TheQuartering [6/16/2023]
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth has released a message telling consumers “we hear you,” as sales of the beer giant’s Bud Light brand continue to slide following a partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
In a post titled “Anheuser-Busch Announces Support For Frontline Employees And Wholesaler Partners,” Whitworth said, “We recognize that over the last two months, the discussion surrounding our company and Bud Light has moved away from beer, and this has impacted our consumers, our business partners, and our employees.”
“We are a beer company, and beer is for everyone,” he continued.
Since late March, Bud Light parent Anheuser-Busch has seen its market value plummet by over $35 billon to $99 billion, down from $134.5 billon.
Whitworth announced “three important actions” to move the company forward, including “investing to protect the jobs of our frontline employees” and “providing financial assistance to our independent wholesalers to help them support their employees.”
“Third, to all our valued consumers, we hear you. Our summer advertising launches next week, and you can look forward to Bud Light reinforcing what you’ve always loved about our brand — that it’s easy to drink and easy to enjoy,” Whitworth also said.
The CEO vowed, “As we move forward, we will focus on what we do best — brewing great beer and earning our place in moments that matter to you.”
NielsenIQ data provided to Fox Business by Bump Williams Consulting showed that for the week ending June 3, Bud Light sales were down 24.4% compared to a year ago. Over the last four weeks ending June 3, the data showed Bud Light sales were down 24.6% relative to the same period last year.