Photo edit of Budweiser's new ad and transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney. Credit: Alexander J. Williams III/Pop Acta.
Photo edit of Budweiser's new ad and transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney. Credit: Alexander J. Williams III/Pop Acta.

Bud Light, once the leader in the American beer market, has fallen to second place behind Modelo Especial. Nielsen data analyzed by Bump Williams Consulting shows that Modelo surpassed Bud Light in U.S. retail sales, securing 8.4% compared to Bud Light’s 7.3%. This decline for Bud Light comes after a sales slump caused by criticism over their commemorative can sent to transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

However, the situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Modelo, the rising star, is actually owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, the same beer giant that owns Bud Light. Surprisingly, they control both the number one and number two best-selling beers in the market. So, the celebration may be premature.

If you’re considering alternative beer options, you might want to explore Molson Coors, another major player in the American beer industry. Their lineup includes popular choices like Miller, Miller Lite, and Coors. For those seeking something new you could try Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half. Let’s be honest, these options sound a lot more appealing than a Bud Light – gross.

Despite the setback, Bud Light still holds a strong position with a year-to-date market share of 9%, surpassing Modelo’s 8%. Furthermore, Bud Light maintains higher sales volumes. However, Modelo’s sales have been steadily increasing, with double-digit percentage growth observed every week. The introduction of a new light beer, Modelo Oro, in May has further raised brand awareness.

Experts predict Modelo will become the leading beer brand, benefiting from Bud Light’s decline. Constellation Brands, the licensed seller of Modelo, has increased marketing expenditure for further growth. Anheuser-Busch plans to triple U.S. marketing spending, emphasizing sports and music festivals. Bud Light continues its LGBTQ+ Pride event sponsorship. Despite setbacks, Bud Light maintains its position as the top brand nationally in volume and dollar sales, according to Anheuser-Busch.



Comments

  1. Thanks for this information, I did not know this. Anheuser-Busch is on my “do not buy” list forever. Target, Chrysler/Ford/General Motors, Nike, Addidas, et al., fall into the same category for their blatant support of this crap as well. I am a firm believer in keeping your personal preferences to yourselves and stopping this constant in-your-face thrusting of your agenda.

  2. Yes, they own #1 and #2. But the question is, did Modelo increase sales to surpass the falling Bud Light or did Bud Light decrease below Modelo’s market share? I believe Coors and Miller actually gained from the controversy. Modelo could have gained but I don’t believe they would be the target for Bud Light drinkers.

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