Anheuser-Busch InBev Sets Sights on China

Since 2011, Anheuser-Busch has shored up existing breweries and plans to build nine more in China.

July 30, 2013

ZIYANG – In this tiny Chinese city, not much exists to show any inroads of the West — except for what’s on tap at the local watering holes. Budweiser, which is brewed in a local brewery, has its presence everywhere, form the signature red bow tie and gold crown symbols to the ads blanketing buildings, the Wall Street Journal reports.

In recent years, Anheuser-Busch InBev brands have infiltrated Brazil, Russia and the Ukraine. Distribution of Bud and its siblings have increased in 90 countries, and the number of international breweries has doubled.

Now, the company has its sights set on China, with a population thirsty for beer. More than 40% of the beer industry’s growth from 2010 to 2020 will be in China, according to Plato Logic. Since 2011, Anheuser-Busch has shored up existing breweries and plans to build nine more in China.

Some analysts predict that the beer giant has more to overcome than logistics. Many Chinese prefer their own, locally brewed beer, and have for thousands of years. But that vision doesn’t deter AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito. “I see a world in beer that can change fast,” he said. “American culture is something that travels. Budweiser is traveling with it. … The potential is so huge, I don't see us [exhausting it] anytime soon.”

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