In recent developments, a significant number of Anheuser-Busch distributors have expressed apprehension regarding the potential recovery of Bud Light sales following the Dylan Mulvaney controversy. As many already know, Mulvaney is a well-known transgender influencer who was previously associated with Bud Light through a partnership that led to severe backlash against the brand.
A July 31st report from the New York Post made mention of the nearly four-month fallout that resulted from Mulvaney, detailing how distributors of the fallen brand have come to terms with the reality that the customers lost are likely not coming back.
“After four months of hiring freezes and layoffs — with some beer truck drivers getting heckled and harassed even as Bud Light sales have dropped by more than 25% — Anheuser-Busch wholesalers have accepted that they have lost a chunk of their customers for good — and need to focus on a new crop of drinkers.” – New York Post
The Bud Light brand isn’t the only beer under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella that has been feeling the heat since the marketing snafu earlier in 2023, with reports detailing how Budweiser, Michelob Ultra and Busch Light are dealing with a decline in sales.
Beer Marketer’s Insights’ executive director David Steinmann commented on the matter, noting that former consumers of Bud Light and other Anheuser-Busch beers have likely moved on to one of the numerous rival beers available on the market.
“There is an increasing feeling that this decline rate could last for a while and the distributors are worried about losing those drinkers to other similar brands.”
Indeed, the numbers don’t lie, as the beer Modelo Especial became America’s number one selling beer in the month of June – taking Bud Light down from the top spot the brand had once enjoyed prior to their marketing mishap.
*For more background information on the originating marketing fiasco by Bud Light, check out the video below
Gregory Hoyt is a former contributor to outlets such as Law Enforcement Today and Red Voice Media, and current host of The Breakdown with Greg Hoyt. Based out of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Hoyt is a staunch and outspoken advocate of law enforcement and first responders, while also harboring the unique experience of having spent nearly 5 years in prison. Since then, he's used his unique perspective to offer support and commentary about the criminal justice system. When not working or combating bad ideas, Hoyt also leisurely studies economics, history, and law.