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☆ Bud Light boycott likely cost Anheuser-Busch InBev over $1 billion in lost sales
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —The world’s largest brewer may have lost as much as $1.4 billion in sales because of the backlash to its brief partnership with a transgender influencer to promote Bud Light beer. Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) reported record revenues for 2023 Thursday but said its “full growth potential was constrained” by its US business, where sales were hurt by a boycott of Bud Light over a sponsored Instagram post with Dylan Mulvaney. In North America, organic revenue, seen as the best measure of operating performance, plunged $1.4 billion last year as beer sales by volume tumbled in the region, primarily due to a decline in Bud Light sales in the United States. Bud Light sales tanked after the company’s partnership with Mulvaney sparked an anti-trans backlash and calls for a boycott. The firestorm saw Mexican lager Modelo Especial dethrone Bud Light last May as America’s top-selling beer, a title the brand had held for more than two decades.

Persons: BUD, Bud Light, Dylan Mulvaney, Beer, Mulvaney, Bud, Aarin, Hargreaves, ” Organizations: London CNN, Bud, Anheuser, Busch InBev, Bud Light, Modelo, “, Teamsters, InBev, InBev’s, Budweiser Brewing Company Locations: North America, United States, InBev’s Asia, Hong Kong, South Korea, China

☆ Olympic sponsorship deal with beer company AB InBev criticized as ‘cynical’ and ‘an odd pairing’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

In a room crowded with people in suits, the sponsorship deal with brewing giant AB InBev was met with beaming smiles and the clinking of beer bottles by many of those in attendance. AB InBev is the latest company to participate in The Olympic Partner (TOP) program – the highest level of Olympic sponsorship – alongside the likes of Coca-Cola, Visa and Deloitte. AB InBev said that it would not reveal the cost of its deal with the IOC. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for AB InBevThe IOC and AB InBev see the deal as part of a wider market demand for non-alcoholic drinks which, despite being in circulation for decades, have had a recent surge in popularity. Some brands have found ways to navigate France’s restrictive laws when it comes to alcohol advertising.

Persons: Thomas Bach gushed, ” Bach, ”, ” Andrew Misell, Kin Cheung, Sportcal, Michel Doukeris, Thomas Bach, Stuart C, Wilson, Molson Coors, ” Marcel Marcondes, “ Corona Cero, Marcondes, Bach, Garde, ” Ian Gilmore, “ Corona, ” Alex Barker, ” Barker, Xavier Laine Organizations: CNN, Olympic Committee, InBev, IOC, Corona, Cortina, Alcohol, CNN Sport, Cola, Visa, Deloitte, Health, WHO, Centers for Disease Control, University of Liverpool, ”, Getty, AB InBev, Heineken, Molson, Games, Alcohol Health Alliance, University of Derby, rugby’s, Nations, Guinness, Stade de France, French rugby, Wales, TOP Locations: London, Corona Cero, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Corona, Garde

☆ The Olympics tap its first-ever beer sponsor
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Bud Light brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev is becoming the first-ever beer sponsor for the next three Olympics and Paralympic Games — with a non-alcoholic brand taking the torch. The deal will cover the upcoming Summer Games in Paris, the Milan Winter Games in 2026, and the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, which will be the first Summer Olympics to be held in the US in about three decades. Prior to this, the Olympics never had a global beer sponsorship, but local organizing committees had enlisted beer brands in the past. “Beer and sports are better together, so we are proud to be the first beer sponsor for the Olympics at the Worldwide Olympic Partner level,” said AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris in a statement. Global sales of non-alcoholic beer have been soaring in recent years as drinkers embrace moderation with alcohol.

Persons: Bud, Corona, “, ”, Michel Doukeris, isn’t, Marcel Marcondes, ” Doukeris, CNN’s George Ramsay Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bud Light, Anheuser, Busch InBev, Paralympic, InBev, Olympic, Milan Winter Games, Asahi Breweries, Olympics, Corona Cero, Modelo, Constellation Brands, Corona, ”, CNN, Team USA, Budweiser Locations: New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Spain, Germany, Europe, Mexico

☆ Anheuser-Busch US CMO is stepping down after Bud Light sales sink
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Anheuser-Busch InBev’s US chief marketing officer is stepping down after the company reported a slump in Bud Light sales, as the backlash against the beer continues. The world’s biggest brewer reported a 13.5% decline in third-quarter US revenue per 100 liters, a key measure of beer sales. The brand’s Bud Light customers abandoned the beer after it partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney and botched its response to the controversy. Bud Light lost its long-held top-selling American beer title to rival Modelo after its short partnership with Mulvaney. But AB InBev still wants to turn things around — and ditching its CMO may be one of the steps.

Persons: New York CNN —, Busch, Benoit Garbe, “, ” Garbe, Kyle Norrington, Bud, influencer Dylan Mulvaney, reshuffling, ”, Brendan Whitworth, Bud Light, Michel Doukeris, –, Jordan Valinsky Organizations: New, New York CNN, New York CNN — Anheuser, Busch, Bud Light, Anheuser, InBev, Modelo, Mulvaney Locations: New York

☆ Premarket stocks: American inequality is rising despite higher wages
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The median (or mid-point) net worth for households has also increased. And while the median net worth has increased significantly, it’s still under $200,000 — far short of the estimated amount Americans should have in retirement savings. Bud Light sales keep sinkingBud Light continues to drag on Anheuser-Busch InBev’s bottom line in the United States, reports my colleague Jordan Valinsky. In the summer, Bud Light lost its long-held top-selling American beer title to rival Modelo. In an effort to jumpstart sales, Bud Light has been rolling out marketing campaigns and partnerships it thinks will placate fans.

Persons: it’s, ”, “ Consumers, ” Dana Peterson, Bud, Bud Light, Jordan Valinsky, Dylan Mulvaney, Elisabeth Buchwald, Biden, ’ Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Labor Department, Consumer Finances, Governors, Federal Reserve, Conference, Board, “, Conference Board, Wall, Dow, Nasdaq, Bud Light, Anheuser, Busch, InBev, Modelo, Beer Business, NFL, UFC Locations: New York, Black, United States

☆ Bud Light sales keep sinking
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Bud Light continues to drag Anheuser-Busch InBev’s bottom line in the United States, but the world’s biggest brewer’s sales rose because of higher prices. The company reported a 13.5% decline in third-quarter US revenue per 100 liters, a key measure of beer sales, as an ongoing backlash to Bud Light continues. The brand’s customers turned their backs on Bud Light after the company partnered with a transgender influencer – and then muddled its response. Tuesday’s report painted a bleak picture for Bud Light, sales and shipments of which have weakened dramatically since its brief and limited partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney in the spring. Sales of Bud Light are still sinking, with volumes down 30% year-over-year for the four weeks ending on October 7, according to NIQ data given to Beer Business Daily newsletter.

Persons: Bud Light, –, Dylan Mulvaney Organizations: New, New York CNN, Anheuser, Busch, InBev, Modelo, UFC, Beer Business, BUD Locations: New York, United States, East, Africa, Asia, Pacific, Europe

☆ Bud Light controversy cost AB InBev about $395 million in lost US sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —The world’s largest brewer is counting the costs of being swept into a controversy over Bud Light in the United States. AB InBev said Thursday that US revenue fell 10% in the second quarter as sales of its top brand slumped. AB InBev responded by saying it took its responsibilities to investors seriously. “Most consumers surveyed are favorable towards the Bud Light brand and approximately 80% are favorable or neutral,” the drinks maker added. Like many other businesses, AB InBev has rolled out cost-cutting measures this year, as it seeks to defend its global lead.

Persons: Bud Light, Bud, influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Kid Rock, Ron DeSantis, ”, Mulvaney, Michel Doukeris, Stella Artois, — Juliana Liu Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, InBev, Revenue, Florida, Bud Light, Modelo Locations: Hong Kong, United States, North America, Canada, Belgian, Corona, China, Brussels, South Africa, Colombia

☆ Here’s how Bud Light became the latest corporate bogeyman for Ron DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Partnering with a young, popular trans woman could help a brand like Bud Light reach a more youthful demographic. But because Bud Light managed to alienate everyone, it hasn’t gotten the benefit of a buycott. In the week ending on July 8, Bud Light sales, by dollar, fell nearly 24% year-over-year, according to data provided by Williams. Others are more breezy, showing people enjoying Bud Light despite the inconveniences of summer (sunburn, thunderstorm). Bud Light is “coming back,” said Marcel Marcondes, AB InBev’s chief marketing officer, during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Bud Light, influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Bud, BUD, “, Mulvaney, Lamar Taylor, “ prudently, DeSantis, Taylor, Scott Olson, Bud Light’s, Dylan Mulvaney, Anheuser Bush, — Anheuser, Brendan Whitworth, ”, LIV, Rob Carr, buycotts, hasn’t, Bump Williams, Williams, Busch, Whitworth, ” Whitworth, Marcel Marcondes, ” Daniel Korschun, ” Korschun, Erin Reed, Elon Musk, he’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Florida Gov, Republican, Bud Light, Anheuser, Busch InBev, State Board of Administration, AB InBev, CNN, Busch, “ Anheuser, Gallup, — Anheuser Busch’s, America, Trump National Golf Club, Modelo Especial, InBev’s, Cannes Lions International, Creativity, Drexel University, InBev, Republicans, Target, Twitter, Tesla, Disney Locations: New York, Florida, Sterling , Virginia, Central Florida

☆ Anheuser-Busch hopes new ads will change the Bud Light conversation
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Distributors are also facing financial difficulty because of a sharp decrease in Bud Light sales. Two marketing executives, Alissa Heinerscheid of Bud Light and Daniel Blake of A-B, have taken leaves of absences. In May, Mexican lager Modelo Especial dethroned Bud Light as America’s top-selling beer, a title that Bud had largely held for more than two decades. Bud Light sales plunged 24% during the four weeks ending June 3, according to NIQ data provided to consulting firm Bump Williams. Bud Light, however, remains the country’s top-selling beer so far this year.

Persons: Bud Light, “, influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Mulvaney, Brendan Whitworth, Alissa, Daniel Blake of, ”, Whitworth, Marcel Marcondes, ” Marcondes, Bud, Bump Williams Organizations: New, New York CNN, Anheuser, Distributors, Bud Light, Beer Business, Busch, Bud, NFL, Human, Cannes Lions International, Modelo Especial Locations: New York, Houston, Jonesboro , Arkansas

☆ Bud Light rolls out new ad following the Dylan Mulvaney controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Bud Light is trying to revive its slumping brand with a new marketing campaign aimed at – appropriately – overcoming adversity. It shows people enjoying Bud Light despite facing some of summer’s biggest pain points, like sunburn or a sudden thunderstorm during a cook out. Bud Light | Easy to SummerThe new ad is a continuation of its “Easy to Drink, Easy to Enjoy” that made its debut during this year’s Super Bowl. That spot featured actor Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry dancing and relaxing at home with a Bud Light. Bud Light sales plunged 24% during the four weeks ending June 3, according to NIQ data provided to consulting firm Bump Williams.

Persons: Bud Light, Dylan, Bud, Bud Light’s, ’ backyards, Travis Kelce, Dak, It’s, Miles Teller, Keleigh Sperry, Alissa Heinerscheid, Todd Allen, Brendan Whitworth, ”, Marcel Marcondes, “, ” Marcondes, Bump Williams Organizations: New, New York CNN, YouTube, NFL, Anheuser, Busch, CNN, Busch InBev, Human, Cannes Lions International, Modelo Especial Locations: New York, Dak Prescott, Mulvaney

☆ Bud Light is 'coming back' but controversy is an 'important wake-up call,' Anheuser-Busch exec says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Matthew Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —Anheuser-Busch InBev’s top marketing executive is speaking out following a monthslong boycott of Bud Light that has cost the brand its title as America’s top-selling beer. Bud Light sales have tumbled since the company’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney sparked an anti-trans backlash and calls for a boycott. Last month, Mexican lager Modelo Especial dethroned Bud Light as America’s top-selling beer, a title the brand held for more than two decades. Bud Light sales plunged 24% during the four weeks ending June 3, according to NIQ data provided to consulting firm Bump Williams. Marcondes struck an optimistic tone about Bud Light and said the brand will begin to go around the country to reconnect with consumers.

Persons: New York CNN —, Bud Light, ”, Marcel Marcondes, Bud, influencer Dylan Mulvaney, ” Marcondes, Busch, Adweek, Camilla Lambert, Bump Williams, Marcondes, “ It’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, New York CNN — Anheuser, Busch, Anheuser, Cannes Lions International, Creativity, CNN, Modelo Especial Locations: New York

☆ Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Super Bowl Ad Reflects a Shift in Strategy
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Jennifer Maloney | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Squeezed by inflation, people are drinking at home again. The shift is causing whiplash for companies like Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev SA, which had to pivot during the pandemic when consumers were stuck at home in lockdown and then flocked back to bars and restaurants when restrictions were lifted. Consumers in December said they were dining out less and eating at home more than they had over the past year, and they planned to eat at home even more in the coming month, according to a survey across 15 countries by Ipsos, a survey-based research company. AB InBev, which charts consumer trends through online panels, has received similar feedback.

☆ The 2023 Super Bowl Ads Will Feature Booze, Betting and Jesus
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Megan Graham | Patrick Coffee | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

The Super Bowl ads on Sunday are poised to promote an unusual mix of alcohol brands, gambling and Jesus. The Super Bowl still regularly draws an audience of around 100 million people, making it TV’s biggest event of the year and advertising’s biggest night. Planters’ Super Bowl ad features comedians mocking Mr. Peanut. The ads are likely to strike a lighter tone than the occasionally somber messages of Super Bowl ads in recent, highly politicized years or the early pandemic, said Anjali S. Bal, an associate professor of marketing at Babson College. Many Super Bowl advertisers have again released their ads well before Super Bowl Sunday to increase their chances of being seen.

☆ How Budweiser Tackled a Beer-Free World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Katie Deighton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +9 min

In the end, the brewer found a way to navigate the World Cup beer-free and roll with the media attention that the alcohol ban generated. Soccer’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar ran from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. World Cup sponsors Kia and Adidas similarly maintained their reputational scores, according to the Morning Consult data. Budweiser doesn’t pay a reported $75 million for the official beer sponsorship of the World Cup just to serve beer at stadiums. But the ban on alcoholic Budweiser undermined the impetus for being at the World Cup, Mr. Marcondes said.

☆ No alcohol sales permitted at Qatar's World Cup stadium sites
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Andrew Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The announcement comes two days before Sunday's kickoff of the World Cup, the first to be held in a conservative Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, the consumption of which is banned in public. For years, Qatar's tournament organisers have said that alcohol would be widely accessible to fans at the tournament. Budweiser has been a World Cup sponsor since 1985, the year before the event was held in Mexico. "Tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup," the statement said. Questions have swirled around the role alcohol would play at this year's World Cup since Qatar won hosting rights in 2010.

Doha, Qatar CNN —Just two days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, soccer’s world governing body FIFA confirmed that no alcohol will be sold at the eight stadiums which will host the tournament’s 64 matches. “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeter,” said the FIFA statement. “There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums,” added the FIFA statement. “The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” continued the FIFA statement. The 2022 Qatar World Cup runs from November 20 until December 18.

☆ No alcohol sales permitted at Qatar's World Cup stadium sites - FIFA
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Andrew Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA Nov 18 (Reuters) - In a reversal, alcoholic beer will not be sold at Qatar's World Cup stadiums, world soccer governing body FIFA said in a statement on Friday. The announcement comes two days before Sunday's kickoff of the World Cup, the first to be held in a conservative Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, the consumption of which is banned in public. "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters," a FIFA spokesperson said in the statement. "Tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup," the statement said. Questions have swirled around the role alcohol would play at this year's World Cup since Qatar won hosting rights in 2010.

☆ Kraft Heinz turns to gimmicks and nostalgia to revive its ‘dusty’ brands
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Because they’re incredible.”More than half of Kraft Heinz’s business comes from just eight brands — the aforementioned three, plus Kraft Mac and Cheese, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Heinz, Lunchables and Ore-Ida. For Kraft Heinz, which is relying on Patricio to execute a comeback, there’s a lot on the line. So we have more loyalty.”For that reason, Kraft Heinz has leaned in to promoting its legacy brands — and with sometimes outrageous marketing. Kraft HeinzOther Kraft Heinz brands have also used attention-grabbing marketing campaigns. Kraft Heinz’s brands now have a presence on gaming platforms like Roblox, in addition to social media channels and other platforms.

☆ Budweiser Will Promote Its Alcohol-Free Beer at World Cup in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-15 | by ( Katie Deighton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

Budweiser is promoting its alcohol-free lager at the upcoming soccer World Cup in Qatar, balancing its role as the official beer of the event with the strict regulations on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the predominantly Muslim host nation. FIFA announced last month that it has so far sold 2.45 million World Cup tickets out of a possible 3 million. The brand said it plans to roll out localized ads and digital content in 70 countries as part of its World Cup marketing plans. It will also distribute more than 1 billion limited-edition bottles of Budweiser, each featuring a unique QR code linking to a competition to win free prizes including beer and World Cup tickets. And Anheuser-Busch InBev will use its World Cup sponsorship to promote the introduction of its direct-to-consumer e-commerce website and app TaDa, starting with 10 markets in Latin America, Mr. Marcondes said.

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