Modelo Especial, Michelob Ultra, and Bud Light are currently the top three beers in the U.S., based on recent sales rankings. According to data from Bump Williams Consulting, which analyzed NielsenIQ data up to July 6, Modelo accounted for 9.3% of beer dollar sales in U.S. stores. Michelob Ultra followed with 7.1%, and Bud Light fell to the third spot with 7.0%.
Michelob Ultra’s success is attributed to effective advertising, strong consumer acceptance, solid retail support, efficient distributor execution, and a focus on health and wellness. These factors have propelled Michelob Ultra to the second spot, showcasing the brand’s alignment with current consumer trends.
Bud Light falls to No. 3 beer in US following Dylan Mulvaney boycott https://t.co/fLECj6gXpp pic.twitter.com/mknBtOm9iQ
— NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) July 18, 2024
Despite Bud Light’s slip in the rankings, it remains the top-selling beer in the U.S. by volume. The brand has been recovering from the backlash following its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in April 2023. The controversial campaign, which involved custom beer cans for Mulvaney to celebrate “365 days of girlhood,” led to a boycott driven by conservative influencers and celebrities. Comments from Bud Light’s then marketing vice president, Alissa Heinerscheid, about modernizing the “fratty” and “out-of-touch” brand also fueled the backlash.
Anheuser-Busch InBev, which owns Bud Light, has been working to restore the brand’s image since the boycott. In a statement to FOX Business, the company highlighted the success of Michelob Ultra and Busch Light, noting their strong performance in recent weeks. The company’s partnerships with major sports organizations like the NBA, PGA, NASCAR, and Team USA at the Olympic Games have helped these brands resonate with sports fans and beer drinkers.
Bud Light Falls to Third Place in US Beer Sales, Michelob Ultra Surges Ahead #press #media #news # #newspaper #radio https://t.co/9mhTo1HG9Q pic.twitter.com/ejogk0DeJD
— WebPressNews (@webpressnewsapp) July 18, 2024
Bud Light’s dethroning as the top-selling beer in the U.S. by Constellation Brand’s Modelo Especial marks a significant shift in the market. Anheuser-Busch InBev remains committed to brewing quality beer and connecting with consumers in meaningful moments, aiming to regain its position in the competitive beer industry.
Key Points:
- Modelo Especial, Michelob Ultra, and Bud Light are the top three beers in the U.S. based on recent sales.
- Michelob Ultra’s success is due to effective advertising, consumer acceptance, retail support, distributor execution, and a focus on health and wellness.
- Bud Light remains the top-selling beer by volume but has been recovering from a boycott following a controversial partnership with Dylan Mulvaney.
- Anheuser-Busch InBev is working to restore Bud Light’s image and has highlighted the success of Michelob Ultra and Busch Light.
- Bud Light was dethroned as the top-selling beer by Modelo Especial.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
