“Acceleration,” and Other Themes from SAMCOM

Dear Client: Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth took the stage early on at SAMCOM’s opening day this week in Anaheim (their first in-person since 2020) with one theme: Accelerate.  Even when things are growing, Brendan said, “I refuse to be satisfied.” For example, by all accounts, Michelob Ultra had a great 2022. Brand VP Ricardo Marques said it added almost 1.5 million barrels last year, solidifying it as the no. 2 brand in beer. According to A-B brass, the brand was