The following is the text of a press release from A-B:
From Robert C. Lachky, Vice President – Brand Management and Director of Global Creative, Anheuser-Busch Inc.
We’re pleased that SABMiller has dropped its claim about being described as the “Queen of Carbs,” including its request for a preliminary injunction. We do not feel that lawsuits and injunctions are the way to compete in the marketplace. We agree it’s time to get back to selling beer.
At the same time, we have found beer drinkers were not aware that Miller was bought by South African Breweries PLC. This has been resonating with consumers and we will continue to convey this message.
During the Memorial Day holiday week Anheuser-Busch brands were up 4 percent, while SABMiller brands declined 0.9 percent, according to IRI data.
Miller continues to spin the numbers. They misrepresented their sales performance, using faulty comparisons year-to-year. Bud Light increased its share lead over Miller Lite by more than 50 percent since the end of February, according to IRI supermarket data.
Our growth is being driven by a number of brands. They have all of their resources behind one brand and the remainder of their portfolio is in serious decline. Miller has become focused behind one selling point, and that’s carbs, while Anheuser-Busch continues to sell a wide range of brands that appeal to many tastes and lifestyles.
As market leader, Anheuser-Busch is not interested in a competitor doing poorly. We are most interested in Anheuser-Busch brands doing well.
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