Anheuser-Busch Leading Growth in U.S. Convenience Store Channel in 2026

Anheuser-Busch continues to lead as the #1 fastest-growing supplier in Beer & Hard Beverage in convenience stores so far this year, with 4 of the top 8 fastest-growing brands:

• Michelob ULTRA (#1)
• BeatBox (#5)
• Cutwater (#7)
• Busch Light (#8).¹

Simon Wuestenberg, Chief Sales Officer, Anheuser-Busch recently spoke with the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Magazine to discuss the trends driving growth in the convenience channel.

Across the U.S., three main trends are driving growth in convenience: balanced choices, value equation and flavor variety – and with our industry-leading portfolio, Anheuser-Busch is well positioned to lead—and win— across all three.

In both beer and spirits, singles are the fastest-growing pack size in convenience.² In beer, Anheuser-Busch has 5 of the top 10 singles: Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA, Budweiser, Bud Ice and Natural Light. Michelob ULTRA is the fastest-growing single this year, supported by the launch of its new 32 oz bottle.³ In spirits, Cutwater is now the #1 spirits-based canned cocktail in the U.S., with singles up over 162% this year – nearly 3x the Spirit RTD category trend. And BeatBox singles have grown 35% vs. last year, positioning them as the #5 largest Hard Beverage singles brand.⁴

Simon noted to NACS: “With singles, it’s critical to stay in stock with familiar favorites and ensure that you have adequate days of supply to avoid any future out-of-stocks, particularly leading up to key selling occasions. Once the top sellers are in-stock, you can look to add assortment on trending items, like Goose Island Beer Hug or Elysian Space Dust.”

Bottom line: consistently executing the basics remains the most effective way to drive growth in beverage alcohol.

Simon added, “Drive routine trips by winning with the basics: make sure you’re in-stock and offering everyday value with compelling promotions, tap into power categories to maximize key occasions and drive incrementality, and ensure these moments are fully connected across in-store, online, and in-App to prompt consumer engagement.”

Read more in the April issue of NACS Magazine.

Citations:

1Circana, TUS Convenience, Dollar Sales Growth YTD w/e 3/15/26

2Circana, TUS Convenience, Dollar Sales YTD w/e 3/15/26

3Circana, TUS MULC Volume Share TUS MULC YTD w/e 3/22/26

4Circana, TUS Convenience, Dollar Sales YTD w/e 03.22.26

About Anheuser-Busch

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and alcohol free beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products 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.