Anheuser-Busch

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Aquisitions, Headlines

Anheuser-Busch sells off 8 brands to Tilray

Anheuser-Busch Sells Off 8 Brands to Tilray

It seems like only yesterday that the beer industry would spend their days and weeks wondering who Anheuser-Busch would buy next. It all started when A-B bought Goose Island back in 2011. Fast forward to today, Bud Light is no longer the #1 selling beer in America, and Anheuser-Busch is selling off breweries they once acquired to a cannabis company.

Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, 10 Barrel Brewery, Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider Company, Blue Point Brewery, and Hi Ball Energy have been sold to Tilray Brands Inc. in an all-cash deal that will close by the end of 2023.

Tilray also owns Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewery, Alpine Beer Company, Montauk Brewing Company, and Green Flash Brewing.

By Tilray’s estimates, this acquisition will put them as the 5th largest craft brewing company in the United States, upfront 9th. Combined, the craft brewing portfolio is worth $300 million.

According to Andy Thomas, the president of Bud’s “The High End,” the brewery’s segment of craft breweries they have purchased (Goose Island, Wicked Weed Brewing) stated in a press release that Tilray approached Bud earlier this year about acquiring these brands – which would pre-date Budweiser’s massive multi-billion dollar crash this summer after a failed marketing move with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

Ty Gilmore, the president of U.S. Beer at Tilray states this transaction will push their beer production from 4 million case equivalents to 12 million.

Tilray is headquartered in New York City, with operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America, with an annual revenue of $628 million dollars in 2022.

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Headlines

Bud Light makes headlines with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney

Bud Light Dylan Mulvaney

Anheuser-Busch might be the sworn enemy of craft beer, but this week they managed to ruffle the feathers of some of their own drinking base.

Cans to Dylan, Go Sports.

Dylan Mulvaney, an actress and transgender rights activist, has gained popularity over the last year as she detailed her gender transition in daily videos to her 10 million followers on TikTok. In a video this week, Mulvaney, dressed as Audrey Hepburn’s character in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” announced that Bud Light has released cans with her image on them. “This month I celebrated my 365 days of womanhood and Bud Light sent me possibly the best gift ever — a can with my face on it.” Additionally, Mulvaney was giving away $15,000 dollars as a part of a March Madness sweepstakes, which she admits- had no idea March Madness was related to basketball or sports.

Without context, many viewers of the video assumed Mulvaney was the new face of Bud Light, prompting condemnation from some on social media, and boycotts. A simple social media search on this topic yields users dumping cans of Bud Light, while supporters of Bud Light’s move calling would be boycotters as “bigots.”

Singer Kid Rock’s stance on the issue was not so subtle.

It was a gift, Budweiser says.

In a general statement to news outlets “Budweiser works with hundreds of influencers across our brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics. From time to time we produce unique commemorative cans for fans and for brand influencers, like Dylan Mulvaney.” The cans were created for Mulvaney celebrating her first 365 days of being a girl, and not publically for sale.

Not the first time.

This isn’t Budweiser’s first connection with the LGBTQ+ community. According to the brewery, the Budweiser brand has contributed more than $13 million dollars to various LGBTQ+ organizations over the past 20 years.

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Don't Miss This, New Releases

Bud Light Seltzer officially launches Monday

Bud Light Seltzer

The hard seltzer industry is on fire, and about to get crowded at the top. Bud Light Seltzer launches Monday.

Hard seltzer was the clear winner in the beverage industry last year. The beverage segment, now worth in excess of $1 billion, saw historic and unparalleled growth from coast to coast. While mega-brewery Anheuser Busch already has two seltzers in the market now – Natty Light Hard Seltzer and Bon & Viv, a Bud Light branded hard seltzer headed to market absolutely predictable.

We expected an official release and marketing blitz leading up to summer 2020, but Bud has opted to debut Bud Light Seltzer ahead of the Super Bowl. ABI has already spent millions on 4 minutes of commercials during the game, dedicated to both Bud Light and the new seltzer line as well as Michelob Ultra and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold.

Four flavors will be available on Monday – Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Strawberry, and Mango.  Each can is 100 calories and 5% alcohol by volume, but unlike Truly Hard Seltzer, Bud Light’s release has 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving. All four flavors will be available in 12-ounce cans, in a 12 can variety pack, as well as 25-ounce cans. (Think convenience store purchases.)

RELATED: TRULY HARD SELTZER ANNOUNCES LEMONADE

The category leaders at the start of 2020 are White Claw, largely own by Mark Anthony Brands, and Truly Hard Seltzer (Boston Beer Company). Pabst Blue Ribbon announced its own seltzer last year at 6% ABV, as well as Four Loko which is a whopping 12% ABV.

The hard seltzer segment grew 210% over the past year, according to Nielsen data. America’s craft brewers are releasing hard seltzers at a brisk pace too, including Avery Brewing, Schlafly Brewing, NoDa Brewing, Sockeye Brewing, and Atlanta’s Scofflaw Brewing.

All four flavors of Bud Light Seltzer should be on shelves nationally by mid-January. Now we wait to see what the Seltzer Knight looks like #FizzyFizzy.

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Don't Miss This

AB InBev acquires another beer subscription service

BeerBods Acquistion

Anheuser-Busch InBev’s newest purchase has occured in the United Kingdom. The mega company has acquired BeerBods, a beer subscription service.

Founded in 2012, the subscription service sends out 12 beers every 12 weeks, as well as holds live beer tastings.

It is important to note ZX Ventures, the investment arm of AB InBev is tied to the purchase, acquired Beer Hawk, another online beer service. Beer Hawk has now purchased BeerBods in full. The Zx Ventures purchase rabbit hole also includes Norther Brewer (homebrew supplies),  RateBeer.com, PicoBrew (appliance based homebrewing), and the beer website October.

Beer Hawk was founded by Mark and Chris, also in 2012. With headquarters in Wetherby, they themselves were acquired by ZX Ventures, the innovation arm of AB InBev, in 2016. Their mission is to inspire everyone to discover their next favourite beer. Mark, Chris and the Beer Hawk team share our passion for craft beer. They also share our vision for the kind of business we want to build. We reckon it’s the perfect fit. – via BeerBods Blog

Additionally, the ZX owns or has investments 4 Pines Brewing, Birra Del Borgo, Tripel Karmeliet, Cucapa Brewing Co., and new Patagonia Cerveza.

According to BeerBods Twitter feed, the company still has free reign on what goes into the subscription boxes.

I’ll be sticking around and I’m delighted to say that the rest of the team will be too. We’ll still be the ones picking the beers. We’ll still be the ones telling the stories behind them. – Matt, BeerBods Founder

ZX Ventures also recently acquired instagram influencer “The Fat Jewish’s” wine brand Babe Wine, famous for White Girl Rosé.

Image via BeerBods

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Beer News

Bud Light will host a 3-night music festival in Atlanta during the Super Bowl

Bud Light Music Festival

The Super Bowl will be hosted in Atlanta this year at the city’s new $1 billion+ stadium and home of the Atlanta Falcons – Mercedes Benz Stadium

The area next door, previously known as Phillps Arena and past home to the Atlanta Thrashers and current Atlanta Hawks, has also just been renovated and renamed to State Farm Arena. In January, State Farm will host a three-day Bud Light music festival alongside the Super Bowl.

The initial lineup has been announced, which includes Bruno Mars, Ludacris, and Cardi B. Friday’s lineup includes Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Aerosmith. Bud Light is teasing a fourth major artist to be announced soon.

The fest runs from Thursday, January 31st to Saturday, February 2nd.

Posted in Anheuser-Busch

635 days later, the Browns finally win a game & Bud Light unlocks the fridges

Weeks ago, Budweiser placed locked fridges of Bud Light in parts of Cleveland, Ohio. They were to remain locked until the Browns finally won a football game.

“The Bud Light Browns ‘Victory Fridge’ is a fun way to celebrate and reward a fanbase that has never wavered in enthusiasm or dedication for their team no matter what happens.” – Andy Goeler, Vice-President of Marketing, Bud Light

It’s been 635 days. Finally, the Browns did it. Over the jets in Thursday night football. The fridges are unlocked, and we are told this is where to find them:

  • Barley House, 1261 W. 6th St., Cleveland
  • Broadway Brewhouse, 3828, 127 S Broadway St., New Philadelphia
  • Offshore Bar and Grille, 130 Forest Dr, Willoughby
  • Bud’s Corner, 5750 Columbus Rd NE, Louisville
  • Grindstone Tap House, 826 Front St, Berea
  • Barley House, 222 S Main S.t #1B, Akron
  • Merry Arts Pub & Grille, 15607 1/2 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
  • Game On Lakewood, 17103 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
  • Portage Lakes Basement, 3420 Manchester Rd., Akron
  • Panini’s Westlake, 23800 Detroit Rd, Westlake
  • Grayton Road Tavern, 4760 Grayton Rd., Cleveland
  • The Galaxy Restaurant, 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth
  • Slim & Jumbo’s, 8101 Main St, Garrettsville
  • Loby’s Grille, 4736 Hills and Dales Rd NW, Canton

Even if it is with light beer, Cleveland can finally celebrate. Dilly Dilly.

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Headlines

Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve Amber Lager launches nationally

Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve Amber Lager

Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve Amber Lager is the latest national release by Anheuser Busch InBev. 

According to Anheuser Busch, brewery founder Adolphus Busch created 1933 Repeal Reserve Amber Lager prior to the American Prohibition in 1920. The beer never traveled far from Bud’s original home of Saint Louis before alcohol was banned.

With the anniversary of Repeal coming up on December 5th plus the holidays looming,  Anheuser Busch is launching Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve Amber Lager. The amber lager is lightly hopped, and caramel malt-forward. Repeal Reserve will also be packaged in vintage “stubby” 12-ounce bottles.

“We are excited to mark the upcoming holiday season and the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with this new brew based on a forgotten recipe. While Budweiser Repeal Reserve is a great tasting Amber Lager, it also tells the story of an important part of our history and gives reason for celebration.” – Ricardo Marques, VP of Budweiser

The official launch of Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve Amber Lager is slated for October 25th in New York City. Th brewery has partnered with LYFT to bring a fleet of 1930’s cars for safe rides to the launch party.

1933 Repeal Reserve is available in 12-ounce bottles and draft for a limited time.

Style: Amber Lager
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft.
Debut: 10/23/17

6.1% ABV