Demand For New Anheuser-Busch Aluminum Bottle Outpacing Supply Across The Country

Consumers across the country are clamoring to get their hands on Anheuser-Busch’s cold aluminum bottle this summer. Demand has been so high that bars, restaurants, clubs and supermarkets are selling out, leading Anheuser-Busch to double its capacity for the package by fall 2005. In addition, America’s leading brewer will debut its hottest new beer – Budweiser Select – in the innovative package next month. “We knew people would love the aluminum bottle because it is cool and different,” said Mike Owens, vice president of sales and marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “We are excited by the magnitude of interest in this new package. Young adults, particularly in bars and clubs, tell us they really like the way it makes drinking cold beer a tactile experience. In fact, this package is so popular that it’s selling out, and it’s doing its job to help enhance the beer drinking experience.” Owens added that the success of the innovative new aluminum bottle packaging is further evidence that the company’s marketing and pricing strategies are on target and continue to produce positive results for America’s leading brewer. The aluminum bottle has received such favorable reviews by retailers, wholesalers and adult consumers since Anheuser-Busch introduced it last fall that the company made Budweiser Select its sixth brand to be offered in this package – joining Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob Light, Michelob and Anheuser World Lager. The company’s aluminum bottle even received mention in the June 22 edition of Zacks Brokerage Buy List. The versatile new packaging is ideal for contemporary adults searching for a stylish looking beverage when out at a club, bar or upscale restaurant, but is also sought after for attending outdoor drinking occasions where non-breakable containers are needed. “Creating a buzz and distinguishing yourself from the crowd are the top priorities for any consumer products company,” Owens said. “The aluminum bottle has definitely hit the mark for us. This new package, along with new products like Budweiser Select and B E , are generating increased interest in the beer category as a whole. As the top brewer in America, Anheuser-Busch provides the leadership to bring new ideas and excitement to the entire beer industry.” Since being introduced nationally on Feb. 21, Budweiser Select has grown to become the beer industry’s 12 th -best selling brand*, and has achieved a 1.7 industry share**. Budweiser Select and Bud Light, the fastest-growing light beer in the industry this year (up 1.2 share points year to date**), have led Anheuser-Busch to continue growing during the second quarter of 2005***. The Budweiser Select aluminum bottle has a sleek, silver finish with the distinct Budweiser Select logo. The package will be available in select regions of the country beginning in mid-July. Manufactured by Exal USA, based in Youngstown, Ohio, the 16-oz. Budweiser Select aluminum bottle will be available in bars, clubs, supermarkets and convenience stores. Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer holding 50 percent of the U.S. beer market. The company is American-owned and brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch ranked first in the U.S. beverage industry in FORTUNE magazine’s 2005 “ America’s Most Admired Companies” and in the top 30 on FORTUNE’s 2005 “Global Most Admired Companies” list. The company is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and is the world’s largest recycler of aluminum beverage containers.