Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave and Craft Brands Driving Momentum of Anheuser-Busch’s High End Beer Portfolio

Anheuser-Busch’s (NYSE: BUD) High End beer portfolio continues to accelerate, driven by Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave and its industry-leading craft brands. Both Stella Artois and Kona Big Wave are now ranked among the top 10-selling draft beers in the U.S.,¹ according to BeerBoard, which provides real-time data and insights on alcohol sales across beer, wine, spirits and packaged goods.

Kyle Norrington, Chief Commercial Officer, Anheuser-Busch said: “Our current momentum is the direct result of our focused, consistent and consumer-first commercial strategy. With iconic brands like Stella Artois and Kona Big Wave leading our High End portfolio, we’re elevating the category through uncompromising quality and distinctive experiences that resonate with beer drinkers across the U.S.”

Stella Artois: Regional Strength, National Impact

Stella Artois, the premier European-style lager, is growing share of category in 20 states across the country, including Texas, Illinois and Virginia.² This is partly due to the brand’s steadfast focus on activating at bars and restaurants in these key areas and doubling down on its Perfect Serve program that aims to educate bartenders and fans on how to elevate their beer service skills. Additionally, Stella Artois is gaining share in multiple regions across the country – reinforcing its leadership position in the European-style lager segment.³ 

This year, Stella Artois has kept its pulse in culture through its acclaimed campaign “David & Dave” that first launched at Super Bowl in February – and upleveling key partnerships like its Official Beer Sponsorship of First We Feast’s popular show Hot Ones. The brand celebrated the show’s 10^th anniversary this past September during its first-of-its-kind live episode fan experience, Hot Ones Live.

Kona Big Wave: Riding the Growth Curve

Kona Big Wave, a golden ale originally born in and inspired by the legendary waves of Hawaii over 30 years ago, has nearly doubled in size in the off-premise over the last five years⁴ and continues its strong sales momentum in 2025. With a 4.4% volume increase in the last 12 weeks and a 2.4% increase overall so far in 2025,⁵ Kona Big Wave’s growth reflects the brand’s expanding appeal and strong performance in both coastal and inland areas.

A-B Craft: Fastest Growing in the Craft Segment

Anheuser-Busch remains the #1 share gainer across the top 10 craft beer manufacturers, holding 3 of the top 4 craft brand families: Goose Island, Wicked Weed and Elysian. ⁶ This growth is driven by consumer demand for flavorful beers, showcased by the key IPA brand families leading the charge: Goose Island Beer Hug, Wicked Weed Pernicious and Elysian Space Dust. Additionally, Golden Road Mango Cart, a flavored wheat beer and one of A-B’s craft scale brands, is the #2 share gaining wheat brand nationally. ⁷ IPA and wheat together make up the large majority of craft beer sold throughout the country, and A-B’s investment and commitment to those beer styles is clearly paying off. 

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¹ Source: Total BeerBoard, YTD ending 10/21/25

² Source: Circana MULC+ YTD Share of Category (Euro Imports) through 11-9-25

³ Source: Circana MULC+ YTD, L12W, and L26W Share of Category (Euro Imports) through 11-9-25

⁴ Source: Circana Total US MULC+ Volume Sales 2024 vs. 2020

⁵ Source: ONP Volume: Nielsen draft volume through 9-6-25

⁶Source: Circana TUS MULC Craft thru 10-5-25

⁷ Source: Circana Share of Wheat, TUS MULC thru 10/05/25

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. 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