Anheuser-Busch, a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stella Artois, today produced its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water for communities impacted by disaster since 1988.
For decades, Anheuser-Busch has periodically paused production of its American beers to produce emergency drinking water, a critical resource that provides relief to communities across the U.S. in times of need. This production underscores the company's continued commitment to showing up for its neighbors in partnership with the American Red Cross and the meaningful way that manufacturing its beer in America has allowed it to do so.
Anheuser-Busch's ability to respond to disasters quickly is made possible by its unique scale and reach to countless communities nationwide through its extensive network of breweries and wholesaler partners. Timed with today's production, Anheuser-Busch is investing over $6 million in its Fort Collins brewery to improve its capabilities in brewing and packaging both beer and emergency drinking water, further strengthening its role in disaster relief efforts.
Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch, said: "This kind of lasting impact is only possible because of the dedication of our people, including our breweries and our network of partners and wholesalers. Reaching 100 million cans produced is just one more way we demonstrate our constant, unwavering commitment to showing up for our neighbors when it matters most. Our continued investments in our Fort Collins brewery strengthen our ability to respond quickly in times of need. It's something we will continue to do for years to come – because that's who we are."
Since Anheuser-Busch first began producing water for communities in times of need, all 12 Anheuser-Busch breweries across its U.S. footprint have paused beer production at some point to produce emergency drinking water. Currently, Anheuser-Busch's breweries in Ft. Collins, Colorado and Cartersville, Georgia proactively produce emergency drinking water throughout the year to ensure cans are always on hand to quickly reach American communities impacted by or preparing for disaster.
Cliff Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, said: "For over a century, Anheuser-Busch has been a vital partner in providing disaster relief support with the American Red Cross. This collaboration has been instrumental in our joint efforts to support communities during times of need across the country. As Anheuser-Busch reaches the remarkable milestone of producing 100 million cans of clean drinking water, we are proud to celebrate our enduring partnership and its lifechanging impact on millions of lives."
Anheuser-Busch's 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water will depart the Ft. Collins brewery in May for delivery to volunteer fire departments nationwide as part of the company's annual campaign to prepare local first responders with vital resources ahead of the summer wildfire season. For the seventh consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch, its wholesaler partners and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will join forces to deliver 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to over 630 volunteer fire departments across 45 states, allowing these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to keep their force prepared to respond to any emergency or disaster.
Sarah Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the NVFC, said: "Since our partnership began in 2019, Anheuser-Busch's emergency drinking water donations have been vital to our mission of serving American communities in times of need. More than ten percent of the 100 million cans have gone directly to departments across the country, helping ensure responders stay safe and hydrated on the front lines. These contributions also provide critical cost savings, allowing departments to redirect limited budgets toward other essential needs."
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