Share this @internewscast.com

It wasn’t just Bud Light.

The past year saw the lowest level of beer consumed in the U.S. in a generation, according to industry group Beer Marketer’s Insights, as consumers shifted away from traditional favorites to other forms of alcohol — and in a growing number of cases, avoiding alcoholic beverages altogether.

“It was a tough year for beer,” said David Steinman, BMI vice president and executive editor.

For the first time since 1999, he said, beer shipments were on track to fall below 200 million barrels.

Leading the decline, Steinman said, was Anheuser Busch. But while the Bud Light-maker caught headlines over a sponsorship agreement with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney that subsequently led to a boycott among some longtime drinkers, the protest does not explain why overall consumption still managed to fall, Steinman said.

Instead, Anheuser Busch was at the forefront of an acceleration in the long-term decline of so-called domestic-premium brands, which include Bud Light and rivals Miller Light and Coors Light, Steinman said. Anheuser Busch, owned by global conglomerate AB InBev, also suffered from a decline in hard seltzers — a category in which it has long dominated.

Lester Jones, chief economist at the National Beer Wholesalers Association, said in an email that the beer industry also now finds itself competing against a surge of new alcohol products, many from non-traditional producers.

“For example, some of the world’s largest soft drink and energy companies introduced sugar-forward alcohol beverages to the market, all of which are vying for the same consumer occasions as traditional malt- and hop-forward products,” he said.

Yet even as overall volume consumption declined, the largest beer makers remain financially resilient thanks to prices that climbed alongside — or even surpassed — broader inflation, Steinman said. Beer drinkers also continued to shift toward more expensive beer brands, especially imports like Modelo Especial, which became the No. 1 beer in America in 2023.

And beer sales in other parts of the world continue to remain strong, Steinman said.

“With prices going up, dollar sales have continued to grow and profits have been rising,” he said.

Still, significant headwinds remain. The craft-beer boom of the 2010s has petered out, and there are now so many varieties of alcoholic beverages available that the consumer may now be overwhelmed.

“The U.S. beer industry had a wild ride in 2023 against the backdrop of an expanding economy that created more jobs and wage gains for many people, as well as an oversupplied alcohol marketplace that saw a rapid influx of new products,” Jones said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Dances with Wolves’ Extended Cut on HBO Max

Looking for a Movie to Watch Tonight? Check Out the Extended Version of ‘Dances with Wolves’ on HBO Max

This Fourth of July, take a moment to remember the Kevin Costner…
Legoland opens resort in Shanghai, the first in China

Legoland launches its inaugural resort in Shanghai, China

It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built…
Julian McMahon dies after cancer battle

Julian McMahon Passes Away Following Cancer Struggle

McMahon gained fame for his role as the plastic surgeon Dr. Christian…
Boss under fire after texts to pregnant employee revealed

Manager Faces Backlash After Texts to Pregnant Employee Exposed

An awkward text exchange between a pregnant employee and her boss over…
Hakeem Jeffries Reemerges, Doubles Down on Democrats' Big Lie About OBBB and the American Dream

Hakeem Jeffries Resurfaces, Reinforces Democrats’ False Narrative on OBBB and the American Dream

The Democrats tell dishonest statements so often, it’s hard sometimes to rank…
Donald and Melania Trump on a White House balcony with an American flag.

Donald and Melania Trump Charm Audience with Heartwarming Balcony Appearance Amid Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

DONALD Trump and Melania have warmed hearts with their PDA-packed appearance while…
Kelly Clarkson delays Vegas residency debut, citing vocal strain

Kelly Clarkson postpones Vegas residency debut due to vocal strain

“I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so…
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season

Steps to Get Ready for an Active Hurricane Season in 2025

HOUSTON (AP) — For the millions of Americans residing in coastal regions,…
Ukraine, Denmark ink landmark deal to produce weapons in Europe

Ukraine and Denmark Sign Historic Agreement to Manufacture Weapons in Europe

Kyiv struck a landmark deal with Denmark Friday that paves the way…
Dalai Lama says he hopes to live beyond 130 years

Dalai Lama Expresses Hopes of Living Past 130 Years

The aged Dalai Lama expressed his desire to live beyond 130 years…
Multiple arrested as anti-ICE protesters clash with police, US troops in Los Angeles

Numerous Arrests at Los Angeles Protest as Anti-ICE Demonstrators Face Off with Police and US Troops

On Friday, several individuals were taken into custody in Los Angeles as…
Environmental Protection Agency union alleges political retaliation after Chicago EPA workers put on leave after criticizing Trump

EPA Union Claims Political Retaliation as Chicago Workers Suspended After Trump Criticism

The ABC7 I-Team is investigating allegations of political retaliation involving U.S. Environmental…