Anheuser-Busch InBev is shifting some production of Stella Artois to the U.S. in a bid to solve global supply chain issues, the company said.
Production will begin in St. Louis later this year, to be followed by A-B’s Los Angeles, Newark, and Jacksonville breweries. The four breweries will all receive upgrades as part of the $1 billion, two-year investment that A-B says is intended to stimulate the American economy.
“Stella Artois is an industry-leading premium lager with unmatched quality, history and heritage. It is a critical element of our industry-leading portfolio and we are excited to invest even further behind the growth of this beloved brand,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch.
“As part of our $1 billion U.S. investment, we will combine our brewing expertise with over 600 years of Belgian heritage to ensure that beer drinkers continue to enjoy Stella’s uncompromising quality and refreshing premium lager taste,” he added.
Why turn Stella Artois from an imported beer to a domestic? “Throughout the pandemic, our advanced planning and proactive actions have put our U.S. supply chain in a strong position; however, we are subject to the instability of the international supply chain when it comes to some of our imports,” says Brendan Whitworth, AB’s chief sales officer in the U.S.
In addition to $1 billion for upgrading breweries, A-B said it will spend $296 million more on producing and distributing Stella Artois over the two years.