AB InBev has announced its intention to reduce its U.S. workforce by cutting hundreds of jobs at its offices. The decision comes in the wake of declining sales of its flagship brand, Bud Light, following a consumer boycott.
The job cuts will account for less than 2% of the approximately 18,000 employees in the U.S. However, AB InBev assures that these cuts will not impact front-line employees, including brewery and warehouse staff, drivers, field sales personnel, and others. The company has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the job cuts.
Brendan Whitworth, CEO of AB InBev's North American business, stated that while such decisions are never taken lightly, they are essential to ensure the organization's long-term success.
The decline in sales for Bud Light, once the best-selling beer brand in the U.S., can be attributed to a controversial marketing campaign involving transgender social-media personality, Dylan Mulvaney. (inside.beer, 14.4.2023)
The promotion sparked criticism and led to boycotts, including recent disapproval from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. (inside.beer, 4.5.2023)
