What is beer? Pretty obvious, right? I mean, it's not like there's been much by way of disagreement for, what, 500 years?
Thanks to a contract spat in the US between Anheuser-Busch InBev and Constellation Brands, however, what constitutes the definition of 'beer' is going to be settled in court - whether we like it or not.
A quick[ish] timeline: In mid-2013, A-B InBev acquired full control - building on its 50% holding - of Grupo Modelo, the Mexican company that owned the Corona, Modelo and Pacifico beer brands. To bypass monopoly concerns, A-B InBev agreed to divest Modelo's US licence
Anheuser-Busch InBev versus Constellation Brands – ‘Beer’ to have its day in court – Comment
Thanks to a contract spat in the US between Anheuser-Busch InBev and Constellation Brands, the definition of ‘beer’ is going to be settled in court – whether we like it or not.

Olly has been reporting on the beverage industry as a B2B journalist since 2003. He spent 18 years at Just Drinks, 16 of which as managing editor. Since joining Global Drinks Intel in 2022, he's interviewed the CEOs for brand owners including AB InBev, Campari Group, Carlsberg, Heineken and Suntory Global Spirits and has a bulging contacts book from across beverage alcohol worldwide.


