Americans Get Sick Over Australia Day; Foster's Survey Gets Down Under Americans' Desire To Celebrate Australia by Skipping Work.

Lifestyle Editors/Feature Editors

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2002

According to a recent nationwide survey, seventy-four million Americans may be taking a holiday this month -- but you won't find the occasion on any U.S. calendar.

A newly released Foster's Australia Day Survey of more than 800 Americans in January 2002 revealed that 26 percent of Americans would consider "taking a sickie" -- Australian slang for skipping work -- on Australia Day.

Foster's: "Australian for Beer" agrees. The company is encouraging Americans to put their money where their mouth is and take a sickie on January 25th to celebrate the upcoming Australian holiday.

So what would happen to economic productivity if more than one-quarter of the population called in sick? The survey determined that 60 percent of Americans believe taking a sickie every few months would improve their mental health and productivity, with 28 percent admitting they have taken sickies during the last year.

Indicating that Americans could use another holiday, 32 percent -- or approximately 91 million Americans -- say they believe Australia Day should be a celebrated holiday in the states, much like Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day. More than one-third of Americans already celebrate such cultural holidays.

"Traditionally Americans celebrate the end of January with Superbowl," said Michael Johnson, Foster's Brand Director, USA. "This year, Australia's favorite holiday is the perfect late January occasion for Americans to kick back with their mates in their local pub and drink a Foster's."

American priorities are in fact changing in 2002. More than half of Americans (55 percent) say they'd like "an extra day off" over "an extra day's pay," according to the survey fielded by Luntz Research Company. This is the first time a day off has surpassed a day's pay in the three years that Luntz has been asking the question.

The "Foster's Australia Day Survey" was fielded by Luntz Research Company in January 2002 to celebrate Australia Day, the country's founders day originally in 1788. The survey of 802 Americans explores attitudes and perceptions of the Australian lifestyle.

Foster's: "Australian for beer" was first brewed in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1888. Sold in more than 150 countries worldwide, Foster's beer exports the Aussie enjoyment for life around the world. Foster's Lager, Australia's most successful beer brand, is also one of the fastest growing beers in the world, with total international volume increasing more than 60 percent during the last five years. Foster's is imported by Century Importers, Reston, Virginia, and distributed by Miller Brewing Company in the USA.