Study claiming 38% of people won’t drink Corona beer had faults, potential conflicts: Report

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Note: This story has been updated with new reporting illustrating alleged faults and conflicts of interest in the study about the Corona brand. 

A survey claiming that 38% of Americans would not drink Corona beer “under any circumstances” was allegedly faulty and also came from a PR firm representing other beverage brands.

The original story was picked up by CNN and Fox, as well as numerous websites, including this one.

5W Public Relations released a relatively small survey that claimed to show Americans were averse to be buying Corona branded products and suggested it was because of confusion between the product’s connections to the coronavirus.

However, Mediaite reports the firm is linked to at least five other beverage brands, including two alcohol companies — Santa Margherita, Purity Vodka, Zico Coconut Water and Sparkling Ice by Talking Rain.

The site also reports that 5W release did not include the methodology used in the study that had about 700 respondents. Mediaite also notes that questions asked of respondents did not match the published statements.

Another survey, from YouGov, does also show a dip in Corona sales that it says can be linked to coronavirus, but takes the approach that the numbers are down more due to “negative buzz” around the beer.

It does not, as the 5W survey claims, suggest that Americans are shying away from the brand because they think there is a connection between the beer and disease.

Financial analysts also note that Corona has predicted a sales slip that is linked to the virus — but because fewer people in China are buying the brand.

However, sales of many products, especially those involved with social gatherings, are down in China amid virus fears and government restrictions.

In the U.S., the Dow has been suffering massive losses all week mainly due to concerns the coronavirus could have on the global economy.