Brewer
InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch in 2008 for US$52 billion, to become the world's largest brewer and one of the world's top five consumer products companies. In 2013 the company acquired the half of Mexico's largest brewer, Grupo Modelo (maker of Corona beer), it didn't already own. In 2016 the company acquired SABMiller for over US$100 billion. AB InBev is part owned by the men behind Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital, who also own 51% of Burger King and 25% of KraftHeinz.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
BEL
3G Capital
owns 23% of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
BRA
Private equity firm
The firm has offices in New York City and Rio de Janeiro. Bought Burger King in 2010 and 50% of Heinz in 2013 (with Berkshire Hathaway buying the other 50%). Brazil's richest man, Jorge Paulo Lemann, is among the firm's backers and is also on the board of directors of the world's largest beer company, AB Inbev.
Altria Group Inc
owns 8% of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
USA
Tobacco manufacturer
Previously known as Philip Morris, Altria is USA's largest tobacco company. Spun off Kraft Foods in 2007 and Philip Morris International in 2008, with Philip Morris USA remaining as their primary business unit.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Aug 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of A
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of A.
Source: CDP
(2023)
CDP Water Security score of A
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of A.
Source: CDP
(2023)
34.8% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 34.8%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
12.5/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 12.5/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
43.2% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #15/350, with a total score of 43.2/100.
35.1% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #40/816, with a total score of 35.1/100.
12.2% in conflict minerals rankings
As You Sow's 2019 report, Mining the Disclosures, is a deep analysis of 215 companies' human rights performance in relation to sourcing conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This company's score was 12.2% (Weak).
Source: As You Sow
(2019)
13.7% for supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 13.7/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE
(2023)
D+ grade in Plastic Promises Scorecard
As You Sow's 2024 Plastic Promises Scorecard measures the corporate ambition and action of 225 large companies across six industries on six core pillars of plastic packaging pollution prevention: 1) Recyclability, 2) Reduction, 3) Recycled Content, 4) Recovery, 5) Reuse, and 6) Producer Responsibility. This company received a grade of D+.
Source: As You Sow
(2024)
Part ownership by Altria
AB InBev is 10% owned by tobacco giant Altria, who have several criticisms.
Source: Shop Ethical
(2020)
Fined for restrictive practices in Europe
In 2019 the European Union fined this company 200 million euros for hindering cheaper imports of its Jupiler beer from the Netherlands into Belgium. The commission concluded that the company abused its dominant position from February 2009 until October 2016 in breach of EU antitrust rules.
Source: news article
(2019)
31/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 31/100 in the Beverages category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 18 Nov 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
CSR practices
A 2013 peer-reviewed report indentified three CSR tactics employed by alcohol companies (including this one) which are closely tied in with the industry's underlying corporate intents. First, the alcohol manufacturers employ CSR as a means to frame issues, define problems and guide policy debates. In doing this, the alcohol companies are able to deflect and shift the blame from those who manufacture and promote alcoholic products to those who consume them. Second, the alcohol corporations promote CSR initiatives on voluntary regulation in order to delay and offset alcohol control legislation. Third, the alcohol corporations undertake philanthropic sponsorships as a means of indirect brand marketing as well as gaining preferential access to emerging alcohol markets
Governance
Criticisms include layoffs and payment delays to suppliers as a result of the InBev takeover of Anheuser-Busch, fighting a bill in 2005 that would combat underage alcohol consumption, political donations, and pollution.
Source: Green America
(2010)
Excessive executive bonuses
Politicians and unions have criticised executive bonuses totaling more than 1 billion euros at AB InBev triggered when the brewer cut its huge debt two years ahead of target following the acquisition of the maker of Budweiser.
Source: news article
(2012)
$6m misconduct settlement
In 2016 the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Anheuser-Busch InBev agreed to pay $6 million to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and chilled a whistleblower who reported the misconduct. An SEC investigation found that the company used third-party sales promoters to make improper payments to government officials in India to increase the sales and production of Anheuser-Busch InBev products in that country.
Source: SEC
(2016)
7.9% in Newsweek Green Ranking 2017
This company received a score of 7.9/100 in the Newsweek Green Ranking 2017, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on eight indicators covering energy, greenhouse gases, water, waste, fines and penalties, linking executive pay to sustainability targets, board-level committee oversight of environmental issues and third-party audits. Ranking methodology by Corporate Knights and HIP Investor.
Source: Newsweek
(2017)
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target; commit to 100% renewable power.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
IARD member
This company is a member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is affiliated with the United Nations.
Source: IARD
(2021)
Gender equality
This company appears on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, signifying a commitment to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency.
Source: Bloomberg
(2023)
Sustainability claims
This company has sustainability claims on its website under the headings smart agriculture, water stewardship, circular packaging and climate action.
Source: company website
(2020)
Sustainable Food Laboratory member
The Sustainable Food Lab is a network of business, public sector, and civil society leaders from around the globe who are working together to accelerate sustainability in mainstream food and agriculture.
Source: Sustainable Food Lab
(2016)
Ellen MacArthur Foundation member
This company is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, whose stated mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works with business, government and academia to build a framework for an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design.
32.9% in Gender Benchmark
The 2023 Gender Benchmark ranks 112 companies from the apparel and food and agriculture sectors on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community. This company ranked #22/112, with a total score of 32.9%. The average score was 23% and the highest score was 55%.
Company Details
Type:
Public company
Founded:
2008
Revenue:
59.4 billion USD
(2023)
Employees:
154,540
(2023)
Subsidiaries:
Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc.
Brewer and aluminium can manufacturers and recyclers
Worlds #1 aluminium can recycler. One of the largest manufacturers of aluminum cans in the US. Makers of Budweiser beer.
Acquired by InBev in 2008 for US$52 billion, to become the world's largest brewer (overtaking SABMiller). Sold its theme park division in 2009 to The Blackstone Group.
SABMiller PLC
Beverages
Previously the world's second largest brewer, until it was acquired by the world's largest brewer AB InBev in 2016 for over US$100 billion. SABMiller is a major bottler of Coca-Cola products and its beers dominate many markets throughout Africa and Asia. Bought Australian brewer Foster's Group in 2011, which became part of AB InBev until 2020 when it was sold to Asahi.
Grupo Modelo S.A.B. de C.V.
Brewer
Mexico's #1 beer company, with 63% of the Mexican beer market. In 2012 Anheuser-Busch InBev bought the 50% of the company it didn't already own.
Contact Details
Products / Brands
AB InBev / Carlton & United Breweries (importer/distributor) Anheuser-Busch / Carlton & United Breweries (importer/distributor)
Budweiser
Beer (imported)