Anheuser-Busch reports increase in US beer volume

Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the U.S. beer subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc., increased U.S. shipments to wholesalers to 104.4 mln barrels in 2007 — up 2.1 mln barrels or 2% over 2006, according to president and CEO, August A. Busch IV.

“Anheuser-Busch achieved increased shipments in 2007 due to the success of our initiatives to broaden the company’s beer portfolio, including the addition of InBev European brands,” said Busch.

Wholesaler sales-to-retailers grew 1.3% for the full year. Acquired and import brands contributed 170 basis points of growth to shipments and 160 points to wholesaler sales-to-retailers for the full year.

For the fourth quarter 2007 wholesaler sales-to-retailers were up 1.3%, on a selling day adjusted basis. The fourth quarter of 2007 had one more selling day than the fourth quarter of 2006.

U.S. beer shipments to wholesalers increased 3.4% in the same timeframe. Import brands contributed 230 basis points of growth to shipments and 180 points of growth to wholesaler sales-to-retailers for the quarter. Wholesaler inventories at year-end were approximately the same as year-end 2006.

“Our expanded beer portfolio along with our enhanced marketing and sales strategies to accelerate core beer sales position Anheuser-Busch for growth in volume and earnings in 2008,” concluded Busch.

Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. will announce worldwide beer volume and consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year 2007 on Jan. 31, 2008.