Beer Reigns Supreme as Global Driver of Food & Beverage Growth

19/02/07 Data contained in ACNielsen's most recent report on global food and beverage trends indicates that for the second consecutive year, beer is the No. 1 category for growth value in the world. Findings from ACNielsen's 2006 edition of What's Hot Around the Globe - Insights on Growth in Food & Beverage Products demonstrate the overall alcohol category grew four percent with Beer/Lager/Ales making up five percent of the total with category growth value at $4 billion, $1.2 billion more than the second leading category, carbonated beverages, and $2.7 billion more than wine.

"Beer transcends cultural barriers and can be shared in any type of occasion," said Bob Lachky, executive vice president of Global Industry Development for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Last year, a Gallup Poll indicated that once again, beer is America's beverage of choice and the recent news of beer driving the category for growth value in the world further crystallizes the notion that beer is back in full, global force."

In February of 2006, Anheuser-Busch spearheaded the launch of the "Here's To Beer" campaign with its first ad broadcast during the Super Bowl telecast and the launch of its Web site, http://www.herestobeer.com.

The campaign aims to elevate the image of beer and focuses on three key areas:

-- Reminding adult consumers of the social value of beer -- it brings people together in an unpretentious way.
--  Romancing the product and the art of brewing -- reinforcing beer's refreshment, all­natural ingredients and the beauty of its liquid.
--  Encouraging consumers to view beer differently -- giving them new ways to enjoy beer including ideas and recipes for pairing with food.

Since its launch, http://www.herestobeer.com has received more than half a million visits. The Web site is available in English and Spanish.

The 2006 edition of What's Hot Around the World - Insights on Growth in Food & Beverage Products as reported by ACNielsen looks at the fastest-growing categories and product areas across 66 key markets around the world, based on their value sales increases from mid-year 2005 to mid-year-2006. The consumers and these markets make up more than 75 percent of the world's population, contributing more than 90 percent of the world's GDP.