Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the U.S. beer subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., achieved record U.S. beer sales volume in 2002, it was announced by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., President, August A. Busch IV.

"We are extremely pleased to report that our domestic beer shipments to wholesalers grew to an all-time high of 101.8 million barrels in 2002 -- increasing 2.1 million barrels or 2.1 percent over 2001," said Busch. "For the first time, total domestic shipments exceeded the 100 million barrel milestone. This record achievement, led by the Bud family and the successful introductions of Michelob Ultra and Bacardi Silver, reflects the hard work and dedication by all of our employees and wholesaler partners across the country," Busch noted.

“Wholesaler sales-to-retailers grew 1.6 percent for the full year and declined 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter. Sales-to-retailers volume in the fourth quarter 2002 reflected a difficult comparison to fourth quarter 2001 sales that were up 5 percent due to unseasonably warm weather and the resumption of consumer activity after the September 11 tragedy. Fourth quarter 2002 sales-to-retailers represented a 2.3 percent compound annual growth rate from fourth quarter 2000,” the company reported.

13 January, 2003