The repercussions of Bud Light's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney continue to impact the brand's sales, which are down almost 30% compared to the same period last year. Recent data reveals that Bud Light's revenue for the week ending June 25th was $26.3 million less than the corresponding week in 2022. This downward trend persists despite the typically high beer sales during the summer months.
In contrast, competitors like Coors Light and Modelo Especial have experienced a surge in sales during the same timeframe. According to Bump Williams Consulting, Bud Light sales plummeted 28% in the second to last week of June compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, other brands capitalized on this shift, with Yuengling, Coors Light, and Miller Lite seeing increases of 22%, 19%, and 16%, respectively, during the same period.
Circana also reported that both Modelo and Coors Light saw their sales increase by approximately $10 million during the same period. While Bud Light remains the top-selling beer by volume, the gap is closing as competitors gain ground.
Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bud Light’s parent company, reported $297 million in Bud Light sales for the four weeks ending May 28th, a 23% decline from the previous year. Bump Williams Consulting highlights the importance of July and August for Bud Light’s recovery, noting the increased beer consumption during these summer months and the intensified marketing efforts by breweries.
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth recently addressed the ongoing situation, emphasizing the company's continued support for the LGBTQ+ community. He stated that moving forward, the company will concentrate on its core strengths: brewing high-quality beer, actively listening to consumers, and prioritizing its employees.
Anheuser-Busch has not yet issued a public response to requests for comment on the matter.
