The US division of AB InBev has earmarked a small portion of its pledged US$600m investment in production capabilities for two facilities in California.
Anheuser-Busch, which is in the process of doling out the funding across the US, confirmed yesterday (17 September) that $21m will be spent on its sites in the south of the state; one in Los Angeles and the other in nearby Mira Loma. Among the group’s brands to benefit from the move are Michelob Ultra, spirits-based RTD Cutwater and the Phorm Energy energy drinks mark.
This week’s announcement follows almost a month after the last, when Baldwinsville Brewery in upstate New York was granted $13m. The ‘Brewing Futures’ investment programme was doubled from its original outlay of $300m in April this year.
Among the assets at the two sites set to benefit from the cash injection are the existing bottling and canning operations, while rail capacity will also be improved to support a “strengthening [of] transport capabilities and route to market”.
The Los Angeles Brewery will also become the home for one of the 15 new technical skills training centres promised by AB InBev for the US.
According to Anheuser-Busch, a total of $184m has been invested in the two locations since 2021.
Also this week, AB InBev raised the profile of the Flying Fish flavoured beer brand beyond its South Africa homeland with a Halloween-themed marketing activation across six markets.
