Anheuser-Busch InBev

Natural Light, Anheuser-Busch’s original light pilsner, has joined forces with the iconic supermodel Marisa Miller to bring some fun to beer advertising.

Beginning today, 11 states will see their namesake on Budweiser bottles and cans as part of the brand’s latest evolution of its iconic summer packaging.

In Tuesday’s edition of Press Clips: Utah lawmakers consider the end of 3.2 beer; a study finds Michigan has the cheapest cases of beer in the nation; River North Brewery announces return to its namesake neighborhood; and more.

With an investment in Ratebeer.com, global beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev may be showing a craft-focused digital media strategy to accompany its growing stable of craft brewery acquisitions. In addition to buying at least a dozen breweries in the U.S. and abroad in the past couple of years, the company has quietly assembled and invested in a pair of web sites that provide beer industry content.

The Brewers Association this week announced that it would no longer allow large brewing companies and brewery groups to purchase featured sponsorships at the Great American Beer Fest, held annually in Denver, Colorado.

On the heels of reintroducing Budweiser’s line of iconic patriotic packaging, the brand is announcing its return to the big-screen with an all-American toast to the season just in time for its 141st summer. The Budweiser commercial features user generated content toasting with America cans and bottles across the country alongside ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: North Carolina brewers claim Anheuser-Busch receives favoritism from the state’s wholesalers; Fiddlehead opens a new production facility; the Brewers Association announces committee assignments; and more.

In this week’s Press Clips: Petaluma Hills brewing to close in June; GoodLife Brewing co-founder Curt Plants dies at 33; Clare Rose and Shore Point union workers still on strike.

In a clear win for beer distributors, the Texas Senate yesterday voted 19-10 in favor of a bill that, if signed by Governor Greg Abbott, would require breweries making more than 225,000 barrels annually to repurchase their own product from wholesalers in order to continue selling beer for on-premise consumption at their taprooms.

This summer, Budweiser is extending its lineup of patriotic packaging to feature America bottles and cans along with the introduction of military-inspired Camouflage aluminum bottles, both dedicated to the men and women of our Armed Forces. Continuing its longstanding support of those who serve, Budweiser is partnering with Folds of Honor for its sixth consecutive year to help raise funds and provide educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled soldiers.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: Minnesota’s Summit Brewing has announced plans to pull its beer out of six states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Michigan. Also, Golden Road Brewing co-founder Meg Gill defends her company’s planned beer garden in Oakland, Caif.

In this week’s edition of press clips: The Brewers Association releases its 2017 beer style guidelines; the Hop Growers of America report on hop acreage growth and Revolution Brewoing, A-B and MillerCoors strike sports sponsorship deals.

In a move aimed at upgrading its U.S. operations and “strengthening” its core brands, Anheuser-Busch InBev today said it would spend $2 billion on numerous brewing, packaging, supply chain and sustainability projects over the next four years. In 2017 alone, A-B said it plans to invest $500 million into various brewery, distribution, packaging and innovation initiatives.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: Wicked Weed postpones the Funkatorium Invitational; Speakeasy’s sale price is report; Massachusetts and Maryland alcohol task forces set meeting dates; and much more.