Anheuser-Busch Investing $7.4M in Los Angeles Brewery to Drive Local Economic Growth & Fuel Production of Michelob ULTRA

Rhea-AI Summary

Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) has announced a $7.4 million investment in its Los Angeles Brewery to upgrade brewing and packaging equipment, primarily focusing on increasing Michelob ULTRA production. This investment is part of the company's broader $300 million Brewing Futures initiative across U.S. facilities.

The Los Angeles facility, opened in 1954, has received $180 million in investments over the past five years. The upgrade will expand production capacity for Michelob ULTRA, including 25-oz cans and 15-pack slim cans, responding to growing consumer demand. Notably, Michelob ULTRA has shown 7.2% volume growth year-to-date, with Los Angeles being the largest market for the brand in the U.S.

Positive

• Part of larger $300 million commitment to U.S. facilities, showing strong domestic investment
• Michelob ULTRA showing 7.2% volume growth year-to-date
• Strategic investment in Los Angeles, the largest Michelob ULTRA market in the U.S.
• Expansion of production capacity for high-demand products and formats
• Alignment with upcoming major events: 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure required ($7.4M) in challenging economic environment
• Investment focused primarily on single brand (Michelob ULTRA) may limit flexibility

Insights

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Specialist

Anheuser-Busch's $7.4M LA brewery investment enhances production capacity for Michelob ULTRA while supporting long-term manufacturing growth.

This $7.4 million investment in Anheuser-Busch's Los Angeles brewery represents a strategic production capacity expansion specifically targeting Michelob ULTRA, which the data confirms is experiencing significant momentum with 7.2% volume growth year-to-date. The investment focuses on brewing and packaging equipment upgrades, particularly to support production of 25-oz cans and 15-pack slim cans – directly addressing the fastest-growing packaging format in beer according to Nielsen data.

The capital allocation is part of Anheuser-Busch's broader $300 million "Brewing Futures" initiative and builds on $180 million already invested in this facility over the past five years. Strategically, this move strengthens the company's manufacturing footprint in a key consumption market – Los Angeles reportedly purchases more Michelob ULTRA than any other U.S. city.

What's particularly notable is the alignment with upcoming high-visibility marketing opportunities in Los Angeles, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games, where Michelob ULTRA has secured sponsorship positioning. This creates a synchronized capacity/demand strategy where production capabilities are being expanded ahead of anticipated consumption growth tied to major sporting events.

The investment demonstrates Anheuser-Busch's commitment to vertical integration and domestic manufacturing – they highlight that 99% of products sold in the U.S. are produced domestically with $700 million in ingredients sourced from American farmers. This capital expenditure reinforces their manufacturing infrastructure while supporting their market-leading brand's growth trajectory.

LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON $300 MILLION COMMITMENT TO U.S. FACILITIES AND PEOPLE, EXPANDING PRODUCTION OF MICHELOB ULTRA, THE #1 TOP-SELLING & FASTEST GROWING BEER IN U.S. 

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater Spirits, today announced a new $7.4 million investment in its Los Angeles, CA Brewery. The investment will go toward upgrading brewing and packaging equipment to fuel increased production of Michelob ULTRA, America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer.  

This latest $7.4 million investment in its Los Angeles Brewery is part of Anheuser-Busch's ongoing Brewing Futures initiative, through which the company is investing more than $300 million in its U.S. facilities to create and sustain U.S. manufacturing jobs.  

Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch, said: "Investing in our Los Angeles Brewery enables us to brew and deliver more of the highest-quality beers and beyond that consumers love – including Michelob ULTRA, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in America. Investments like this one strengthen our position as a leading American manufacturer, allowing us to continue driving economic growth and creating and sustaining jobs in the communities where we operate." 

Anheuser-Busch opened its Los Angeles Brewery in 1954. The company has invested $180 million in the brewery over the past five years, part of the nearly $2 billion it has invested in its 100 U.S. facilities over the past five years.  

Caroline Menjivar, California State Senator - 20th District, said: "Since opening its doors over 70 years ago in Van Nuys, Anheuser-Busch has played a foundational and generational role in economic growth, employment, and business innovation for the district and constituents I now represent in the San Fernando Valley. This new $7.4 million investment will only further contribute to the success of our community, keeping jobs in Senate District 20 at a time when so many are commuting far for good paying jobs. I am grateful to Anheuser-Busch for their continued partnership with the people of San Fernando Valley." 

Anheuser-Busch makes 45 different high-quality products at its Los Angeles Brewery, which are then shipped across the country to 26 U.S. states. This investment will expand the brewery's capacity to produce fast-growing brands like Michelob ULTRA, including producing 25-oz cans and 15-pack slim cans to meet growing consumer demand. Single-serve cans are the #1 share gaining pack-size in beer this year (Nielsen IQ All Off-Premise Outlets Total US YTD w.e 8/16/25), with Michelob Ultra growing 7.2% in volume year-to-date. (Circana MULC YTD w.e. 8/31/25).  

For over 20 years, Michelob ULTRA has been synonymous with championing an active lifestyle. Through investments like this one in Los Angeles, which purchases more Michelob ULTRA than any other city in the U.S. (Circana MULC YTD Volume w.e. 9/14/25), Anheuser-Busch is committed to fueling the brand's momentum and supporting increasing consumer demand. Michelob ULTRA is also the official beer sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games – major global sporting events coming to Los Angeles. 

Building on more than 165 years of continuous investment in its people, breweries, and communities, Anheuser-Busch's Brewing Futures initiative supports American manufacturing through three key pillars:  

1) creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs  
2) advancing technical skills training
3) strengthening manufacturing career opportunities for veterans. 

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. 99 percent of the products we sell in the U.S are made in the U.S. with more than $700 million in high-quality ingredients sourced from American farmers and more than $7 billion in goods and services purchased from U.S. suppliers, and we have invested nearly $2 billion in our 100 facilities across the country over the past five years. Through these investments, and as a leading American manufacturer and the nation's top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale. 

We are home to the nation's most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America's #1 top-selling beer* – as well as Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, and industry-leading craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
*Circana MULC+ US L52W Volume w.e 9/14/25 

ABOUT MICHELOB ULTRA:
Introduced in 2002, Michelob ULTRA is America's #1 top-selling beer.* With just 95 calories, 2.6 carbs and no artificial flavors or colors, it is a superior light beer that celebrates the active, balanced lifestyle of its drinkers that includes both fitness and fun. Michelob ULTRA's choice of grains and extended mashing process leads to its refreshing taste and fewer carbohydrates. It is brewed with the finest barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure-cultured yeast strain, all of which reflect Anheuser-Busch's commitment to brewing quality. Michelob ULTRA reminds you to always drink, and sweat, responsibly. For more information, visit MichelobULTRA.com or follow @MichelobULTRA on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.  
*Circana MULC+ US L52W Volume w.e 9/14/25 

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SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

FAQ

How much is Anheuser-Busch (BUD) investing in its Los Angeles brewery?

Anheuser-Busch is investing $7.4 million in its Los Angeles brewery to upgrade brewing and packaging equipment, primarily for Michelob ULTRA production.

What is the purpose of BUD's Los Angeles brewery investment?

The investment aims to upgrade brewing and packaging equipment to increase production of Michelob ULTRA, including 25-oz cans and 15-pack slim cans to meet growing consumer demand.

How much has Anheuser-Busch invested in the Los Angeles brewery over the past five years?

Anheuser-Busch has invested $180 million in the Los Angeles brewery over the past five years, as part of nearly $2 billion invested across all U.S. facilities.

What is Michelob ULTRA's current market performance?

Michelob ULTRA is currently the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in America, with 7.2% volume growth year-to-date.

How many products does Anheuser-Busch make at its Los Angeles brewery?

Anheuser-Busch produces 45 different products at its Los Angeles brewery, which are distributed across 26 U.S. states.