cho – a far cry from what is usually handed out at drizzly fan zones.

While the Pint-cho is one seriously slick piece of kit, it is the unique fisherman jacket-style hood that really stands out. Developed to give full head and neck coverage, it comes with an ever-so-slightly-ridiculous built-in peak that extends out beyond the forehead. The easy-to-use toggle and drawstring system allows for ample adjustment and adds an extra element of style too.

The release of the garment is tied to HeineCare, the first beer insurance policy, which Heineken® launched last week ahead of England’s second group game against Denmark. Put simply, if fans spill their beer (and that’s ANY beer) in the pub crowd commotion, they can get a replacement in the form of a pint of Heineken or Heineken 0.0. Completely free. Running across five iconic pubs in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds, thousands of replacement pints have already been claimed through the scheme, and thousands more will be claimed this weekend.  

The HeineCare beer redemption mechanic is as straightforward as it comes. If someone’s fallen victim to an accidental spillage, all they have to do is scan a QR code that can be found on bespoke beer mats and posters in participating pubs. This will take them to the HeineCare homepage where all they’ll have to do is input some basic information. They’ll then instantly receive a voucher to show to bar staff to claim their replacement pint.

Participating pubs will have a limited number of free Pint-chos available for punters to get their hands on, and a further batch are available for people to win via social media (@heineken_uk on Instagram). Adding to the fun, various celebrities, football luminaries and high-profile influencers will be sharing content of themselves in their own Pint-chos over the coming days.

Commenting on the launch of the Pint-cho, Heineken Marketing ManagerStephanie Dexter said; “For decades, Heineken® has not only celebrated football fans but also championed the glorious, crisp pint and all its beauty. However, when these worlds collide during national tournaments, unfortunately, it can be dangerous for your beer…and your outfit. So this summer we’ve intervened. The Pint-cho is fully beer resistant, it looks great and is a serious fashion statement. Beer will inevitably be spilt in pubs and pub gardens on Sunday. But it’s ok. Fans can style it out in a Pint-cho.” 

The WonderBar at The Gate is participating, and all fans have to do is scan a QR code that can be found on bespoke beer mats and posters in the pub!

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