Anheuser-Busch to invest $1bn over next two years to fortify operations in US

Anheuser-Busch has announced its plans to invest $1bn over the next two years to boost its operations and facilities in the US.

This investment commitment comes at a time when the country is recovering from an economic downturn and job losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris said: “Anheuser-Busch and our brands have always been there for the times that matter, and it matters now. This past year has required that we all adapt in unexpected and challenging ways, but our connection and commitment to supporting our people, communities and partners remains unchanged.

“Right now, our big dream is the recovery of our country. It’s the reopening of our neighbourhood restaurants and bars, it’s cheering on our favourite teams and gathering together in person. We are here to find a better way to lead a safe and strong recovery, and we’re starting by investing across our US supply chain to protect the industry and the millions of people who rely on it for their livelihoods. These investments are immediate and happening now.”

Anheuser’s capital expenditure programme, which will cover 26 states, will help the company to expand its operations, enable sustainable innovations besides stimulating the economy and supporting industry job creation and retention.

About $100m will be invested on sustainability projects, which include solar panel instalments, water treatment and other similar initiatives.

Anheuser-Busch operates more than 120 facilities across 27 states in the US and employs around 19,000 people.

The US beer industry generates revenue of $328bn every year and creates 2.1 million jobs.

In September 2020, Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) and Anheuser-Busch agreed with the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) to close the proposed expanded partnership between the companies.

The companies had then announced that they entered an agreement with the USDOJ after obtaining approval from CBA shareholder to sell its Kona Brewing operations in Hawaii to PV Brewing Partners.