This Bud’s for you
Anheuser-Busch is preparing to sell a wider selection of its portfolio beginning in October.
Impending changes to alcohol laws in Oklahoma mean the beer menu is about to get bigger.
Anheuser-Busch is just one example of a company prepared to bring more of its portfolio of products for retail beginning Oct. 1, as well as a greater number available for sale chilled. With Oklahoma regulations loosening regarding alcohol content for beer as a result of the passage of State Question 792, consumers can expect to see a larger variety of products on shelves beginning this fall.
“A lot of change, that’s for sure,” Matt LoPorto said, partner and senior director of sales and marketing for Anheuser-Busch in Oklahoma. “The one thing that is important for us is that we are excited for the change that is coming to Oklahoma. We have an exciting portfolio and we are excited to sell our full portfolio.”
Touted by its supporters as a step forward in alcohol laws and regulations for Oklahoma, SQ 792 allows alcohol consumers in Oklahoma the ability to purchase stronger beer and wine at grocery stores and convenience stores, as well as refrigerated beer in traditional liquor stores, beginning Oct. 1.
Anheuser-Busch sells about 95 beer brands in Oklahoma, according to LoPorto.
Those include the popular and recognizable Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra brands, as well others many may not realize is owned by the company including, Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery and Kona Brewing Co. These products will continue to be sold, however the lower-alcohol versions will eventually disappear.
“We are going to do the best we can to reduce the inventory of 3.2 beer,” LoPorto said. “We will still have some available, but we will phase it out.”
But there are about 30 additional brands Anheuser-Busch plans to sell in Oklahoma, as well as varieties of beer unable to be brewed to a lower alcohol content.
Seasonal beers from a variety of brands also will be sold more frequently, and LoPorto estimates this will bring the number of Anheuser-Busch-owned varieties of beer available in Oklahoma to nearly 350.