YumSugar

Tough Times Boosting Budget Beers

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:22:34 -0800

Americans may love kicking back with beer, but times are tough. That's why an increasing number of beer drinkers are swapping their microbrews for what are called "subpremium" beers in the beverage industry.

Anheuser-Busch has reported that its brands Busch and Natural Light have seen upticks in sales. Other beers - from Miller High Life to Milwaukee's Best to Hamm's to Keystone - have also been attracting a larger percentage of consumers.

To the beer industry's dismay, the increase in subpremium beer sales is happening at the expense of its higher-end beers, such as Budweiser and Miller Genuine Draft. Said one MillerCoors wholesaler: "I'm selling way more economy brands than I'm comfortable with . . . consumers are trading down."

Is this the case for you? Have you also been purchasing less costly beer options?

Source

Will You be Upset If Belgian Company Buys Budweiser?

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:45:36 -0700

There is no other beer as quintessentially American as Budweiser. With its red, white, and blue label, the beer is known around the world as the American brew. But, how would you feel if the "great American lager" was no longer owned by an American company?

Big time Belgian brewer InBev, which makes Stella, Becks, and many other brews, has offered to buy Anheuser-Busch's beer. Both Americans and Belgians are outraged by the possible takeover. Americans - who are putting up a fight at savebudweiser.com - don't want to lose the national symbol, and the Belgians don't want to be associated with it.

Considering that I prefer Stella to Bud, I'm not affected by the possible merger. How about you? Will you be upset if a Belgian company buys America's favorite beer?

Source

Can I See Some ID?

YumSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 10:03:19 -0700

In a recent survey conducted by The Nielsen Company on behalf of Anheuser-Busch, 95% of American adults think that, while inconvenient, ID checking is a worthwile way to reduce underage drinking. The survey was taken to determine how people view the effectiveness of ID checking. The survey also discovered that 94% of the people think that those who sell alcohol should be trained to spot fake IDs.

"Checking IDs is one of the keys to keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors. Simply put, if teens can't get alcohol, they can't drink it, and the survey reflects that America's retailers are doing their part, and that American adults fully embrace this concept," says John Kaestner, vice president of Consumer Affairs for Anheuser-Busch Cos.

In addition to the straightforward questions, the survey also asked a few ridiculous ones. The three that really stood out to me were:

The person we want to see the ID of (and get to know their real age) is: Joan Rivers (26%), Oprah Winfrey (23%), Simon Cowell (16%) and Ashton Kutcher (15%).
The lady we want to check our ID when purchasing alcohol is: Ellen Degeneres (32%), Kelly Ripa (24%), Tyra Banks (22%) and Ann Curry (9%).
The guy we want to check our IDs is Regis Philbin (29%), Conan O'Brien (21%), Ryan Seacrest (19%) and Al Roker (18%).

First of all, who thought to ask those questions? The ID stuff I can understand, it's really interesting, but who do you want to check your ID? What? Also, are you telling me that Regis Philbin really beat out someone like George Clooney? America, I don't get you sometimes...

Source: PR Newswire

Big Beer Goes Organic

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I would say the true age of organics has arrived!!!! Anheuser-Busch is testing the waters of brewing organic beer. I don't know, it just seems odd to me...but there's organic wine, so why not beer.

Two types of brews will be appearing in small test markets across the US. Look for the lager Wild Hops and Stone Mill Pale Ale. Anheuser-Busch, makers of Bud and Bud Light (not a good choice as a diet drink - just want to get that out there), are looking to tap (pun intended) into new markets. This new market is one that is more likely to buy microbrews and is already used to spending a buck to two more than the cost of a 6 pack of Bud. These organic beers will sell for around $7.99 for a 6 pack of Wild Hop and $8.49 for a 6 pack of Stone Mill.

Here comes the tricky part, the label and packaging don't say Anheuser-Busch. They are using the newly minted name Green Valley Brewing Co. So the marketing strategy will be low key with the cornerstone being a donation to the Organic Farming Research Foundation in Santa Cruz, CA.

So look for it, or don't. I am always skeptical of a sheep in wolf's clothing. Oh and drink responsibly. Just because it is organic doesn't mean that is healthy for you and/or won't get you buzzed.

Beer Prices on the Rise; Budweiser Goes Global

YumSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:30:45 -0700

In the mood for a brew? Be forewarned, a cold one could cost you. Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors have both announced plans to hike beer prices. Falling sales and higher costs of commodities like barley and hops have forced them to compensate by raising prices. In a statement Tuesday, US-Belgian company Anheuser-Busch InBev said it will raise stickers "across different price tiers" in "a majority of markets this Fall" to cover "input costs." Likewise, InBev's biggest competitor, MillerCoors, intends to increase prices this season. Higher prices from the two conglomerates - which together comprise more than 80 percent of the market - will impact the beer industry during a time when beer drinkers are reaching for the cheapest selections.

In a New York Times commentary, "Rising Beer Prices Hint at Oligopoly," the op-ed's writers lament that the two companies' abilities to raise prices while customers are hurting "highlights the pricing power that has accompanied industry consolidation" and "begs for an antitrust review."

Anheuser-Busch isn't stopping there. The beer overlord has aggressive plans to transform Budweiser into a global player, using Coca-Cola as a marketing model. The corporation hopes to introduce the "King of Beers" into dozens of new markets, including parts of Africa. Have you noticed rising beer prices? Could Budweiser eventually become an international symbol like Coke? Should Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors face antitrust allegations?

Bye Bye Budweiser! American King of Beers Now Belgian

LibertySugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:21 -0700

Belgium's government collapsed today, but at least they can drink away their sorrows. An American treasure - Budweiser beer - is now Belgian. Perhaps baseball or apple pie will leave us next. For $52 billion Belgian company InBev purchased Anheuser-Busch, pledging to keep the North American headquarters in St. Louis, while cutting $1.5 billion in costs.

The King's defection hits no place harder than its birthplace St. Louis, MO. Anheuser-Busch's reign in the Midwest city dates back to a brewery founded in 1852. If you're keeping track, InBev's first brewery was founded in 1366.

For more on Anheiser-Busch's American legacy, and what my grandparents in St. Louis have to say about this "rotten deal" read more.

Anheuser-Busch may not have survived this millennium, but it did survive US prohibition by introducing ice cream, root beer, and chocolate-flavor drinks, as well as dealcholized Bud in the 1920s. When prohibition ended, the now infamous A-B Clydesdale horses delivered a case of beer to Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the White House.

My Nana and Papa, born and raised in St. Louis, are mourning the end of their hometown icon. Nana remembers the days before air conditioning when you could smell the hops in your home on hot summer days. And Papa will miss checking the newspaper daily to see how the A-B stock is doing.

Are you sad to see the King of beers be bought by a European company, or do you prefer imported beer anyway? So Belgium, this Bud's for you.

Source

Bud Light's "In the Can" Commercial Aims Below the Belt

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:50:16 -0700

To promote its new Bud Light Lime cans, Anheuser-Busch is getting the word out through an interesting campaign that takes raunchiness to the next level. The online commercial features confessions of people who claim they enjoy "getting it in the can."

Industry vets have called the spot a "wannabe viral video" that's "crude" and "juvenile." Personally, I was entertained the first time I saw it - though it doesn't make me want to run to the store to buy Bud Light Lime. What do you think? Is this marketing ploy childish and gross, or a laughable campaign that you can get behind?

Source: Flickr User KeyExpert

Corona Introducing 24-Ounce Cans

YumSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:04:23 -0700

This news might come as a surprise to Anheuser-Busch, but Bud Light lovers aren't the only ones who like to get it in the can. So do Corona drinkers. Crown Imports, the importer and distributor for the popular Mexican beer, plans to roll out 24-ounce, single-serving cans of Corona and Corona Light. The cans - which contain twice the amount of beer as a typical bottle - make their debut in 26 initial markets this month, with Corona Light following soon. Considering Coca-Cola recently publicized plans to offer soft drinks in smaller can sizes, I'm surprised Corona has decided to venture in the opposite direction by scaling its sizes up. Even though Corona's one of my go-to beer brands, I wonder if a 24-ounce can will fall flat before I finish it. Would you buy Corona in a 24-ounce can?

Source: User dotbenjamin

Top 10 Highest-Calorie Beers (and the 10 Lowest!)

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:30:20 -0800

You've got one holiday party after another, so chances are, you're probably kicking back a few brewskies. I'm all for celebrating, but liquid calories can make you gain pounds fast. If beer is your go-to beverage, you may want to skip out on these brands, since they contain the most calories per 12-ounce bottle.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot: 330 calories
Samuel Adams Boston Lager: 180 calories
Guinness Extra Stout: 176 calories
Pete's Wicked Ale: 174 calories
Harpoon IPA: 170 calories
Heineken: 166 calories
Killian's Irish Red: 163 calories
Long Trail: 163 calories
Molson Ice: 160 calories
Anheuser Busch Natural Ice: 157 calories

Which beers contain the fewest calories? If you're curious read more.

These beers may be better options if you're watching your calorie intake.

Beck's Premier Light: 64 calories (fewest!)
Amstel Light: 95 calories
Anheuser Busch Natural Light: 95 calories
Michelob Ultra: 95 calories
Natural Light: 95 calories
Miller Light: 96 calories
Heineken Light: 99 calories
Budweiser Select: 99 calories
Coors Light: 102 calories
Corona Light: 105 calories

Source and Source

Beer Breakdown

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:00:00 -0700

The warm weather of Spring seems to say "Miller time." It's perfect for BBQs and cold beverages. I sometimes call beer "liquid bread" because of all the carbs, so it's good to know that not all beers are created equally, especially when it comes to calories.

If you're watching your waistline and enjoy an ice cold brew, you'll probably want see how they compare. The numbers may surprise you. To see the breakdown read more.

Here's the nutritional info for one glass, can, or bottle of beer (about 12-ounces)

Brand of Beer	Calories	Carbs (g)	Percent Alcohol
Amstel Light	95	5	3.5
Anchor Steam	155	16	4.9
Anheuser Busch Natural Light	95	3.2	5.9
Anheuser Busch Natural Ice	157	8.9	5.9
Beck's Pilsner	138	9	5
Beck's Premier Light	64	3.9	2.3
Budweiser	147	10.7	5
Bud Light	110	6.6	4.2
Budweiser Select	99	3.1	4.3
Busch	133	10.2	4.6
Busch Light	110	6.7	4.2
Coors	142	10.6	5
Coors Light	102	5	4.2
Corona Extra	148	14	4.6
Corona Light	105	5	4.5
Foster's	146	11.4	5
Guinness Draught	126	10	4
Guinness Extra Stout	176	14	6
Harpoon IPA	170	15	5.9
Heineken	166	9.6	5.4
Heineken Light	99	6.8	3.5
Killian's Irish Red	163	14.4	4.9
Labatt Blue	153	5	5
Labatt Blue Light	111	8	4
Long Trail	163	18.5	4.6
Magic Hat #9	146	12	4.6
Michelob	155	13.3	5
Michelob Ultra	95	2.6	4.1
Miller Genuine Draft	143	13.1	5
Miller Light	96	3.2	4.2
Milwaukee Best Ice	144	7.3	5.9
Molson	150	12	5
Molson Ice	160	12	5.6
Natural Light	95	3.2	4.2
Newcastle Brown Ale	150	15	4.7
O'Douls	70	13.3	.4
Pabst Blue Ribbon	145	12	4.7
Pabst Blue Ribbon Light	111	8	3.9
Pete's Wicked Ale	174	17.7	5.3
Red Stripe	153	14	5
Rolling Rock Premium	120	10	4.5
Sam Adams Boston Lager	180	18.8	4.9
Sam Adams Light	124	9.7	4
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot	295	24.6	9.6
Stella Artois	154	11	5.5

Remember to drink responsibly and that only one drink a day on average is considered healthy for women; for men, it is two.