Jul 18, 2024 - Economy

Charted: Bud Light slips further

Pete Gannon

A line chart that tracks the share of total U.S. beer sales in retail stores from Modelo Especial, Michelob Ultra, and Bud Light from January 2023 to July 2024. Modelo Especial's share increased from 7.5% to 9.7%, Michelob Ultra's share remained relatively stable around 7%, and Bud Light's share decreased from 10.3% to 6.5%. — Data: NielsenIQ/Bump Williams/WSJ; Chart: Axios Visuals

Bud Light is now No. 3.

Why it matters: The brand has yet to recover from a boycott in April 2023, shortly after which Modelo Especial knocked it out of the top spot in terms of beer dollar sales in U.S. stores, a position it had held for over two decades.

The latest: Michelob Ultra moved into the No. 2 spot in May, according to data from NielsenIQ analyzed by the consulting firm Bump Williams and reported earlier today by WSJ.

Zoom in: The boycott last year was initiated by conservative groups over a Bud Light promotion featuring transgender advocate Dylan Mulvaney.

Between the lines: While Bud Light has slipped in terms of its share of dollar sales (it's priced below the other two brands), it still holds the top spot in terms of volume, measured in cases sold.

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Charted: Bud Light slips further

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