Dive Brief:
- Anheuser-Busch announced it will spend $4.2 million on facility upgrades at its brewery in Williamsburg, Virginia, furthering its goal to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing footprint.
- Upgrades to the plant will include new equipment to boost efficiency. The facility produces drinks like Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Natural Light.
- Anheuser-Busch’s announcement follows over $2 billion in investments the brewer made across its supply chain of 100 plants over the past five years.
Dive Insight:
In the press release, the company said 99% of the beer it sells in the U.S. is made in America. In the event that President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on countries like Mexico take effect, Anheuser-Busch’s domestic focus could give it a leg up over rivals like Modelo owner Constellation Brands, which imports most of its brews.
CEO Michael Doukeris told investors last month the company is relying on “mega brands” Michelob Ultra and Busch Light to help boost its sales amid a volatile period for the beer category. Both brands saw sales growth in the most recent quarter despite a broader consumer shift away from beer.
Last fall, the company announced a $16 million investment in its Los Angeles brewery to increase capacity for RTD cocktails like Cutwater. It also said it will spend $14 million to modernize its Houston brewery.
Ever since the Bud Light boycott ignited a sales slump in 2023, the company has worked to stabilize its operations and regain market share. Anheuser-Busch also expanded its reach in the beer category by inking a deal with established player Pabst Blue Ribbon at the start of 2025 to manufacture some of its brews.
