A new champion of tap beer has emerged, and it's still within the Anheuser-Busch InBev family.
Michelob Ultra, an Anheuser-Busch InBev brand, commands the largest share of U.S. draft lines, according to data from DraftLines Technologies.
The beer officially surpassed Bud Light on Nov. 1 and continued to hold the top spot well into December, according to data from Draftline Technologies, which monitors more than 1 million taplines. .
“Michelob Ultra’s rise to the top in draft tap handles reflects changing consumer preferences. Michelob Ultra has long been the number one brand in draft (by total taps) We're on a path to surpass Wright,” Jennifer Hauck, founder of Draftline Technologies, told FOX Business.
Bud Light's status is an impressive feat, Haucke said, noting that it still holds the No. 2 share of the U.S. draft line by a wide margin.
An Anheuser-Busch spokeswoman said data shows Bud Light's market share is more than 30% larger than its next closest competitor.
“We're proud to carry America's top two draft beers: Michelob Ultra and Bud Light,” a spokesperson said.
Still, Michelob Ultra has been gaining ground for years, even before Bud Light's sales began to decline in the U.S. in April 2023 following the brand's controversial partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Ta.
Michelob Ultra's rise has been “many years in the making,” Hauke said.
“Its steady growth reflects broad alignment with health-conscious premium beer trends and is evidence of both Anheuser-Busch's investments and the evolution of consumer tastes,” she added.
In 2019, Anheuser-Busch said one of its key priorities was expanding Michelob Ultra, which has been a longtime growth driver for the company.
Underscoring Michelob Ultra's rising profile, it had the second-highest sales in U.S. stores this summer, according to consulting firm Bump Williams. The company said Michelob Ultra accounted for 7.1% of U.S. beer dollar sales, second only to Modelo, which accounted for 9.3% of U.S. beer dollar sales, based on an analysis of Nielsen IQ data.
According to an analysis of NielsenIQ data, Bud Light fell to third place with 7.0%.
Although Bud Light is no longer number one on draft, Hauck said the beer has been very resilient, which is “a testament to brand loyalty.”
“Draft beer is one of the few products where brand loyalty still matters, contributing significantly to the overall health of the beer category,” Haucke said.
She also praised beer distributors across the country who are “investing in their communities,” adding, “These generational, family-owned businesses work hard to serve their communities and provide consumers with great beverages.” “I work tirelessly every day.”
Coors Light, Blue Moon Belgian White, Modelo Especial, Miller Lite and Stella Artois are also among the top draft beers, according to Draftline Technologies.
