Anheuser-Busch is promising financial assistance to its independent wholesalers following months of falling Bud Light sales. The corporation shared the sentiment in a brief company announcement on Thursday, signed by CEO Brendan Whitworth.
In the letter, Whitworth addresses frontline employees, wholesalers, and the company’s larger consumer base. A-B promises to “protect the jobs” of frontline workers and provide financial support (where legally allowed) to A-B’s network of independent wholesalers. A conservative boycott led to the continuous dips in Bud Light sales as well as harassment of Bud Light drivers, wholesalers, and other employees.
“We recognize that over the last two months, the discussion surrounding our company and Bud Light has moved away from beer,” the statement reads. “As we move forward, we will focus on what we do best — brewing great beer and earning our place in moments that matter to you.”
The company also posted a 6k filing this week, according to a June 15 newsletter by Beer Business Daily. The filing includes several financial benefits for wholesalers where legal, including sales incentives through the end of the year, increased credit lines, and fuel surcharge reimbursement.
On Friday, BBD reported that A-B plans to distribute support in a three-tier system based on impact. Distributors and wholesalers reporting the highest level of impact from declining A-B portfolio sales in April and May will receive the highest level of financial support.
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