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Culture War Roundup for the week of May 1, 2023

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Who said this?

It was definitely in the conversation on themotte, about how ABInbev disguises their connection to many beers, such that even seemingly local craft breweries are often purchased by AB and run as though they are still indies.

No, there is a reported drop in Michelob Ultra and other AB Inbev brands as well:

During the controversy, sales have shot up for Bud Light’s biggest competitors, Miller Lite and Coors Light, Williams said. What is more, he is beginning to see what is known as a negative halo effect — other Anheuser-Busch brands are suffering because of the dispute.

“I also think that what’s happening now is that anybody that is a Bud Light drinker and switches to Michelob Ultra because they don’t want to be seen holding a Bud Light, someone down the bar is going to say, ‘Hey, buddy, that’s an Anheuser-Busch product you’re holding,’” Williams said.

The slowdown in sales of Michelob Ultra is of particular concern to Anheuser-Busch because it had been one of the fastest-growing brands on the market, said David Steinman, vice president and executive editor at Beer Marketer’s Insights.

Link

I can't find the numbers for Michelob, maybe it's a small drop. Hard to say.