Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch Invests $1 Billion in Themselves

Anheuser-Busch announced today that they plan to invest over $1 billion in their own operations and facilities across the US through 2014.  The money will go to things such as updating brewing equipment, making operations more “green”, and providing equipment Continue Reading →

312 Heads to the 315

The Goose Island/AB deal is starting to evolve.  Honkers Ale, and IPA will be outsourced to Red Hook to be brewed.  In an interesting twist, 312 headed to the 315 – AKA Baldwinsville, New York.
The supply of these beers Continue Reading →

AB Trademarking Area Codes

Ever heard of 312?  It’s a wheat beer brewed by Goose Island in honor of Chicago’s area code.  Looks like Anheuser-Busch InBev is cooking up the same idea.  Recently, InBev applied for a few trademarks for “area codes” around the Continue Reading →

Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Beer News, Coming Soon

Bud Competing With Miller & Heineken With Refillable Draft Mark System

Budweiser Draftmark System

Miller has one, Heineken has one.  Home draft systems.  Packaging you buy and take home (in larger formats, multiple liters of beer) to your fridge.  The system keeps the beer pressurized so as not to go flat.  Seriously, I’m sure you get the idea.

The Draftmark System will hold a full gallon of your yellow fizzies, and keep the beer fresh and pressured for 30 days.   Now this info is a little raw, as AB will release some very official press releases as time approaches.  There will also be one for Bass (See below.)  These (Bud & Bass, Shock Top labels) are the artwork for the refills. Speculation: There will be 2 price points for the packaging – full kit, and the refill bottles.

Heineken’s Draft System

Miller Draft System

The New Bass System By A-B (Refill)

New Shock Top System By A-B (Refill)

 

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch Invests $1 Billion in Themselves

Anheuser-Busch announced today that they plan to invest over $1 billion in their own operations and facilities across the US through 2014.  The money will go to things such as updating brewing equipment, making operations more “green”, and providing equipment for new innovations and advances in technology among other things.  The purpose of these projects is to grow Anheuser-Busch’s brands and demonstrate committment to the communities in which they operate.

Some improvement projects launched since 2010 include:

  • $60 million – St. Louis Brewery updates and utilities overhaul.
  • $34 milion – Houston Brewery upgrades and production expansion to 500,000 barrels per year.
  • $34 million – Cartersville, GA Brewery upgrades to improve efficiency and lower carbon footprint.  Also introduce packaging and brand innovation at this location.
  • $30 million – Los Angeles Brewery environmental modifications and utility updates.
  • $27 million – Baldwinsville, NY Brewery increase brewing capacity, new packaging lines, upgrade water treatment process.

[PressRelease]

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Beer News, Goose Island Brewing

312 Heads to the 315

Goose Island 312

The Goose Island/AB deal is starting to evolve.  Honkers Ale, and IPA will be outsourced to Red Hook to be brewed.  In an interesting twist, 312 headed to the 315 – AKA Baldwinsville, New York.
The supply of these beers has been a little short these past few months, the outsourcing seeks to help that situation.

The outsourcing allows Goose Island Christmas Ale to return, and expand the Belgian & sour ale production to increase at the Fulton Street production facility.   The Fulton Street facility is also undergoing a $3 million dollar upgrade.

[Chicagoist]

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Beer News, InBev

AB Trademarking Area Codes

AB Trademarking Area Codes

Ever heard of 312?  It’s a wheat beer brewed by Goose Island in honor of Chicago’s area code.  Looks like Anheuser-Busch InBev is cooking up the same idea.  Recently, InBev applied for a few trademarks for “area codes” around the United States, including (619) San Diego, (314) St. Louis, (602) Phoenix, (702) Las Vegas, (216) Cleveland, (415) San Francisco, and (412) Pittsburgh, (713) Houston, (305) Miami, (615) Nashville, (303) Denver, (214) Dallas, (704) Charlotte,  and (202) Washington D.C. for starters.

No word if this has anything to do with beer, but logic would dictate they aren’t going into telecommunications.   Also, there is no initial relationship with Goose Island’s 312 – even after their near $40 million dollar purchase by AB.

<StLouisToday via @Jayemarie>

AB Trademarking Area Codes

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Beer News

“My Bud Light Tags.” AKA. Write less, drink faster.

Bud gimmicks. Or fun for hammered people.  As of yesterday, Budweiser announced the “My Bud Light” program.  The program entails adding a label to the 12 ounce bottles that the drinker can brand with their name, phone number or whatever you’re able to spell with a key or coin.

Quoting Bud:
“This new bottle is one of the many ways we can bring Bud Light’s fun personality to life,” said Mike Sundet, senior director, Bud Light.  “Bud Light drinkers are always looking for fun, quirky ways to express themselves, and the My bud light bottle offers them a canvas to do just that.”

It’s a gimmick for sure.  Perhaps not a bad idea. I’ve always been looking for a way to designate “My Pliny The Elder.” <Anheuser-Busch>

by Reid Ramsay