USA & Colombia: Anheuser-Busch launches Bud Light in Colombia

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. announced that Bud Light will be available in 37 Colombian cities beginning this month, St. Louis Business Journal published January 29.

Bud Light will be imported exclusively by Colombian grocery chain Exito and will be available in Exito, Ley and Pomona stores.

Anheuser-Busch said it decided to launch Bud Light in Colombia based on the successful introduction of Budweiser into the market in February 2006 and the strong potential for growth in the light beer category.

Esteban Amoia, regional marketing manager, South America for Anheuser-Busch International Inc., said in a statement, "This provides Bud Light with an opportunity to establish and grow a light beer category in Colombia as well as become the brand of choice for young, fun-loving men and women who are on the move."

Bud Light will be brewed and packaged at Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery in the United States for distribution in Colombia, where it will be available in 12-ounce longneck bottles as well as 10-ounce and 12-oz. cans.

The launch of Bud Light continues the St. Louis-based brewer's expansion in Central and South America. In addition to bringing Budweiser to Colombia last February, A-B introduced Budweiser in Honduras in June 2006 and in Paraguay in October 2006.

31 January, 2007