USA: AB InBev acquires majority stake in BeatBox for $490 million

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the global brewing giant, has agreed to acquire an 85% majority stake in BeatBox Beverages, the Texas-based ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic ‘party punch’ maker, for approximately $490 million.

The agreement, expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory approval, grants AB InBev an option to purchase the remaining 15% after five years via a predetermined pricing formula. The acquisition reinforces the brewer’s focus on the rapidly expanding US “Beyond Beer” portfolio, where BeatBox’s core products – wine and malt-based 11.1% ABV party punches sold in single-serve Tetra Pak cartons – have demonstrated particular momentum.

The brand, which offers over 13 “nostalgic” flavours including Blue Raspberry and Juicy Mango, is now considered a top 10 US RTD brand. According to Circana data cited by the brewer, BeatBox generated retail sales exceeding $340 million in the US off-trade for the 52 weeks ending 23rd November 2025, representing more than 50% year-over-year growth.

This move follows AB InBev’s previous strategy to bolster its RTD portfolio, which includes Cutwater Spirits, the canned cocktail producer it acquired in 2019.

Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, stated: “We could not be more excited to welcome BeatBox, one of the fastest-growing RTD brands in the industry, to our portfolio. We have a proven playbook for building winning brands, and I look forward to partnering with BeatBox.” BeatBox CEO Justin Fenchel commented that the deal “made this partnership feel like the right next step. With Anheuser-Busch behind us, [we] are excited for the chance to accelerate our growth.”

Source: ESM / The Spirits Business / Food Dive