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January 24, 2025

Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light Surge As Top 2 Fastest-Growing Brands in Beer Industry

Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light Surge As Top 2 Fastest-Growing Brands in Beer Industry


With record-breaking gains driven by quality and consistency in brewing and marketing, Anheuser-Busch’s top brands set the pace for 2025



St. Louis, MO – January 24, 2025 – As America’s leading brewer and a top American manufacturer, Anheuser-Busch (NYSE:BUD) continues to drive momentum of the beer category with the two fastest-growing brands in the beer industry in the most recent quarter: Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light. These brands grew more volume share of the beer category than any of their competitors. Michelob ULTRA secured a 0.70-point increase in share1, followed by Busch Light at No. 2 with a 0.38-point rise2.

"At Anheuser-Busch we strive to deliver value and excitement to our fans where they already are,” said Kyle Norrington, Chief Commercial Officer at Anheuser-Busch. “The incredible performance we’ve seen from both Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light is a testament to the strategic investments and consistent marketing efforts we’ve demonstrated over the past several years. In 2025, we're committed to building on this momentum by continuing to show up in the right places that mean the most to our consumers.”

On Tap and On Top: Michelob ULTRA's ascent has been nothing short of remarkable, growing nearly 40% since 2019, and 2024 marked a year of significant milestones. The brand’s sales have continued to skyrocket, placing Michelob ULTRA in the rankings as the #2 highest-selling beer by volume in the U.S. with an impressive 8.2% of the market in the most recent quarter3.

Along with hitting its all-time high share in 20244, Michelob ULTRA saw significant growth in 2024 and was the fastest share-gaining brand in the category in Q41, a testament to the brand’s consistency over time. As part of that strategic plan, Michelob ULTRA has continued executing on-premise initiatives that have propelled the brand to the top spot as the #1 beer on draft nationwide in 20245 – an astounding feat. 

In addition, Michelob ULTRA has worked to build a reputation with a mix of likeminded consumers through thoughtful and strategic marketing efforts. Through championing an active lifestyle, harnessing the joy of friendly competition and aligning with world class sports partners – including the NBA, PGA Tour and Team USA – Michelob ULTRA’s U.S. sales have quadrupled in the past ten years6.

Michelob ULTRA has been a long-time growth driver for both Anheuser-Busch and the industry at large. In 2024, Michelob ULTRA showcased its commitment to sport, bringing “The Summer of Team USA” to fans and consumers. The brand proudly supported Team USA as the exclusive beer sponsor of Team USA for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Additionally, as the Official Global Beer Sponsor of CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024™, Michelob ULTRA executed its biggest summer program in brand history.

Michelob ULTRA plans to fortify this position to reach new heights in 2025, starting with ad spots in the NFL Division and Conference Championships and Super Bowl LIX. The brand’s latest campaign spotlights its new “Play For An ULTRA” platform, showcasing that when there’s Michelob ULTRA on the line, social athletes go for it and compete like the pros.

Start Your Engines: While beer brands gear up for their first major moment of the year during the Big Game, Busch Light is steering its attention toward an even more adrenaline-fueled stage: the Daytona 500, taking place just one week later. As the official beer sponsor of NASCAR, Busch Light will debut a new commercial during the Big Game in Fort Myers, Florida - where its fans have a need for speed - before it airs nationally during the Daytona 500 and throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Busch Light has transcended the value segment, now the 6th largest brand in the industry, the #1 largest brand in 9 states7 and finished Q4 as the 2nd fastest growing beer brand2. The brand has employed consistent year-over-year marketing that meets its 21+ fans where they already are - whether that’s taking in a NASCAR race, enjoying the great outdoors, raising a beer to the farming community, hunting with friends and family, or singing along with their favorite country star.

Busch Light's embodiment of integrity, hard work, and community values has grown beyond its original devoted fanbase in the Midwest8, fueling a thriving expansion of supporters across the country through a consistent and distinct marketing strategy. Having officially cemented its place as the #1 beer brand in the value segment9, Busch Light currently boasts a market share 3x larger than its closest competitor9.

Anheuser-Busch's Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light have proven to be formidable players in the beer industry, each carving out distinct niches while driving overall category momentum. With a strong commitment to meeting fans where they are, both brands are well-positioned for 2025 and beyond.

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ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH  

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As a leading American manufacturer and the nation’s top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedInXFacebook, and Instagram


Busch Light Performance Sources

2.     In Q4 of 2024, Busch Light was the 2nd fastest share-gaining brand in the category with an increase of +0.38 (Source: Circana Q4 MULC)

7.     Busch Light has transcended the value segment, now the 6th largest brand in the industry, the #1 largest brand in 9 states (Source: Circana TUS MULC, MULC States, Non-P States L12W WE 12/29/2024)

8.     Busch Light is growing category share YTD in 46 states (Source: Circana MULC States + Non. P States FY 2024)  

9.     Busch Light is the #1 brand in the value segment, 3X the size of the nearest competitor and growing share of segment +1.71 YTD (Source: Circana TUS MULC FY 2024)  

Michelob ULTRA Performance Sources

1.     Michelob ULTRA continues to lead the market, securing its position as the #1 fastest-growing beer in the U.S. with a remarkable increase of +0.70. (Source: Circana Q4 MULC)

3.     In addition to this impressive growth, Michelob ULTRA also ranks as the #2 highest-selling beer by volume in the U.S., holding an 8.2% share (Source: Circana WE 12.22.2024)

4.     Michelob ULTRA hit its #1 all time high share in 2024 (Source: Circana Total US MULC through Week Ending 10/27/2024 YTD; 2014 proxy based on historical volume)

5.     Michelob ULTRA took the top spot as the #1 Beer on draft nationwide (Source: DraftLine Technologies)

6.     Michelob ULTRA has 4X vs 10 years ago (Sourcing: Circana MULC 9/30/24, Circana MULC 2014 vs. 2024)


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