ABI’s U.S. Revenue, Sales Slide In First Half

Amid a difficult beer market, Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) saw its U.S. revenues decline 1.3% for the first half of the year, as sales-to-retailers fell 3%. ABI’s struggles were primarily attributable to its mainstream portfolio, including Budweiser and Bud Light, which has been negatively impacted by trading-up trends.

The brewing giant fared better at the above-premium level, where Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois continue to thrive—both labels earned Impact “Hot Brand” honors for 2016. Likewise, ABI’s value stable showed healthy progress in the first half, boosted by the Busch brand family. Overall, ABI’s North American volumes slipped 2.6% on an organic basis to roughly 57.2 million hectoliters in the first half.

Globally, ABI fared notably better than in the U.S., posting first-half revenue growth of 4.4% to $27 billion, as volume rose 0.3% to 306 million hectoliters. International progress was driven by solid gains in markets such as Mexico, South Africa and China, among others. —Christina Jelski

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