This is getting to be as tedious as it is predictable. Yet again (and again), the makers of Budweiser have decided that the best way to counter shrinking sales and — ahem! — “higher commodity costs” is by raising prices. Three to five percent this time.
I wonder how long it will be before Bud drinkers realize that they’re being taken for a ride which has no evident stopping point?
Anheuser-Busch to raise US beer prices
Source: Reuters
Tue, Jul 19 2011
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA’s U.S. unit said on Tuesday that it plans to raise prices by 3 percent to 5 percent across its beer portfolio in October as it seeks to offset higher commodity costs.
The maker of Budweiser and Bud Light said the increases — which will vary by brand, package and market — will go through on October 3.
Update: I just heard that in the second quarter of 2011, shipments in North America for Anheuser-Busch InBev declined by 3.4%. Yeah, that price rise is because of “higher commodity costs,” I’m sure!
Not to rain on your parade, but isn’t this pretty typical behaviour for a large multi-national corporation? I mean, why think of the consumer when there’s money to be made?