United States: Bud Light enjoying highest sales in 2008, beer price increases unlikely

The road ahead for beer sales looks smooth despite the current bumpy economy, the Convenience Store Decisions communicated on January, 13.

"Costs rose across all the markets in 2008, but I would almost bet that we won’t see any cost increases this year," said Dan Roane, category manager of alcoholic beverages for Circle K’s south-eastern stores. "It doesn’t matter if you’re selling dishwashers or beer, consumers are becoming much more conservative with their money. Given that, I think that price increases this year are unlikely.”

According to reports, beer sales across the US are still gaining. In 2008, the top ten beer brands list was headed by Bud Light (196,964,800 cases sold; $3,823,988,000 in money terms).

Budweiser was ranked second with sales of 86,153,840 cases ($1,665,968,000). Miller Lite beer gained the third place with 54,739,080 cases sold for $1,058,876,000.

The list published by Convenience Store Decisions also includes Coors Light, Natural Light, Busch Light, Busch, Miller High Life, Michelob Ultra Light, and Keystone Light.

14 January, 2009