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"Bud Light Beer, The Queen of Beers"
Who truly owns the legal right to use the name "Budweiser"?
The Budweiser trademark dispute is an ongoing series of legal disputes between two beer companies (from the Czech Republic and the United States) who claim trademark and geographic origin rights to the name "Budweiser". The dispute has been ongoing since 1907, and has involved more than 100 court cases around the world. As a result, Budweiser Budvar has the rights to the name Budweiser in most of Europe and Anheuser-Busch InBev has this right in North America.
Consequently, AB InBev uses the name "Bud" in most of Europe and Budvar sells its beer in North America under the name "Czechvar". In other territories, one or the other or even both may use the name, depending on local trademark law.
Beer brewing in the city of České Budějovice (German: Budweis), which was then in the Kingdom of Bohemia and is now in the Czech Republic, dates back to the 13th century, when the city was granted brewing rights during the reign of Ottokar II of Bohemia. During the time when both Czech and German were official languages in the kingdom, two breweries were founded in the city. Both breweries made beer which they called "Budweiser", similar to how brewers in the city of Pilsen made a beer generically called Pilsner. The beer from Budweis began being exported to the United States in 1872–73 and then again beginning in 1933. In 1876, the American brewer Anheuser-Busch began making a beer which they also called "Budweiser", motivated in part by a desire to "brew a beer similar in quality, color, flavor and taste to the beer then made at Budweis", according to Adolphus Busch.
In 1907, American and Bohemian brewers made an agreement that Anheuser-Busch could market its beer as Budweiser only in North America, while the Bohemian brewers had the rights to the European markets. Since then, litigation has been extensive: according to the Budvar website, as of 2012 there were "about 40 trademark dispute cases pending in different jurisdictions and some 70 procedural issues up for consideration around the world".
As of January 2013, Budvar claimed to have won 89 of 124 cases against AB InBev, with an additional eight ending in a draw or settlement.
In the European Union (EU), Budějovický Budvar is recognized as a product with Protected Geographical Indication.
However, the trademark rights to the name Budweiser for some products other than beer are owned by Anheuser-Busch.
In early 2007, Anheuser-Busch and Budvar reached an agreement that stated that Anheuser-Busch would market Budvar/Czechvar in the United States and several other countries for an undisclosed fee. However, both sides stated that this did not affect their lawsuits. The partnership with AB InBev was terminated in January 2012, and in July of that year, United States Beverage began responsibility for the sales and marketing of Czechvar in the United States.
In March 2009, Anheuser-Busch lost an appeal against the EU's Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) decision to reject the registration of Budweiser as an EU-wide trademark for beer for Anheuser-Busch. The court pointed out that Budějovický Budvar had proven that it had been using the trade mark during at least the five years preceding the publication of Anheuser-Busch's application for a Community trade mark. The decision also covers malted non-alcoholic beverages (such as non-alcoholic beer).
Where AB InBev has lost cases, it markets its product as "Bud" (as in Italy) or as "Anheuser-Busch B" (in Germany). In 2013, AB InBev was granted an EU-wide Community Trade Mark for the use of "Bud", after winning a related court case against Budvar.
Where Budvar does not have rights, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil, it uses the brand name Czechvar. In 2007, AB InBev signed a deal with Budvar to sell Budvar Budweiser under the name Czechvar in the United States. The partnership was terminated in January 2012, and in July of that year, United States Beverage began responsibility for the sales and marketing of Czechvar in the United States.
Consequently, AB InBev uses the name "Bud" in most of Europe and Budvar sells its beer in North America under the name "Czechvar". In other territories, one or the other or even both may use the name, depending on local trademark law.
Beer brewing in the city of České Budějovice (German: Budweis), which was then in the Kingdom of Bohemia and is now in the Czech Republic, dates back to the 13th century, when the city was granted brewing rights during the reign of Ottokar II of Bohemia. During the time when both Czech and German were official languages in the kingdom, two breweries were founded in the city. Both breweries made beer which they called "Budweiser", similar to how brewers in the city of Pilsen made a beer generically called Pilsner. The beer from Budweis began being exported to the United States in 1872–73 and then again beginning in 1933. In 1876, the American brewer Anheuser-Busch began making a beer which they also called "Budweiser", motivated in part by a desire to "brew a beer similar in quality, color, flavor and taste to the beer then made at Budweis", according to Adolphus Busch.
In 1907, American and Bohemian brewers made an agreement that Anheuser-Busch could market its beer as Budweiser only in North America, while the Bohemian brewers had the rights to the European markets. Since then, litigation has been extensive: according to the Budvar website, as of 2012 there were "about 40 trademark dispute cases pending in different jurisdictions and some 70 procedural issues up for consideration around the world".
As of January 2013, Budvar claimed to have won 89 of 124 cases against AB InBev, with an additional eight ending in a draw or settlement.
In the European Union (EU), Budějovický Budvar is recognized as a product with Protected Geographical Indication.
However, the trademark rights to the name Budweiser for some products other than beer are owned by Anheuser-Busch.
In early 2007, Anheuser-Busch and Budvar reached an agreement that stated that Anheuser-Busch would market Budvar/Czechvar in the United States and several other countries for an undisclosed fee. However, both sides stated that this did not affect their lawsuits. The partnership with AB InBev was terminated in January 2012, and in July of that year, United States Beverage began responsibility for the sales and marketing of Czechvar in the United States.
In March 2009, Anheuser-Busch lost an appeal against the EU's Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) decision to reject the registration of Budweiser as an EU-wide trademark for beer for Anheuser-Busch. The court pointed out that Budějovický Budvar had proven that it had been using the trade mark during at least the five years preceding the publication of Anheuser-Busch's application for a Community trade mark. The decision also covers malted non-alcoholic beverages (such as non-alcoholic beer).
Where AB InBev has lost cases, it markets its product as "Bud" (as in Italy) or as "Anheuser-Busch B" (in Germany). In 2013, AB InBev was granted an EU-wide Community Trade Mark for the use of "Bud", after winning a related court case against Budvar.
Where Budvar does not have rights, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil, it uses the brand name Czechvar. In 2007, AB InBev signed a deal with Budvar to sell Budvar Budweiser under the name Czechvar in the United States. The partnership was terminated in January 2012, and in July of that year, United States Beverage began responsibility for the sales and marketing of Czechvar in the United States.
DeSantis orders probe into Bud Light’s deal with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has told his government to investigate whether Bud Light’s parent company breached its duties to shareholders as a conservative backlash continues to rage over the beer brand’s deal with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, instructed Lamar Taylor, the interim executive director of the State Board of Administration, to immediately launch a review into “how AB InBev’s conduct has impacted and continues to impact the value of SBA’s AB InBev
holdings.”
“It appears to me that AB InBev may have breached legal duties owed to its shareholders, and that a shareholder action may be both appropriate and necessary,” DeSantis wrote in a letter tweeted Friday.
“All options are on the table,” he added.
Shares of AB InBev are down more than 2% this year, while the broader market is up.
Sales of Bud Light have plummeted in the wake of conservative uproar and a boycott over the Mulvaney partnership. Last month, the beer lost its top spot in the U.S. beer market to Constellation Brands’ Modelo Especial, which holds 8.7% of overall beer sales, while Bud Light holds 7%, according to data shared by consulting firm Bump Willams.
The firm also found Bud Light sales are down by about 25% from last year. Amid the boycott, shares for the company fell from $66 a share to $58. DeSantis said Florida had $53 million worth of stock in AB InBev.
“Anheuser-Busch InBev takes our responsibility to our shareholders, employees, distributors and customers seriously,” a spokesperson for the company told CNBC in a statement Friday afternoon.
“We are focused on driving long-term, sustainable growth for them by optimizing our business and providing consumers products to enjoy for any occasion,” the spokesperson said.
DeSantis suggested that the probe could prompt a lawsuit on behalf of the shareholders of Florida’s pension funds. “At the end of the day, there’s got to be penalties when you put business aside to focus on your social agenda at the expense of hardworking people,” he said in a Fox News interview Thursday night.
The governor accused the company of neglecting its stakeholders and pensioners by associating with “radical social ideologies.”
DeSantis oversees the state board as a trustee along with the state’s Republican attorney general and chief financial officer.
The move against Bud Light marks the latest instance of DeSantis jumping into a controversy over a hot-button social issue and flexing his political powers.
The governor has been locked in a bitter feud with Disney, one of his state’s top employers, for more than a year after the company criticized Florida’s controversial bill limiting classroom discussion of gender identity. Disney filed a federal lawsuit accusing DeSantis and his allies of political retaliation stemming from the clash over the classroom bill.
DeSantis, seen as former President Donald Trump’s top Republican primary rival, has kept up his attacks on the campaign trail against Disney and other entities he deems are pushing “woke” progressive political ideology.
“We must prudently manage the funds of Florida’s hardworking law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and first responders in a manner that focuses on growing returns, not subsidizing an ideological agenda through woke virtue signaling,” he wrote in the letter to Taylor.
DeSantis is trailing Trump by double digits in most national polls of the GOP primary race. Less than two months after entering the race, the governor’s campaign is planning a reboot, NBC News reported Thursday.
Mulvaney has criticized Bud Light for not standing by her during the boycott. She said she was been harassed and intimidated as she became the face of the controversy.
“For months now I’ve been scared to leave my house, I’ve been ridiculed in public, I’ve been followed, and I have felt a loneliness that I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Mulvaney said last month.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has told his government to investigate whether Bud Light’s parent company breached its duties to shareholders as a conservative backlash continues to rage over the beer brand’s deal with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, instructed Lamar Taylor, the interim executive director of the State Board of Administration, to immediately launch a review into “how AB InBev’s conduct has impacted and continues to impact the value of SBA’s AB InBev
holdings.”
“It appears to me that AB InBev may have breached legal duties owed to its shareholders, and that a shareholder action may be both appropriate and necessary,” DeSantis wrote in a letter tweeted Friday.
“All options are on the table,” he added.
Shares of AB InBev are down more than 2% this year, while the broader market is up.
Sales of Bud Light have plummeted in the wake of conservative uproar and a boycott over the Mulvaney partnership. Last month, the beer lost its top spot in the U.S. beer market to Constellation Brands’ Modelo Especial, which holds 8.7% of overall beer sales, while Bud Light holds 7%, according to data shared by consulting firm Bump Willams.
The firm also found Bud Light sales are down by about 25% from last year. Amid the boycott, shares for the company fell from $66 a share to $58. DeSantis said Florida had $53 million worth of stock in AB InBev.
“Anheuser-Busch InBev takes our responsibility to our shareholders, employees, distributors and customers seriously,” a spokesperson for the company told CNBC in a statement Friday afternoon.
“We are focused on driving long-term, sustainable growth for them by optimizing our business and providing consumers products to enjoy for any occasion,” the spokesperson said.
DeSantis suggested that the probe could prompt a lawsuit on behalf of the shareholders of Florida’s pension funds. “At the end of the day, there’s got to be penalties when you put business aside to focus on your social agenda at the expense of hardworking people,” he said in a Fox News interview Thursday night.
The governor accused the company of neglecting its stakeholders and pensioners by associating with “radical social ideologies.”
DeSantis oversees the state board as a trustee along with the state’s Republican attorney general and chief financial officer.
The move against Bud Light marks the latest instance of DeSantis jumping into a controversy over a hot-button social issue and flexing his political powers.
The governor has been locked in a bitter feud with Disney, one of his state’s top employers, for more than a year after the company criticized Florida’s controversial bill limiting classroom discussion of gender identity. Disney filed a federal lawsuit accusing DeSantis and his allies of political retaliation stemming from the clash over the classroom bill.
DeSantis, seen as former President Donald Trump’s top Republican primary rival, has kept up his attacks on the campaign trail against Disney and other entities he deems are pushing “woke” progressive political ideology.
“We must prudently manage the funds of Florida’s hardworking law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and first responders in a manner that focuses on growing returns, not subsidizing an ideological agenda through woke virtue signaling,” he wrote in the letter to Taylor.
DeSantis is trailing Trump by double digits in most national polls of the GOP primary race. Less than two months after entering the race, the governor’s campaign is planning a reboot, NBC News reported Thursday.
Mulvaney has criticized Bud Light for not standing by her during the boycott. She said she was been harassed and intimidated as she became the face of the controversy.
“For months now I’ve been scared to leave my house, I’ve been ridiculed in public, I’ve been followed, and I have felt a loneliness that I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Mulvaney said last month.
Beer lovers across the U.S. have accused Anheuser-Busch of watering down its Budweiser, Michelob and other brands, in class-action suits seeking millions in damages.
The suits, filed in Pennsylvania, California and other states, claim consumers have been cheated out of the alcohol content stated on labels. Budweiser and Michelob each boast of being 5 percent alcohol, while some "light" versions are said to be just over 4 percent.
The lawsuits are based on information from former employees at the company's 13 U.S. breweries, some in high-level plant positions, according to lead lawyer Josh Boxer of San Rafael, Calif.
"Our information comes from former employees at Anheuser-Busch, who have informed us that as a matter of corporate practice, all of their products mentioned (in the lawsuit) are watered down," Boxer said. "It's a simple cost-saving measure, and it's very significant."
The excess water is added just before bottling and cuts the stated alcohol content by 3 percent to 8 percent, he said.
Anheuser-Busch InBev called the claims "groundless" and said its beers fully comply with labeling laws.
"Our beers are in full compliance with all alcohol labeling laws. We proudly adhere to the highest standards in brewing our beers, which have made them the best-selling in the U.S. and the world," Peter Kraemer, vice president of brewing and supply, said in a statement.
The suit involves 10 Anheuser-Busch products: Budweiser, Bud Ice, Bud Light Platinum, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Hurricane High Gravity Lager, King Cobra, Busch Ice, Natural Ice and Bud Light Lime.
Anheuser-Busch, based in St. Louis, Mo., merged with InBev in 2008 to form the world's largest alcohol producer, headquartered in Belgium. In 2011, the company produced 10 billion gallons of malt beverages, 3 billion of them in the U.S., and reported $22 billion in profits from that category, the lawsuit said.
The suits, filed in Pennsylvania, California and other states, claim consumers have been cheated out of the alcohol content stated on labels. Budweiser and Michelob each boast of being 5 percent alcohol, while some "light" versions are said to be just over 4 percent.
The lawsuits are based on information from former employees at the company's 13 U.S. breweries, some in high-level plant positions, according to lead lawyer Josh Boxer of San Rafael, Calif.
"Our information comes from former employees at Anheuser-Busch, who have informed us that as a matter of corporate practice, all of their products mentioned (in the lawsuit) are watered down," Boxer said. "It's a simple cost-saving measure, and it's very significant."
The excess water is added just before bottling and cuts the stated alcohol content by 3 percent to 8 percent, he said.
Anheuser-Busch InBev called the claims "groundless" and said its beers fully comply with labeling laws.
"Our beers are in full compliance with all alcohol labeling laws. We proudly adhere to the highest standards in brewing our beers, which have made them the best-selling in the U.S. and the world," Peter Kraemer, vice president of brewing and supply, said in a statement.
The suit involves 10 Anheuser-Busch products: Budweiser, Bud Ice, Bud Light Platinum, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Hurricane High Gravity Lager, King Cobra, Busch Ice, Natural Ice and Bud Light Lime.
Anheuser-Busch, based in St. Louis, Mo., merged with InBev in 2008 to form the world's largest alcohol producer, headquartered in Belgium. In 2011, the company produced 10 billion gallons of malt beverages, 3 billion of them in the U.S., and reported $22 billion in profits from that category, the lawsuit said.
Anheuser-Busch's CEO has failed to fix the Bud Light crisis. He must quit NOW and let someone else right this sinking ship... for the sake of ordinary Americans' 401(k)s, says brand's ex-president of sales Anson Frericks
Anson Frericks is a co-founder of Strive Asset Management and the former President of Anheuser Busch Sales & Distribution Co.
Heading into the U.S. beer market’s biggest sales week of the year, the Fourth of July holiday, Anheuser-Busch’s CEO Brendan Whitworth was no doubt hoping to put the recent turmoil behind him.
After all, the beer company's decision to make trans-activist Dylan Mulvaney the face of Bud Light has cost a staggering $20 billion – and counting – in lost market cap value. This weekend is make or break.
Sadly, though, it looks like the battle has already been lost.
On Thursday, Mulvaney did something Whitworth should have had the wisdom to do weeks ago – cut ties.
‘For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse than not hiring a trans person at all,’ Mulvaney said in an Instagram post, blasting the company for their failure to 'reach out to her' in the aftermath of their ill-advised campaign back in April.
Anheuser-Busch’s response on Friday was predictably weak and indecisive:
'As we move forward, we will focus on what we do best – brewing great beer for everyone and earning our place in moments that matter to our consumers.’
What does that mean? Absolutely nothing. And it will only deepen the chasm between the brand and its customers.
As such – and I take no pleasure in passing this judgement – it's clear to me that it's time for the shareholders and board of Anheuser-Busch to ask Whitworth to step down.
Now, to be clear: I worked with Whitworth for many years at Anheuser-Busch. He personally promoted me twice and eventually made me President of Anheuser Busch Sales & Distribution Co in 2021.
We had a good relationship – and I left on my own terms to co-found an asset management company last year.
So I write this with a heavy heart, not out of spite but because it’s important for Americans to understand how and why corporate leaders can bungle the management of once-iconic American brands so badly, sacrificing countless jobs and invested assets in the process.
More importantly, I write because those leaders must be seen to take responsibility when things go so badly wrong.
The controversy for Bud Light started on April 1st when Mulvaney posted on social media about a personalized ‘gift’ beer with her face on it that she'd received to celebrate ‘365 days of girlhood.’
The consumer backlash was immediate.
Singer Kid Rock blasted a case of Bud Light with an AR-15. Bartenders reported that customers stopped ordering pints. Unsold beer sat on grocery store shelves.
The fallout was exacerbated by comments from Bud Light’s Vice President of Marketing who previously said that the brand needed to update its ‘fratty’ and ‘out of touch’ messaging.
On April 14th, Whitworth made his first attempt at addressing plunging sales with a flat corporate response that neither mentioned the specific controversy, nor apologized for it.
Instead of helping, it made things even worse: inflaming both the customers who wanted an apology for the campaign - and those who were sympathetic to Mulvaney and wanted to see the company defend the influencer.
The sales decline accelerated, and Bud Light lost its title as the #1 selling beer brand in the U.S. to Mexican brand Modelo in May.
On June 16th, Whitworth tried again.
But this statement, as bland as the first, only announced additional investments in Bud Light’s summer marketing campaign, support for front line employees and a few weak platitudes telling consumers ‘we hear you’ and ‘here’s to a future with more cheers’.
Bud Light subsequently experienced its worst weekly sales numbers since the Mulvaney partnership.
On June 28th, Whitworth had one last chance to hit the game-saving home run before the critical July 4th holiday.
He made his first public appearance since the debacle on CBS Morning News where he was twice asked by hosts if he would send the can to Mulvaney again or if it had been a ‘mistake’.
It was a softball question. He should have belted it out of the park.
Yet both times he deflected, with a clearly rehearsed and evasive answer.
He should have said: ‘Of course, it was a mistake. No, we wouldn't send the can again!’ But he didn’t. Why?
Because he’s been paralyzed by corporate America’s forced adoption of ‘stakeholder’ capitalism, which preaches to companies about why they must serve activists, politicians, non-governmental organizations and all manner of interests – anyone really apart from their shareholders and customers!
It wasn’t always this way.
Historically, CEO’s focused on what really matters: creating great products and services.
Certainly, any divisive political controversies that threatened sales were avoided or quickly neutralized.
That way you can ensure more customers, more employees and more profits. It’s that simple.
But now, large asset managers, otherwise known as ‘The Big Three’ call the shots.
Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street manage over $20 trillion. They’re the largest shareholders in most publicly traded companies – and they were also the key architects of ‘stakeholder’ capitalism, with their now infamous ‘diversity and inclusion’ targets.
Whitworth and other CEOs like him are their mouthpieces.
But we must remember, ‘The Big Three’ are not the real shareholders.
The real shareholders are the firefighters, police officers and doctors, whose life-savings – held in pensions and 401ks – are managed by these monster firms.
These are ordinary Americans – who don't care for virtue signaling and money wasting exercises.
They want the best for their families – and, really, they should feel entitled to demand a CEO who speaks for them; one who is prepared to say what is needed and make the big decisions.
Whitworth has clearly shown himself to be incapable of solving the Mulvaney crisis.
He's had multiple chances and he's failed.
It's time he did the right thing and stepped aside to make way for someone capable of righting the sinking Bud Light ship. DailyMail UK
Anson Frericks is a co-founder of Strive Asset Management and the former President of Anheuser Busch Sales & Distribution Co.
Heading into the U.S. beer market’s biggest sales week of the year, the Fourth of July holiday, Anheuser-Busch’s CEO Brendan Whitworth was no doubt hoping to put the recent turmoil behind him.
After all, the beer company's decision to make trans-activist Dylan Mulvaney the face of Bud Light has cost a staggering $20 billion – and counting – in lost market cap value. This weekend is make or break.
Sadly, though, it looks like the battle has already been lost.
On Thursday, Mulvaney did something Whitworth should have had the wisdom to do weeks ago – cut ties.
‘For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse than not hiring a trans person at all,’ Mulvaney said in an Instagram post, blasting the company for their failure to 'reach out to her' in the aftermath of their ill-advised campaign back in April.
Anheuser-Busch’s response on Friday was predictably weak and indecisive:
'As we move forward, we will focus on what we do best – brewing great beer for everyone and earning our place in moments that matter to our consumers.’
What does that mean? Absolutely nothing. And it will only deepen the chasm between the brand and its customers.
As such – and I take no pleasure in passing this judgement – it's clear to me that it's time for the shareholders and board of Anheuser-Busch to ask Whitworth to step down.
Now, to be clear: I worked with Whitworth for many years at Anheuser-Busch. He personally promoted me twice and eventually made me President of Anheuser Busch Sales & Distribution Co in 2021.
We had a good relationship – and I left on my own terms to co-found an asset management company last year.
So I write this with a heavy heart, not out of spite but because it’s important for Americans to understand how and why corporate leaders can bungle the management of once-iconic American brands so badly, sacrificing countless jobs and invested assets in the process.
More importantly, I write because those leaders must be seen to take responsibility when things go so badly wrong.
The controversy for Bud Light started on April 1st when Mulvaney posted on social media about a personalized ‘gift’ beer with her face on it that she'd received to celebrate ‘365 days of girlhood.’
The consumer backlash was immediate.
Singer Kid Rock blasted a case of Bud Light with an AR-15. Bartenders reported that customers stopped ordering pints. Unsold beer sat on grocery store shelves.
The fallout was exacerbated by comments from Bud Light’s Vice President of Marketing who previously said that the brand needed to update its ‘fratty’ and ‘out of touch’ messaging.
On April 14th, Whitworth made his first attempt at addressing plunging sales with a flat corporate response that neither mentioned the specific controversy, nor apologized for it.
Instead of helping, it made things even worse: inflaming both the customers who wanted an apology for the campaign - and those who were sympathetic to Mulvaney and wanted to see the company defend the influencer.
The sales decline accelerated, and Bud Light lost its title as the #1 selling beer brand in the U.S. to Mexican brand Modelo in May.
On June 16th, Whitworth tried again.
But this statement, as bland as the first, only announced additional investments in Bud Light’s summer marketing campaign, support for front line employees and a few weak platitudes telling consumers ‘we hear you’ and ‘here’s to a future with more cheers’.
Bud Light subsequently experienced its worst weekly sales numbers since the Mulvaney partnership.
On June 28th, Whitworth had one last chance to hit the game-saving home run before the critical July 4th holiday.
He made his first public appearance since the debacle on CBS Morning News where he was twice asked by hosts if he would send the can to Mulvaney again or if it had been a ‘mistake’.
It was a softball question. He should have belted it out of the park.
Yet both times he deflected, with a clearly rehearsed and evasive answer.
He should have said: ‘Of course, it was a mistake. No, we wouldn't send the can again!’ But he didn’t. Why?
Because he’s been paralyzed by corporate America’s forced adoption of ‘stakeholder’ capitalism, which preaches to companies about why they must serve activists, politicians, non-governmental organizations and all manner of interests – anyone really apart from their shareholders and customers!
It wasn’t always this way.
Historically, CEO’s focused on what really matters: creating great products and services.
Certainly, any divisive political controversies that threatened sales were avoided or quickly neutralized.
That way you can ensure more customers, more employees and more profits. It’s that simple.
But now, large asset managers, otherwise known as ‘The Big Three’ call the shots.
Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street manage over $20 trillion. They’re the largest shareholders in most publicly traded companies – and they were also the key architects of ‘stakeholder’ capitalism, with their now infamous ‘diversity and inclusion’ targets.
Whitworth and other CEOs like him are their mouthpieces.
But we must remember, ‘The Big Three’ are not the real shareholders.
The real shareholders are the firefighters, police officers and doctors, whose life-savings – held in pensions and 401ks – are managed by these monster firms.
These are ordinary Americans – who don't care for virtue signaling and money wasting exercises.
They want the best for their families – and, really, they should feel entitled to demand a CEO who speaks for them; one who is prepared to say what is needed and make the big decisions.
Whitworth has clearly shown himself to be incapable of solving the Mulvaney crisis.
He's had multiple chances and he's failed.
It's time he did the right thing and stepped aside to make way for someone capable of righting the sinking Bud Light ship. DailyMail UK
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/2/9/102937664/budlight59_orig.jpg)
These websites will be a permanent and ongoing repository of information regarding the controversy pertaining to Bud Light’s involvement and the overwhelming backlash that is created by a few cans of beer celebrating transgender Dylan Mulvaney and the public outcry of how this entire spectacle ensued over the past couple of months. Anheuser Busch’s leadership and management of this quandary has garnered considerable criticism as to how and why it was mishandled and the sheer amount of publicity will continue unabated for years and the company has and will continue to lose billions of dollars for the foreseeable future and in all likelihood will never live it down in the eyes of former Bud Light drinkers.
As additional information becomes available, and it certainly will progress in the negative press for eons to come you can most assuredly find what you need to know here at AnheuserBuschSucks.com.
Be prepared to visit often as new content will be updated because Anheuser Busch’s reputation is deteriorating daily as there truly is no way to downplay the exorbitant damage to not only this brand of beer but also the numerous others in their various flavors such as MichelobUltraSucks.com and BudLightBeerSucks.com which will cause the vast majority of beer lovers to switch to other brands so whatever reduction of consumption of Bud Light will increase their competitors in a teeter totter scenario of Bud Light’s diminishing acceptance by the public will with certainty enhance the quantity of other brands because the public has lost interest in Anheuser Busch.
Guilt by association means that all the brands and flavors mentioned here are subject to the same negative connotations because they have the public’s attention regarding the boycott relegated towards Bud Light and as of June 8, 2023 Bud Light is no longer the number one selling beer in America per Circana/IRI and it’s anybody’s guess as to how far they will drop from the peak that they have held for so long, the beer most noted for the uprising furor and who knows which one will be next to infuriate beer drinkers.
In all likelihood management of Anheuser Busch will be sued by investors of their stock due to the precipitous drop in market value attributed to the chaos brought about by the company’s creating the beer can promoting the transgender individual Dylan Mulvaney.
It’s anyone’s guess as to how soon and by how many disgruntled shareholders will file lawsuits due to the market value decreasing from $137 Billion dollars to around $110 Billion dollars which translates to $27 Billion dollar loss which is substantial to say the least!
The name Anheuser Busch has quickly become the laughing stock of the beer world and they may never recover. Bud Light has been plagued by the boycott and it’s very easy for beer drinkers to switch flavors and the name has become something no one wants to be associated with nor seen consuming, especially in public such as bars and restaurants and not even at football tail gate gatherings.
What once was the darling of beer aficionados is no longer and this disaster will filter down through the ranks of all of the brands such as Michelob Ultra and Budweiser so it’s conceivable that the the vast majority of Anheuser Busch’s flavors will also topple down as well because that is what happens during the contagious scenario beholden to plagues.
Any and all investors who feel that they have been damaged financially by this disastrous situation caused by the inability of Anheuser Busch management to rectify any ineptness should confer with their respective legal counsel to determine if filing a lawsuit against the company poste haste to receive just compensation for losses sustained and pursue all legal actions necessary to right any wrongs. This is not to be construed as legal advice but to communicate with your legal representatives without delay.
The leadership of Anheuser Busch has lost credibility in this fiasco and obviously should be held accountable for their mishap in dealing with the aftermath of the Dylan Mulvaney situation and they are literally running out of time for this is tantamount to a stampede bearing down on them and before much more deteriorates within the organization they absolutely must get a handle on it because it appears to be a runaway train heading onto them at breakneck speed with no ability to put a stop to it before they reach the point of no return as time is of the essence and beer drinkers refuse to return in any fashion towards each and every brand belonging to Anheuser Busch.
As additional information becomes available, and it certainly will progress in the negative press for eons to come you can most assuredly find what you need to know here at AnheuserBuschSucks.com.
Be prepared to visit often as new content will be updated because Anheuser Busch’s reputation is deteriorating daily as there truly is no way to downplay the exorbitant damage to not only this brand of beer but also the numerous others in their various flavors such as MichelobUltraSucks.com and BudLightBeerSucks.com which will cause the vast majority of beer lovers to switch to other brands so whatever reduction of consumption of Bud Light will increase their competitors in a teeter totter scenario of Bud Light’s diminishing acceptance by the public will with certainty enhance the quantity of other brands because the public has lost interest in Anheuser Busch.
Guilt by association means that all the brands and flavors mentioned here are subject to the same negative connotations because they have the public’s attention regarding the boycott relegated towards Bud Light and as of June 8, 2023 Bud Light is no longer the number one selling beer in America per Circana/IRI and it’s anybody’s guess as to how far they will drop from the peak that they have held for so long, the beer most noted for the uprising furor and who knows which one will be next to infuriate beer drinkers.
In all likelihood management of Anheuser Busch will be sued by investors of their stock due to the precipitous drop in market value attributed to the chaos brought about by the company’s creating the beer can promoting the transgender individual Dylan Mulvaney.
It’s anyone’s guess as to how soon and by how many disgruntled shareholders will file lawsuits due to the market value decreasing from $137 Billion dollars to around $110 Billion dollars which translates to $27 Billion dollar loss which is substantial to say the least!
The name Anheuser Busch has quickly become the laughing stock of the beer world and they may never recover. Bud Light has been plagued by the boycott and it’s very easy for beer drinkers to switch flavors and the name has become something no one wants to be associated with nor seen consuming, especially in public such as bars and restaurants and not even at football tail gate gatherings.
What once was the darling of beer aficionados is no longer and this disaster will filter down through the ranks of all of the brands such as Michelob Ultra and Budweiser so it’s conceivable that the the vast majority of Anheuser Busch’s flavors will also topple down as well because that is what happens during the contagious scenario beholden to plagues.
Any and all investors who feel that they have been damaged financially by this disastrous situation caused by the inability of Anheuser Busch management to rectify any ineptness should confer with their respective legal counsel to determine if filing a lawsuit against the company poste haste to receive just compensation for losses sustained and pursue all legal actions necessary to right any wrongs. This is not to be construed as legal advice but to communicate with your legal representatives without delay.
The leadership of Anheuser Busch has lost credibility in this fiasco and obviously should be held accountable for their mishap in dealing with the aftermath of the Dylan Mulvaney situation and they are literally running out of time for this is tantamount to a stampede bearing down on them and before much more deteriorates within the organization they absolutely must get a handle on it because it appears to be a runaway train heading onto them at breakneck speed with no ability to put a stop to it before they reach the point of no return as time is of the essence and beer drinkers refuse to return in any fashion towards each and every brand belonging to Anheuser Busch.
In May, Republican senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee sent a letter to Anheuser-Busch and the Beer Institute calling for an investigation to be opened into Bud Light's partnership with Mulvaney. The letter, obtained by Newsweek, said that Bud Light may have violated "the Beer Institute's Advertising/Marketing Code and Buying Guidelines prohibiting marketing to individuals younger than the legal drinking age."
Bud Light partnered with Mulvaney in April, providing her with a customized can to celebrate the first anniversary of her transition. The partnership sparked widespread criticism and calls to boycott Bud Light, mainly from conservatives.
Recently released data showed Bud Light seeing a continued decline in sales over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and a former Anheuser-Busch executive previously told Newsweek that he is not "surprised" by the decline in sales and projected that "sales are not going to improve and potentially could get worse."
The letter sent by Cruz and Blackburn alleged that Mulvaney's content on Instagram and TikTok is focused on younger individuals and her video showing the Bud Light can would be seen as promoting underage drinking.
Only one member (2-1) of the Beer Institute's CCRB dissented from the conclusion on Wednesday. Paul Summers, the former Tennessee attorney general wrote in his dissent that "This writer, a CCRB board member, finds that the brewer has violated the Code as to advertising and marketing to people below the legal drinking age. The complainant/s have met the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence."
In a statement released by the U.S. Senate Commission on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ranking Member Cruz said, "This is the first time a review board member—and notably, the board's only lawyer—has concluded that a brewer violated industry code prohibiting the marketing of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals."
While I am disappointed but unsurprised with the ruling from the other two panelists on the board, I will continue efforts to shine a spotlight on how Anheuser-Busch chose a spokesperson meant to appeal to children. If marketing tobacco to minors is effectively illegal, perhaps Congress needs to take action to do the same with alcohol in light of Anheuser-Busch's actions," the statement added.
Bud Light partnered with Mulvaney in April, providing her with a customized can to celebrate the first anniversary of her transition. The partnership sparked widespread criticism and calls to boycott Bud Light, mainly from conservatives.
Recently released data showed Bud Light seeing a continued decline in sales over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and a former Anheuser-Busch executive previously told Newsweek that he is not "surprised" by the decline in sales and projected that "sales are not going to improve and potentially could get worse."
The letter sent by Cruz and Blackburn alleged that Mulvaney's content on Instagram and TikTok is focused on younger individuals and her video showing the Bud Light can would be seen as promoting underage drinking.
Only one member (2-1) of the Beer Institute's CCRB dissented from the conclusion on Wednesday. Paul Summers, the former Tennessee attorney general wrote in his dissent that "This writer, a CCRB board member, finds that the brewer has violated the Code as to advertising and marketing to people below the legal drinking age. The complainant/s have met the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence."
In a statement released by the U.S. Senate Commission on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ranking Member Cruz said, "This is the first time a review board member—and notably, the board's only lawyer—has concluded that a brewer violated industry code prohibiting the marketing of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals."
While I am disappointed but unsurprised with the ruling from the other two panelists on the board, I will continue efforts to shine a spotlight on how Anheuser-Busch chose a spokesperson meant to appeal to children. If marketing tobacco to minors is effectively illegal, perhaps Congress needs to take action to do the same with alcohol in light of Anheuser-Busch's actions," the statement added.
Rainbow capitalism (also called pink capitalism, homocapitalism or gay capitalism) is the involvement of capitalism and consumerism in the LGBT movement. It developed in the 20th and 21st centuries as the LGBT community became more accepted in society and developed sufficient purchasing power, known as pink money. Early rainbow capitalism was limited to gay bars and gay bathhouses, though it expanded to most industries by the early-21st century.
Marketing to the LGBT community has played a major role in promoting social acceptance of LGBT people, including increased LGBT representation in media and advertising, though it has also perpetuated stereotypes of gay men. LGBT people are often poorer than heterosexual people when adjusting for other factors and often have more difficulty finding and securing work, though increased protections for LGBT individuals work to counteract this in some countries. Some governments and politicians use LGBT rights to support their foreign policy, either by supporting pressure on other countries to adopt LGBT protections or by opposing immigration from these countries.
Capitalism incentivizes corporations to promote LGBT rights to increase worker satisfaction, expand the consumer base, and maintain a positive public image. Many CEOs of corporations support LGBT rights through personal belief.Some companies in the United States have been criticized for expressing nominal support for the LGBT community while also supporting anti-LGBT politicians. LGBT people can also be victims of gentrification.
Opponents of corporate pride include right-wing and left-wing activists, who believe that corporate support for LGBT rights goes too far or not far enough, respectively. 76% of LGBT Americans support corporate presence in Pride parades.
Marketing to the LGBT community has played a major role in promoting social acceptance of LGBT people, including increased LGBT representation in media and advertising, though it has also perpetuated stereotypes of gay men. LGBT people are often poorer than heterosexual people when adjusting for other factors and often have more difficulty finding and securing work, though increased protections for LGBT individuals work to counteract this in some countries. Some governments and politicians use LGBT rights to support their foreign policy, either by supporting pressure on other countries to adopt LGBT protections or by opposing immigration from these countries.
Capitalism incentivizes corporations to promote LGBT rights to increase worker satisfaction, expand the consumer base, and maintain a positive public image. Many CEOs of corporations support LGBT rights through personal belief.Some companies in the United States have been criticized for expressing nominal support for the LGBT community while also supporting anti-LGBT politicians. LGBT people can also be victims of gentrification.
Opponents of corporate pride include right-wing and left-wing activists, who believe that corporate support for LGBT rights goes too far or not far enough, respectively. 76% of LGBT Americans support corporate presence in Pride parades.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Protests Bud Light By… Switching to Another LGBTQ+-Friendly Beer Coors Light has sponsored Pride parades and donated to LGBTQ+ organizations. BY ABBY MONTEIL April 11, 2023
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has joined the legions of right-wing pundits who have whipped themselves into a frenzy over a recent collab between Bud Light and trans TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney. In her case, Greene went so far as to formally announce to the world that she’s switching to Coors Light instead.
“I would have bought the king of beers, but it changed its gender to the queen of beers,” she tweeted on April 8, attaching a photo of a Coors Light 24-pack in her backseat. “So it’s made to chill from here on out.”
MTG isn’t the only conservative having a normal one. Ever since Mulvaney announced that she had partnered with Bud Light to promote the brand’s Easy Carry Contest on April 2, angry trolls have called for boycotts of the beer’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch. Some have even shared over-the top videos of themselves pouring their Bud Light cans down the drain and declaring their newfound loyalty to Coors and Miller Light (which would be almost… accidental camp, if it weren’t also terrifying).
Meanwhile, country musician Travis Tritt recently tweeted that he “will be deleting all Anheuser-Busch products from my tour hospitality rider.” Conservative musician Kid Rock even filmed himself shooting four cases of Bud Light with a semi-automatic rifle while sporting a MAGA hat.
This isn’t the first time Greene has raised a fuss over companies partnering with LGBTQ+ talent. Earlier this month, she slammed Nike for collaborating with Mulvaney and called attention to Jack Daniels’ partnership with RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni for their 2021 “Drag Queen Sumer Glamp” campaign.
But the joke’s on Greene and her fellow goons, because, as many have pointed out, Canadian-American beverage company Molson Coors has also publicly expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. Subsidiary Miller Lite runs a campaign on inclusivity in bars and has contributed nearly half a million dollars to the LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization Equality Federation, per its website. And Coors Light has sponsored Denver’s Pride festivities for over 20 years, in addition to donating over $100,000 to LGBTQ+ organizations, according to Denver Pride.
So when Greene got in on the trend, plenty of Twitter users were more than happy to mock the irony of her beer boycott.
“You bought Coors Light and Peeps which combined donated six figures a year to LGBTQ+ organizations,” internet personality Tony Posnanski replied. “So go fuck yourself and thank you for your support of trans rights.”
Who knew that TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney and beer could ignite an internet firestorm?
As for as rainbow capitalism goes, at least Anheuser-Busch had the baseline decency to issue a milquetoast response swatting away trolls.
In a statement to Fox News, Anheuser-Busch said that it “works with hundreds of influencers across our brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics and passion points.”
In response to backlash over Bud Light sending Mulvaney a one-off commemorative can featuring an illustration of her face and a message congratulating her on her popular “365 days of girlhood” TikTok series, the company added: “From time to time, we produce unique commemorative cans for fans and for brand influencers, like Dylan Mulvaney. This commemorative can was a gift to celebrate a personal milestone and is not on sale to the general public.”
Well, there you have it! Unless right-wingers create their own brand, Greene and her supporters will have to deal with their “woke beer” or get a bit more creative with their drink choices.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has joined the legions of right-wing pundits who have whipped themselves into a frenzy over a recent collab between Bud Light and trans TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney. In her case, Greene went so far as to formally announce to the world that she’s switching to Coors Light instead.
“I would have bought the king of beers, but it changed its gender to the queen of beers,” she tweeted on April 8, attaching a photo of a Coors Light 24-pack in her backseat. “So it’s made to chill from here on out.”
MTG isn’t the only conservative having a normal one. Ever since Mulvaney announced that she had partnered with Bud Light to promote the brand’s Easy Carry Contest on April 2, angry trolls have called for boycotts of the beer’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch. Some have even shared over-the top videos of themselves pouring their Bud Light cans down the drain and declaring their newfound loyalty to Coors and Miller Light (which would be almost… accidental camp, if it weren’t also terrifying).
Meanwhile, country musician Travis Tritt recently tweeted that he “will be deleting all Anheuser-Busch products from my tour hospitality rider.” Conservative musician Kid Rock even filmed himself shooting four cases of Bud Light with a semi-automatic rifle while sporting a MAGA hat.
This isn’t the first time Greene has raised a fuss over companies partnering with LGBTQ+ talent. Earlier this month, she slammed Nike for collaborating with Mulvaney and called attention to Jack Daniels’ partnership with RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni for their 2021 “Drag Queen Sumer Glamp” campaign.
But the joke’s on Greene and her fellow goons, because, as many have pointed out, Canadian-American beverage company Molson Coors has also publicly expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. Subsidiary Miller Lite runs a campaign on inclusivity in bars and has contributed nearly half a million dollars to the LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization Equality Federation, per its website. And Coors Light has sponsored Denver’s Pride festivities for over 20 years, in addition to donating over $100,000 to LGBTQ+ organizations, according to Denver Pride.
So when Greene got in on the trend, plenty of Twitter users were more than happy to mock the irony of her beer boycott.
“You bought Coors Light and Peeps which combined donated six figures a year to LGBTQ+ organizations,” internet personality Tony Posnanski replied. “So go fuck yourself and thank you for your support of trans rights.”
Who knew that TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney and beer could ignite an internet firestorm?
As for as rainbow capitalism goes, at least Anheuser-Busch had the baseline decency to issue a milquetoast response swatting away trolls.
In a statement to Fox News, Anheuser-Busch said that it “works with hundreds of influencers across our brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics and passion points.”
In response to backlash over Bud Light sending Mulvaney a one-off commemorative can featuring an illustration of her face and a message congratulating her on her popular “365 days of girlhood” TikTok series, the company added: “From time to time, we produce unique commemorative cans for fans and for brand influencers, like Dylan Mulvaney. This commemorative can was a gift to celebrate a personal milestone and is not on sale to the general public.”
Well, there you have it! Unless right-wingers create their own brand, Greene and her supporters will have to deal with their “woke beer” or get a bit more creative with their drink choices.
As He Pretends Anheuser-Busch is an American Company, CEO Brendan Whitworth Fails Leadership Test
Statement of Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center
Falls Church, VA | April 17, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Anheuser-Busch has finally addressed the controversy that has embroiled the company since April 1 when it centered a Bud Light promotion around transgender “influencer” Dylan Mulvaney.
Only problem is, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement Friday addressing the issue by not addressing it, accomplishing nothing but to underscore his own helplessness and guaranteeing that the conflagration will continue.
Whitworth’s statement asserted that “we never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people.” But nowhere could he even say what the “discussion” is about, as if the topic was too hot to even mention.
He doesn’t say it was a mistake for a beer company to promote transgenderism, nor does he defend the ad campaign. It is as if he had to say something if only to quiet his coterie of underlings and PR consultants who were no doubt urging him to say something.
He took the faintest stab possible to assuage consumers who might most object to the promotion by saluting “military, first responders, sports fans and hard-working Americans everywhere.” But he could not state the obvious about why all these great people might object to Dylan Mulvaney, namely that men cannot become women, and that it is a folly for anyone, much less a beer company, to advance this lie.
Unfortunate for Whitworth, he is handcuffed by the company’s long association with activists who would turn on him as quickly and eagerly as they have accepted his company’s support and money over the years. Anheuser-Busch gets a perfect 100 scoreon the Human Rights Campaign so-called Corporate Equality Index, and the company promotes gender ideology in its internal training programs.
Whitworth fails the leadership test. It’s easy to lay claim to effective institutional management when all the choices are good. Real leadership becomes evident, however, when the choices are bad. But maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on poor Whitworth because his authority as CEO is not what is seems.
Whitworth, whose actual title is “CEO North American Zone,” proudly reports that Anheuser-Busch was “founded in America’s heartland more than 165 years ago,” but he does not mention that the company was sold to the multinational InBev in 2008. The company is now known as Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA/NV, and is incorporated and headquartered in Belgium. In addition, CEO Michael Doukeris is a Brazilian citizen.
According the company’s website, nine of its 12 directors are appointed by something called “Stichting Anheuser-Busch InBev,” which it describes as “a foundation organised under the laws of the Netherlands, which represents an important part of the interests of the Belgian founding families of the Company and the interests of the Brazilian families previously shareholders of AmBev.”
So, Whitworth’s real bosses are a group of ultrarich Europeans and South Americans, who will ultimately act in what they perceive to be their own interests, not those of American beer drinkers. These plutocrats attempt to keep the attention off their wealth by buying off the activists who might challenge it. That is why the company panders to, and bankrolls, a host of woke causes worldwide.
Like Unilever, another Europe-based multinational whose American subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s plunged it into controversy (when it ended ice cream sales in the disputed territories of Israel), Anheuser-Busch InBev abets social and political causes that undermine the cultural values and economic interests of the consumers they purport to serve.
National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) sponsors the Corporate Integrity Project. When Anheuser-Busch was still an independent company, NLPC filed a series of shareholder proposals seeking disclosure of its financial support for political and social activist groups.
Statement of Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center
Falls Church, VA | April 17, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Anheuser-Busch has finally addressed the controversy that has embroiled the company since April 1 when it centered a Bud Light promotion around transgender “influencer” Dylan Mulvaney.
Only problem is, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement Friday addressing the issue by not addressing it, accomplishing nothing but to underscore his own helplessness and guaranteeing that the conflagration will continue.
Whitworth’s statement asserted that “we never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people.” But nowhere could he even say what the “discussion” is about, as if the topic was too hot to even mention.
He doesn’t say it was a mistake for a beer company to promote transgenderism, nor does he defend the ad campaign. It is as if he had to say something if only to quiet his coterie of underlings and PR consultants who were no doubt urging him to say something.
He took the faintest stab possible to assuage consumers who might most object to the promotion by saluting “military, first responders, sports fans and hard-working Americans everywhere.” But he could not state the obvious about why all these great people might object to Dylan Mulvaney, namely that men cannot become women, and that it is a folly for anyone, much less a beer company, to advance this lie.
Unfortunate for Whitworth, he is handcuffed by the company’s long association with activists who would turn on him as quickly and eagerly as they have accepted his company’s support and money over the years. Anheuser-Busch gets a perfect 100 scoreon the Human Rights Campaign so-called Corporate Equality Index, and the company promotes gender ideology in its internal training programs.
Whitworth fails the leadership test. It’s easy to lay claim to effective institutional management when all the choices are good. Real leadership becomes evident, however, when the choices are bad. But maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on poor Whitworth because his authority as CEO is not what is seems.
Whitworth, whose actual title is “CEO North American Zone,” proudly reports that Anheuser-Busch was “founded in America’s heartland more than 165 years ago,” but he does not mention that the company was sold to the multinational InBev in 2008. The company is now known as Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA/NV, and is incorporated and headquartered in Belgium. In addition, CEO Michael Doukeris is a Brazilian citizen.
According the company’s website, nine of its 12 directors are appointed by something called “Stichting Anheuser-Busch InBev,” which it describes as “a foundation organised under the laws of the Netherlands, which represents an important part of the interests of the Belgian founding families of the Company and the interests of the Brazilian families previously shareholders of AmBev.”
So, Whitworth’s real bosses are a group of ultrarich Europeans and South Americans, who will ultimately act in what they perceive to be their own interests, not those of American beer drinkers. These plutocrats attempt to keep the attention off their wealth by buying off the activists who might challenge it. That is why the company panders to, and bankrolls, a host of woke causes worldwide.
Like Unilever, another Europe-based multinational whose American subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s plunged it into controversy (when it ended ice cream sales in the disputed territories of Israel), Anheuser-Busch InBev abets social and political causes that undermine the cultural values and economic interests of the consumers they purport to serve.
National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) sponsors the Corporate Integrity Project. When Anheuser-Busch was still an independent company, NLPC filed a series of shareholder proposals seeking disclosure of its financial support for political and social activist groups.
Anheuser-Busch’s US CEO dodged multiple questions during a Wednesday TV interview about whether Bud Light’s ill-fated partnership with Dylan Mulvaney was a mistake — and whether the company might work with the transgender influencer again.
Grilled about whether the brewery had blundered in aligning the No. 1 selling beer in the US with Mulvaney, Brendan Whitworth told “CBS Mornings” that “just to be clear, it was a gift and it was one can.”
The CBS hosts then pressed Whitworth several times for a direct answer on whether Anheuser-Busch would send Mulvaney a can of Bud Light with Mulvaney’s image to the influencer again and where the company stands on “queer rights.”
In response, Whitworth appeared determined to keep it vague and noncommittal.
“There’s a big social conversation going on right now,” he said. “It’s moved away from beer,” and “Bud Light doesn’t belong in this divisive conversation.”
Whitworth also pointed to the company’s 25-year history of supporting the LGBTQ community and said “We will continue to support the communities and organizations that we have supported for decades.”
The hosts meanwhile pressed Whitworth on why Anheuser-Busch has given donations to anti-LGBTQ politicians.
“We support politicians who support our business and allow us to grow,” Whitworth responded.
The former marine and operations officer with the CIA has held the top job at Anheuser-Busch for two years. Whitworth, 46, said the controversy and its impact “is my responsibility” and that “everything we do I’m accountable for.”
Anheuser-Busch is investing three times the amount on the Bud Light brand this year, Whitworth said Wednesday. The executive also said that the company is giving financial support to its distributors.
“Money has gone out,” already, he said.
Anheuser-Busch has previously tried to distance itself from the April 1 social media posts by Mulvaney that ignited a firestorm against Bud Light and its parent company – and that has dragged down its sister brands, including Budweiser and Michelob Ultra.
This week, data showed that Bud Light’s sales are recently suffering their steepest drops yet since the controversy broke, with sales for the week ended June 20 down 28.5% from a year ago.
Early in the controversy, the company did not disavow its partnership with Mulvaney, explaining that it was one of many such promotional partnerships meant to “authentically connect with audiences across various demographics and passion points,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Anheuser-Busch’s 65,000 employees and distributors are on the front lines of the backlash, including being mocked and threatened with car horns, cursing, and a declining income as sales of the brewery’s brands keep falling.
Grilled about whether the brewery had blundered in aligning the No. 1 selling beer in the US with Mulvaney, Brendan Whitworth told “CBS Mornings” that “just to be clear, it was a gift and it was one can.”
The CBS hosts then pressed Whitworth several times for a direct answer on whether Anheuser-Busch would send Mulvaney a can of Bud Light with Mulvaney’s image to the influencer again and where the company stands on “queer rights.”
In response, Whitworth appeared determined to keep it vague and noncommittal.
“There’s a big social conversation going on right now,” he said. “It’s moved away from beer,” and “Bud Light doesn’t belong in this divisive conversation.”
Whitworth also pointed to the company’s 25-year history of supporting the LGBTQ community and said “We will continue to support the communities and organizations that we have supported for decades.”
The hosts meanwhile pressed Whitworth on why Anheuser-Busch has given donations to anti-LGBTQ politicians.
“We support politicians who support our business and allow us to grow,” Whitworth responded.
The former marine and operations officer with the CIA has held the top job at Anheuser-Busch for two years. Whitworth, 46, said the controversy and its impact “is my responsibility” and that “everything we do I’m accountable for.”
Anheuser-Busch is investing three times the amount on the Bud Light brand this year, Whitworth said Wednesday. The executive also said that the company is giving financial support to its distributors.
“Money has gone out,” already, he said.
Anheuser-Busch has previously tried to distance itself from the April 1 social media posts by Mulvaney that ignited a firestorm against Bud Light and its parent company – and that has dragged down its sister brands, including Budweiser and Michelob Ultra.
This week, data showed that Bud Light’s sales are recently suffering their steepest drops yet since the controversy broke, with sales for the week ended June 20 down 28.5% from a year ago.
Early in the controversy, the company did not disavow its partnership with Mulvaney, explaining that it was one of many such promotional partnerships meant to “authentically connect with audiences across various demographics and passion points,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Anheuser-Busch’s 65,000 employees and distributors are on the front lines of the backlash, including being mocked and threatened with car horns, cursing, and a declining income as sales of the brewery’s brands keep falling.
Half of America's bestselling beers have partnered with LGBTQ+ groups or advocates according to an analysis by Newsweek, as conservative activists launch a boycott of Bud Light over its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
On Sunday Mulvaney shared a video promoting Bud Light to her 1.7 million Instagram followers, as part of a partnership with the company, which she thanked for sending over a personalized beer can to celebrate her "day 365 of womanhood," after transitioning.
This infuriated some right-wing commentators, including writer Matt Walsh and podcast host Mike Crispi, who announced they will boycott Bud Light in response. Musician Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Light cans, while country artist Travis Tritt said he was taking the beer off his tour rider.
On Sunday Mulvaney shared a video promoting Bud Light to her 1.7 million Instagram followers, as part of a partnership with the company, which she thanked for sending over a personalized beer can to celebrate her "day 365 of womanhood," after transitioning.
This infuriated some right-wing commentators, including writer Matt Walsh and podcast host Mike Crispi, who announced they will boycott Bud Light in response. Musician Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Light cans, while country artist Travis Tritt said he was taking the beer off his tour rider.
OLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY USA, LLC, Plaintiff, v. ANHEUSER-BUSCH COMPANIES, LLC, Defendant.19-cv-218-wmc
A Case of Beer Seventh Circuit Decides Ad Dispute Between Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors
May 14, 2020 Arent Fox Schiff
The Seventh Circuit recently resolved a false advertising lawsuit involving beer giants Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Bud Light, and Molson Coors, which makes Miller Light and Coors Light. At the center of the dispute – one of the more high-profile advertising disputes in recent years – was corn syrup, specifically, a Bud Light ad campaign targeting Molson Coors’ use of corn syrup when brewing Miller Lite and Coors Light.
Early Litigation
In March 2019, Molson Coors filed suit in the Western District of Wisconsin, alleging false advertising under the Lanham Act. In the complaint, Molson Coors claimed the Bud Light ad campaign was intentionally designed to mislead consumers into believing that when they drink Miller Lite or Coors Light they are consuming corn syrup. Even if the ads never explicitly said so, this was, according to Molson Coors, their clear intention and likely effect. Molson Coors also argued that the campaign was especially damaging because corn syrup is a “triggering” substance: “Consumers have become increasingly health-conscious in recent years, and negatively associate corn syrup, particularly the [high fructose corn syrup] sweetener added to some soft drinks … with adverse health effects and an unhealthy lifestyle.”
The trial judge partially granted Molson Coors’ request for a preliminary injunction, requiring Anheuser-Busch to pull some ads but not others. The judge found that Anheuser-Busch could continue accurately stating that Miller Lite and Coors Light are “brewed with” or “made with” corn syrup (and that Bud Light is not), but found other claims to be problematic. For instance, the judge prohibited Anheuser-Busch from stating that Bud Light contains “100% less corn syrup” than Miller Lite or Coors Light and from using the words “corn syrup” on their own (i.e., without “brewed with” or “made with”) when discussing Miller Lite or Coors Light. While Molson Coors appealed the order, feeling it did not go far enough, Anheuser-Busch considered it a victory. But, in a subsequent order, the judge extended the ban to include all Bud Light product packaging using the words “no corn syrup,” leading Anheuser-Busch to appeal.
Molson Coors claims the campaign was designed to create the false impression that its beers actually contain corn syrup, while Anheuser-Busch argued that its ads merely highlight a factual aspect of Molson Coors’ brewing process. After a split decision at the trial level, the Seventh Circuit resolved the dispute in favor of Anheuser-Busch.
Molson Coors took umbrage, claiming the ads were designed to create the false impression that Miller Lite and Coors Light actually contain corn syrup. Molson Coors readily admits that corn syrup is used as a fermentation aid in the brewing process for Miller Light and Coors Light – in fact, it is listed on their “ingredients” lists – but emphasizes that there is no corn syrup remaining in the finished product. At first, Molson Coors took to social media to defend itself, but, as Anheuser-Busch expanded the campaign, the company turned to litigation.
The Takeaway
This dispute is a case study in the significance of implied claims in advertising. Molson Coors’ objections to the Bud Light campaign were less about what the ads literally stated – that Miller Lite and Coors Light is “made with” or “brewed with” corn syrup” – than what the company felt they implied – that the beers themselves contain corn syrup. While Anheuser-Busch ultimately prevailed, the case serves as an important reminder to advertisers that they are responsible for not only the literal message of their advertising (express claims) but also the reasonable inferences of those claims (implied claims). Under federal and state advertising laws, and Federal Trade Commission regulations, advertisers should have proper substantiation for all express and implied claims prior to running an advertisement.
A Case of Beer Seventh Circuit Decides Ad Dispute Between Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors
May 14, 2020 Arent Fox Schiff
The Seventh Circuit recently resolved a false advertising lawsuit involving beer giants Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Bud Light, and Molson Coors, which makes Miller Light and Coors Light. At the center of the dispute – one of the more high-profile advertising disputes in recent years – was corn syrup, specifically, a Bud Light ad campaign targeting Molson Coors’ use of corn syrup when brewing Miller Lite and Coors Light.
Early Litigation
In March 2019, Molson Coors filed suit in the Western District of Wisconsin, alleging false advertising under the Lanham Act. In the complaint, Molson Coors claimed the Bud Light ad campaign was intentionally designed to mislead consumers into believing that when they drink Miller Lite or Coors Light they are consuming corn syrup. Even if the ads never explicitly said so, this was, according to Molson Coors, their clear intention and likely effect. Molson Coors also argued that the campaign was especially damaging because corn syrup is a “triggering” substance: “Consumers have become increasingly health-conscious in recent years, and negatively associate corn syrup, particularly the [high fructose corn syrup] sweetener added to some soft drinks … with adverse health effects and an unhealthy lifestyle.”
The trial judge partially granted Molson Coors’ request for a preliminary injunction, requiring Anheuser-Busch to pull some ads but not others. The judge found that Anheuser-Busch could continue accurately stating that Miller Lite and Coors Light are “brewed with” or “made with” corn syrup (and that Bud Light is not), but found other claims to be problematic. For instance, the judge prohibited Anheuser-Busch from stating that Bud Light contains “100% less corn syrup” than Miller Lite or Coors Light and from using the words “corn syrup” on their own (i.e., without “brewed with” or “made with”) when discussing Miller Lite or Coors Light. While Molson Coors appealed the order, feeling it did not go far enough, Anheuser-Busch considered it a victory. But, in a subsequent order, the judge extended the ban to include all Bud Light product packaging using the words “no corn syrup,” leading Anheuser-Busch to appeal.
Molson Coors claims the campaign was designed to create the false impression that its beers actually contain corn syrup, while Anheuser-Busch argued that its ads merely highlight a factual aspect of Molson Coors’ brewing process. After a split decision at the trial level, the Seventh Circuit resolved the dispute in favor of Anheuser-Busch.
Molson Coors took umbrage, claiming the ads were designed to create the false impression that Miller Lite and Coors Light actually contain corn syrup. Molson Coors readily admits that corn syrup is used as a fermentation aid in the brewing process for Miller Light and Coors Light – in fact, it is listed on their “ingredients” lists – but emphasizes that there is no corn syrup remaining in the finished product. At first, Molson Coors took to social media to defend itself, but, as Anheuser-Busch expanded the campaign, the company turned to litigation.
The Takeaway
This dispute is a case study in the significance of implied claims in advertising. Molson Coors’ objections to the Bud Light campaign were less about what the ads literally stated – that Miller Lite and Coors Light is “made with” or “brewed with” corn syrup” – than what the company felt they implied – that the beers themselves contain corn syrup. While Anheuser-Busch ultimately prevailed, the case serves as an important reminder to advertisers that they are responsible for not only the literal message of their advertising (express claims) but also the reasonable inferences of those claims (implied claims). Under federal and state advertising laws, and Federal Trade Commission regulations, advertisers should have proper substantiation for all express and implied claims prior to running an advertisement.
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Each and every one of these above domain names will eventually have their own individual websites
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Each and every one of these above domain names will eventually have their own individual websites
In May, Republican senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee sent a letter to Anheuser-Busch and the Beer Institute calling for an investigation to be opened into Bud Light's partnership with Mulvaney. The letter, obtained by Newsweek, said that Bud Light may have violated "the Beer Institute's Advertising/Marketing Code and Buying Guidelines prohibiting marketing to individuals younger than the legal drinking age."
Bud Light partnered with Mulvaney in April, providing her with a customized can to celebrate the first anniversary of her transition. The partnership sparked widespread criticism and calls to boycott Bud Light, mainly from conservatives.
Recently released data showed Bud Light seeing a continued decline in sales over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and a former Anheuser-Busch executive previously told Newsweek that he is not "surprised" by the decline in sales and projected that "sales are not going to improve and potentially could get worse."
The letter sent by Cruz and Blackburn alleged that Mulvaney's content on Instagram and TikTok is focused on younger individuals and her video showing the Bud Light can would be seen as promoting underage drinking.
Only one member (2-1) of the Beer Institute's CCRB dissented from the conclusion on Wednesday. Paul Summers, the former Tennessee attorney general wrote in his dissent that "This writer, a CCRB board member, finds that the brewer has violated the Code as to advertising and marketing to people below the legal drinking age. The complainant/s have met the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence."
In a statement released by the U.S. Senate Commission on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ranking Member Cruz said, "This is the first time a review board member—and notably, the board's only lawyer—has concluded that a brewer violated industry code prohibiting the marketing of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals."
While I am disappointed but unsurprised with the ruling from the other two panelists on the board, I will continue efforts to shine a spotlight on how Anheuser-Busch chose a spokesperson meant to appeal to children. If marketing tobacco to minors is effectively illegal, perhaps Congress needs to take action to do the same with alcohol in light of Anheuser-Busch's actions," the statement added.
Bud Light partnered with Mulvaney in April, providing her with a customized can to celebrate the first anniversary of her transition. The partnership sparked widespread criticism and calls to boycott Bud Light, mainly from conservatives.
Recently released data showed Bud Light seeing a continued decline in sales over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and a former Anheuser-Busch executive previously told Newsweek that he is not "surprised" by the decline in sales and projected that "sales are not going to improve and potentially could get worse."
The letter sent by Cruz and Blackburn alleged that Mulvaney's content on Instagram and TikTok is focused on younger individuals and her video showing the Bud Light can would be seen as promoting underage drinking.
Only one member (2-1) of the Beer Institute's CCRB dissented from the conclusion on Wednesday. Paul Summers, the former Tennessee attorney general wrote in his dissent that "This writer, a CCRB board member, finds that the brewer has violated the Code as to advertising and marketing to people below the legal drinking age. The complainant/s have met the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence."
In a statement released by the U.S. Senate Commission on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ranking Member Cruz said, "This is the first time a review board member—and notably, the board's only lawyer—has concluded that a brewer violated industry code prohibiting the marketing of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals."
While I am disappointed but unsurprised with the ruling from the other two panelists on the board, I will continue efforts to shine a spotlight on how Anheuser-Busch chose a spokesperson meant to appeal to children. If marketing tobacco to minors is effectively illegal, perhaps Congress needs to take action to do the same with alcohol in light of Anheuser-Busch's actions," the statement added.
The boycott against Bud Light is hammering sales. Experts explain why.
Sales of Bud Light have recorded declines for six straight weeks, data showed.
Critics of Bud Light burned empty beer boxes and fired bullets at cans as part of an anti-trans backlash against the brand that erupted early last month. Since then, the anger has grown.
Sales of Bud Light have recorded declines for six consecutive weeks after a product endorsement from Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, set off ire among many conservatives.
Consumer boycotts typically fizzle but this one has expanded for an array of reasons: a hot-button political controversy over a product with ample alternatives, outcry from political figures and celebrities and amplification on social media ,experts told ABC News.
The boycott grew even larger, meanwhile, after the initial response from the company was perceived as conciliatory by some LGBTQ advocates, prompting a wave of frustration on the left, the experts added.
"Generally, boycotts get called and have very little effect," Gerald Davis, a professor of organizational behavior at the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business. "For now, everybody is mad."
Sales of Bud Light fell nearly 25% over the week ending on May 13 compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from Bump Williams Consulting and Nielsen NIQ obtained by ABC News.
The most recent decline showed a deepening of losses after a drop of some 23% the week prior compared to a year ago and a roughly 7% year-over-year drop for the week ending on April 9, soon after the boycott began, the data showed.
Meanwhile, sales of rival beers have surged. Sales of Coors Light jumped almost 23% over the week ending on May 13 compared to a year ago; while sales of Miller Lite climbed 21% over that period, the data showed.
Meanwhile, sales of rival beers have surged. Sales of Coors Light jumped almost 23% over the week ending on May 13 compared to a year ago; while sales of Miller Lite climbed 21% over that period, the data showed.
"In the beer world, there are thousands of other options readily available at similar price points," Anson Frericks, a former Anheuser-Busch executive, told ABC News. "Every grocery store and bar usually has the other options."
In all, the stock price for Anheuser-Busch InBev, the maker of Bud Light, has fallen about 11% since Mulvaney posted the brief Instagram endorsement video that sparked the backlash.
In a statement to ABC News, an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson said, "Bud Light remains the #1 brand in the US nationally in volume and dollar sales despite regional differences."
After the initial boycott, Anheuser-Busch InBev posted a statement from CEO Brendan Whitworth on its website.
"We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people," Whitworth said. "We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer."
The company also placed two executives who oversaw the endorsement of Mulvaney's Instagram post on leave, the Wall Street Journal reported last month.
The response drew sharp criticism from some LGBTQ advocates who considered it a capitulation to the backlash. The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, suspended the company's Corporate Equality Index score, USA Today reported on Thursday. Previously, the company scored 100, the top rating.
“More and more people on the left are upset that the company is not supporting these progressive values in a more outspoken way," Frericks said.
The scale and longevity of the backlash also underscore the intensity of anti-trans sentiment among conservatives, experts said.
As of last week, more than 520 anti-LGBTQ bills had been introduced in state legislatures, including over 220 bills specifically targeting transgender and non-binary people, the Human Rights Campaign found.
Far-right House Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. last month reposted a video to her 700,000 followers that sharply criticized Bud Light. Celebrities like Kid Rock and Ted Nugent had previously voiced similar messages.
"This anti-woke agenda and the idea of trans rights broadly has become a wedge issue," Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business who studies consumer movements, told ABC News. "It has gained and attracted a great deal of attention."
Anheuser-Busch InBev stands in a difficult position as it faces frustration on both sides of the political spectrum, said Davis, of the University of Michigan.
"A dynamic has been set in motion that's going to be very complicated for the company to navigate," Davis said. "What stance could they take now that would make one side or the other say, 'Oh, OK'?"
Max Zahn May 23, 2023
Sales of Bud Light have recorded declines for six straight weeks, data showed.
Critics of Bud Light burned empty beer boxes and fired bullets at cans as part of an anti-trans backlash against the brand that erupted early last month. Since then, the anger has grown.
Sales of Bud Light have recorded declines for six consecutive weeks after a product endorsement from Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, set off ire among many conservatives.
Consumer boycotts typically fizzle but this one has expanded for an array of reasons: a hot-button political controversy over a product with ample alternatives, outcry from political figures and celebrities and amplification on social media ,experts told ABC News.
The boycott grew even larger, meanwhile, after the initial response from the company was perceived as conciliatory by some LGBTQ advocates, prompting a wave of frustration on the left, the experts added.
"Generally, boycotts get called and have very little effect," Gerald Davis, a professor of organizational behavior at the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business. "For now, everybody is mad."
Sales of Bud Light fell nearly 25% over the week ending on May 13 compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from Bump Williams Consulting and Nielsen NIQ obtained by ABC News.
The most recent decline showed a deepening of losses after a drop of some 23% the week prior compared to a year ago and a roughly 7% year-over-year drop for the week ending on April 9, soon after the boycott began, the data showed.
Meanwhile, sales of rival beers have surged. Sales of Coors Light jumped almost 23% over the week ending on May 13 compared to a year ago; while sales of Miller Lite climbed 21% over that period, the data showed.
Meanwhile, sales of rival beers have surged. Sales of Coors Light jumped almost 23% over the week ending on May 13 compared to a year ago; while sales of Miller Lite climbed 21% over that period, the data showed.
"In the beer world, there are thousands of other options readily available at similar price points," Anson Frericks, a former Anheuser-Busch executive, told ABC News. "Every grocery store and bar usually has the other options."
In all, the stock price for Anheuser-Busch InBev, the maker of Bud Light, has fallen about 11% since Mulvaney posted the brief Instagram endorsement video that sparked the backlash.
In a statement to ABC News, an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson said, "Bud Light remains the #1 brand in the US nationally in volume and dollar sales despite regional differences."
After the initial boycott, Anheuser-Busch InBev posted a statement from CEO Brendan Whitworth on its website.
"We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people," Whitworth said. "We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer."
The company also placed two executives who oversaw the endorsement of Mulvaney's Instagram post on leave, the Wall Street Journal reported last month.
The response drew sharp criticism from some LGBTQ advocates who considered it a capitulation to the backlash. The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, suspended the company's Corporate Equality Index score, USA Today reported on Thursday. Previously, the company scored 100, the top rating.
“More and more people on the left are upset that the company is not supporting these progressive values in a more outspoken way," Frericks said.
The scale and longevity of the backlash also underscore the intensity of anti-trans sentiment among conservatives, experts said.
As of last week, more than 520 anti-LGBTQ bills had been introduced in state legislatures, including over 220 bills specifically targeting transgender and non-binary people, the Human Rights Campaign found.
Far-right House Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. last month reposted a video to her 700,000 followers that sharply criticized Bud Light. Celebrities like Kid Rock and Ted Nugent had previously voiced similar messages.
"This anti-woke agenda and the idea of trans rights broadly has become a wedge issue," Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business who studies consumer movements, told ABC News. "It has gained and attracted a great deal of attention."
Anheuser-Busch InBev stands in a difficult position as it faces frustration on both sides of the political spectrum, said Davis, of the University of Michigan.
"A dynamic has been set in motion that's going to be very complicated for the company to navigate," Davis said. "What stance could they take now that would make one side or the other say, 'Oh, OK'?"
Max Zahn May 23, 2023
Anheuser Busch Sucks - AmBev Sucks - ABInBev Beer Sucks - Bud Light Beer Sucks - Budweiser Beer Sucks - Budweiser Budvar Beer Sucks - Budweiser MLB Sucks - Bud Beer Sucks - Bud Light NBA Sucks - Bud Light NFL Sucks - Busch Beer Sucks - Busch Light Beer Sucks - Brahma Beer Sucks - Coors Light Beer Sucks - Corona Beer Sucks - Czechvar Beer Sucks - Guinness Beer Sucks - Heineken Beer Sucks - InBev Beer Sucks - Michelob Ultra Beer Sucks - Miller Lite Beer Sucks - Modelo Especial Beer Sucks - MolsonCoors Beer Sucks - Natural Light Beer Sucks - Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Sucks - Stella Artois Beer Sucks - Yuengling Beer Sucks
Since the Super Bowl, Bud Light has coordinated its efforts to discredit Miller Lite and Coors Light for using corn syrup in their beers. Coors Light believes it’s time to turn the conversation back to what it says people really want – to drink beer without worrying about every ingredient – so the brand is looking to #RefreshTheConversation.
Just in time for college basketball’s biggest stage at March Madness, Coors Light is tapping technology to convert Bud Light’s misleading attacks into ice cold beer. Starting March 22, Coors Light will unveil the first smart beer tap fueled by Bud Light negativity. Dubbed ‘The Coors Light,’ the brand states that the tap will monitor for Bud Light’s activity on social-and broadcast-media channels in real time. During promotional periods when Bud Light attacks Coors Light, the smart beer tap will light up in bars across the country, signaling the next round of Coors Light is on the brand.
“Bud Light has been attacking us out of frustration for weeks now,” said Ryan Reis, vice-president of brand marketing, Coors Family of Brands. “We believe people just want to move on. So, we invented this smart beer tap that does the listening for them – and even better, turns Bud Light’s negativity into rounds of Coors Light on us.”
The smart beer tap will be lighting up in participating bars across the US starting March 22-23 in New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Omaha and Las Vegas.
Just in time for college basketball’s biggest stage at March Madness, Coors Light is tapping technology to convert Bud Light’s misleading attacks into ice cold beer. Starting March 22, Coors Light will unveil the first smart beer tap fueled by Bud Light negativity. Dubbed ‘The Coors Light,’ the brand states that the tap will monitor for Bud Light’s activity on social-and broadcast-media channels in real time. During promotional periods when Bud Light attacks Coors Light, the smart beer tap will light up in bars across the country, signaling the next round of Coors Light is on the brand.
“Bud Light has been attacking us out of frustration for weeks now,” said Ryan Reis, vice-president of brand marketing, Coors Family of Brands. “We believe people just want to move on. So, we invented this smart beer tap that does the listening for them – and even better, turns Bud Light’s negativity into rounds of Coors Light on us.”
The smart beer tap will be lighting up in participating bars across the US starting March 22-23 in New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Omaha and Las Vegas.