Anheuser Busch Companies (BUD)

[FUNMAN]

Anheuser Kush? Beer Giant To Invest $100 Million in Developing Marijuana-Infused Drinks


https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Anheuser-Kush-Beer-Giant-To-Invest-100-Million-13517822.php


The annoucement marks a continuing trend in major beverage companies dipping into the cannabis market.
dispensaries.com Published 9:30 am EST, Wednesday, January 9, 2019



The world’s largest brewer has decided to begin the process of evaluating where it might fit into the growing cannabis market.



Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Belgium-based multinational company, has partnered with Canadian cannabis company Tilray to research the possibilities of cannabis-infused drinks in the market.




The two companies will contribute $50 million each into the research, which will focus on the use of THC and cannabinoids (CBD) in non-alcoholic drinks. THC is the chemical ingredient in marijuana that causes the “high” feeling. CBD does not offer the psychoactive effects but is believed to provide health value.



Canada's first on tap



The focus of the two companies research will be in Canada. Both adult-use and medical marijuana are legal there nationwide as of October 2018. The companies will work through two subsidiaries on the project -- AB InBev’s Labatt Breweries and Tilray’s High Park Company.



Labatt Breweries has stayed in business since its founding in Ontario in 1847, which is quite an accomplishment given all the competition. Labatt president Kyle Norrington said the brewing company “is committed to staying ahead of emerging consumer trends.”



He added, “We intend to develop a deeper understanding of non-alcohol beverages containing THC and CBD that will guide future decisions about potential commercial opportunities.”.



AB InBev is the biggest brewer in the world. They produce about one-third of the beer made worldwide. That includes three global brands: Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois, as well as Beck’s, Hoegaarden and Leffe. They also own a ton of smaller brands, some of the best-known including Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Modelo Especial.



The company employs about 180,000 people in 50 countries.