Actually, I've wondering if this might spark The Royal to bring back AB products.
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It is a big deal. One of the largest corporate icons of the city is caught in a national culture war controversy that could see major impact to their bottom line.
Problem is its hard to talk about honestly without putting a qualifier on every statement. That's a bit tiresome.
Problem is its hard to talk about honestly without putting a qualifier on every statement. That's a bit tiresome.
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I confess, I am a bit disappointed they haven't been more strongly supportive of Mulvaney. The fact that the marketing folks responsible are on a leave of absence just makes it feel like they're stepping into a pit by trying to please everyone and they'll end up offending everyone. (I say as I drink an AB product.) Maybe the marketing team did miss out on the core Bud Light audience, but I don't think they missed out on the overall trends. And if doing the right thing and keeping the larger audience for their overall product line means sacrificing a brand that's been struggling anyway . . . so be it. They need to grow a spine and stand their ground. And screw Bump Williams.
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Or, come out with a new ad that just says "We don't want money from bigots." Lose 33% of their customer base and bring in a bunch of younger (of age) drinkers who have been trending away from beer for years and be a stalwart on inclusivity.symphonicpoet wrote: ↑May 03, 2023I confess, I am a bit disappointed they haven't been more strongly supportive of Mulvaney. The fact that the marketing folks responsible are on a leave of absence just makes it feel like they're stepping into a pit by trying to please everyone and they'll end up offending everyone. (I say as I drink an AB product.) Maybe the marketing team did miss out on the core Bud Light audience, but I don't think they missed out on the overall trends. And if doing the right thing and keeping the larger audience for their overall product line means sacrificing a brand that's been struggling anyway . . . so be it. They need to grow a spine and stand their ground. And screw Bump Williams.
I agree that if they want to make a statement they need to do it and stick with it. However I think that it's a huge gamble to alienate a large part of their drinkers in the hope that new ones will come. Outside of a symbolic gesture, I don't think someone is going to start drinking bud light if they aren't already drinking something in that segment.Bart Harley Jarvis wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Or, come out with a new ad that just says "We don't want money from bigots." Lose 33% of their customer base and bring in a bunch of younger (of age) drinkers who have been trending away from beer for years and be a stalwart on inclusivity.symphonicpoet wrote: ↑May 03, 2023I confess, I am a bit disappointed they haven't been more strongly supportive of Mulvaney. The fact that the marketing folks responsible are on a leave of absence just makes it feel like they're stepping into a pit by trying to please everyone and they'll end up offending everyone. (I say as I drink an AB product.) Maybe the marketing team did miss out on the core Bud Light audience, but I don't think they missed out on the overall trends. And if doing the right thing and keeping the larger audience for their overall product line means sacrificing a brand that's been struggling anyway . . . so be it. They need to grow a spine and stand their ground. And screw Bump Williams.
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Then team up with Molson Coors & Constellation and put out a joint statement (And show all the brands included in those three companies). Pepsi/Coke/Dr Pepper have those platitude commercials towards making healthier drinks.flipz wrote: ↑May 03, 2023I agree that if they want to make a statement they need to do it and stick with it. However I think that it's a huge gamble to alienate a large part of their drinkers in the hope that new ones will come. Outside of a symbolic gesture, I don't think someone is going to start drinking bud light if they aren't already drinking something in that segment.Bart Harley Jarvis wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Or, come out with a new ad that just says "We don't want money from bigots." Lose 33% of their customer base and bring in a bunch of younger (of age) drinkers who have been trending away from beer for years and be a stalwart on inclusivity.symphonicpoet wrote: ↑May 03, 2023I confess, I am a bit disappointed they haven't been more strongly supportive of Mulvaney. The fact that the marketing folks responsible are on a leave of absence just makes it feel like they're stepping into a pit by trying to please everyone and they'll end up offending everyone. (I say as I drink an AB product.) Maybe the marketing team did miss out on the core Bud Light audience, but I don't think they missed out on the overall trends. And if doing the right thing and keeping the larger audience for their overall product line means sacrificing a brand that's been struggling anyway . . . so be it. They need to grow a spine and stand their ground. And screw Bump Williams.
Unfortunately, doubling down would likely be considered fiduciarily irresponsible to their shareholders...and those executive bonuses. That being said, their "apology" was pathetic. They're like, and I paraphrase: "Ope, we just love beer and you guys love beer, and remember how we support the military, first responders, and sports fans? Oh, and freedom, America, and the heartland? Remember us?"
The CEO really puts himself out there with this gem: "Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation." Wow, how thoughtful. Such a bold stance to conclude on. [eyeroll]
"Our Responsibility to America"
https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom ... to-america
The CEO really puts himself out there with this gem: "Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation." Wow, how thoughtful. Such a bold stance to conclude on. [eyeroll]
"Our Responsibility to America"
https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom ... to-america
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Right. Which is why I suggested teaming up with #2 & #3 brewers to all come out in support of human beings. Doesn't really leave much room for beer-drinkin bigots to go, assuming most smaller breweries probably also support human rights.Tim wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Unfortunately, doubling down would likely be considered fiduciarily irresponsible to their shareholders...and those executive bonuses.
I'm with you. But I'd guess that right now those companies are enjoying watching AB InBev squirm, with the hopes that their own sales improve as a result. What you suggested would be wonderful to see, but watching your competitor get pummeled is a capitalist's dream!Bart Harley Jarvis wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Right. Which is why I suggested teaming up with #2 & #3 brewers to all come out in support of human beings. Doesn't really leave much room for beer-drinkin bigots to go, assuming most smaller breweries probably also support human rights.Tim wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Unfortunately, doubling down would likely be considered fiduciarily irresponsible to their shareholders...and those executive bonuses.
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Until MGD or Coors Light suddenly becomes the "Cis man's drink" and now there's a whole new box of worms to deal with.Tim wrote: ↑May 03, 2023I'm with you. But I'd guess that right now those companies are enjoying watching AB InBev squirm, with the hopes that their own sales improve as a result. What you suggested would be wonderful to see, but watching your competitor get pummeled is a capitalist's dream!Bart Harley Jarvis wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Right. Which is why I suggested teaming up with #2 & #3 brewers to all come out in support of human beings. Doesn't really leave much room for beer-drinkin bigots to go, assuming most smaller breweries probably also support human rights.Tim wrote: ↑May 03, 2023Unfortunately, doubling down would likely be considered fiduciarily irresponsible to their shareholders...and those executive bonuses.