TORONTO—Corona beer sales have plummeted since an influencer drew a direct connection between the popular import and the coronavirus outbreak. Now the marketer and distributor of Corona products in Canada is on the defensive.
“I heard you can catch the virus from drinking Corona beer,” said Miami influencer Bridgitte White, Instagram user name @hot_beer_babe. “I made sure to tell all my followers right away. It’s my duty to keep people informed and safe. Hashtag safety.”
As Modelo Molson Imports head of marketing, Amanda Jade is busy doing damage control for the Corona brand. “We knew the name could be an issue because people are dumb. But we had no idea an Instagrammer from Florida could wreak such havoc.”
Jade also told Mooseclean’s that the beer company is suspending the use of their tagline This is Living. “Unfortunately, the slogan has inspired some unflattering mockery involving sickly looking people wearing face masks and holding our product,” said Jade. “Social media truly can be a blessing and a curse.”
Molson is planning a series of ads to combat the harmful rumour. The Straight Talk campaign will emphasize there is no association between Corona beer and the Wuhan coronavirus. The Fight Fire with Fire campaign will tout Corona beer as protection against the coronavirus.
Jade said Molson is also considering hiring White. “Usually influencers are contracted to promote a product. In this case, we’d pay Ms. White to stop posting about our beer.”