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Diving overview:
- Anheuser-Busch InBev has acquired a majority stake in BeatBox Beverages for up to $490 million in a deal that will give the Bud Light brewer full ownership of the maker of the party punch popular with Gen Z.
- The liquor giant is reportedly acquiring an 85% stake in BeatBox and the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. AB InBev said the deal includes a path to 100% ownership after five years, according to a predetermined pricing formula.
- Beyond beer, BeatBox adds to Anheuser-Busch’s rapidly growing beverage portfolio, which includes Cutwater Spirits, Nütrl Vodka Seltzer and Phorm Energy.
Dive Insights:
BeatBox has grown rapidly over the past two years due to its high alcohol content, bright packaging, and bold, fruity flavors.
According to its LinkedIn page, 2025 revenue is expected to be $225 million. It plans to reach 10 million new households in the next few years and launch a “completely new brand.”
“We are thrilled to welcome BeatBox, one of the industry’s fastest-growing RTD brands, to our portfolio,” Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, said in a statement. “We have a proven playbook for building successful brands, and we look forward to working with BeatBox as we embark on the next chapter of dynamic growth together.”
BeatBox is sold in a variety of flavors, including Blueberry Lemonade, Orange Blast, Cherry Limeade, and Cranberry Dream. It is available in wine-based and malt-based versions, with an alcohol content of 11.1% or 8%.
The brand first gained attention in 2014 when it appeared on the reality TV series ‘Shark Tank.’ Mark Cuban and Shaquille O’Neal are considered investors.
Party Punch had U.S. retail sales of more than $340 million in the fiscal year ending Nov. 23, representing a year-over-year growth rate of more than 50%, according to Circana data cited by Anheuser-Busch.
Although more consumers are reducing their alcohol consumption, demand for drinks with higher ABV remains high. According to IWSR, in the United States, the proportion of new product launches with an ABV of 5% or greater increased from 48% to 55% between 2021 and 2024.
Anheuser-Busch recently found success with Michelob Ultra, which reclaimed its spot as the best-selling beer in the United States. But they are not immune to the broader trend of consumers cutting back on alcohol, particularly beer.
Like other beer giants, Anheuser-Busch has diversified its portfolio into RTDs and non-alcoholic beverages to reach moderation-minded consumers. It owns ready-to-drink vodka tea brands Skimmers, Nütrl Vodka Seltzer, and recently co-launched the Phorm Energy beverage.
