Premium Labels, Spirits RTDs Boost AB InBev In U.S.

AB InBev saw U.S. revenue decline 0.6% in the second quarter, with revenue per hectoliter improving by 2.2%, benefiting from premiumization. Sales to wholesalers and retailers fell 2.7% and 4.1% respectively. The company’s fiscal first half presented similar results, with revenue down 5% overall but revenue per hectoliter rising slightly by 1.6%. According to Impact Databank, AB InBev remains the largest beer marketer in the U.S. by a wide margin, even as volume slipped 12.5% last year to 971 million (2.25-gallon) cases.

Highlights for the company included Michelob Ultra and Busch Light, both of which gained volume share. Though operating from a smaller base, AB InBev’s portfolio of spirits-based RTDs grew by double-digits, outpacing the category, according to the company. Cutwater jumped 15% to over 3 million 9-liter cases last year, while Nutrl more than doubled to 2 million cases. Globally, AB InBev saw underlying profit reach $3.3 billion in the first half, up from $2.8 billion last year.—Shane English

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