AB InBev is reportedly close to acquiring Texas-based RTD producer BeatBox Beverages, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and other industry sources. The potential purchase of BeatBox is expected to value the fast-growing brand at around USD 700 million, with negotiations described as advanced but still subject to final agreement.
Founded in Austin, Texas, the company first came to national prominence after appearing on Shark Tank in 2014, where it secured a USD 1 million investment from Mark Cuban. Since then, the brand has gained wide appeal with its cocktail-style flavours such as cranberry limeade and blue raspberry, typically offered at an alcohol strength of 11.1%. Its broader portfolio includes non-carbonated RTD punches in Tetra-Pak cartons, with ABV levels generally ranging from 6% to 11% depending on format and recipe.
The company has expanded rapidly across the US, reaching distribution in all 50 states and moving into the UK market through a Morrisons listing. Its product family includes around 20 SKUs with additional flavours such as Fruit Punch, Juicy Mango, Orange Blast and Mystic Grape. Investor interest has been strong. Earlier this year, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal joined the brand’s group of private backers. In 2023, Canadian singer Avril Lavigne collaborated with the brand to launch a Pink Lemonade RTD cocktail.
The attractiveness of the potential transaction reflects both BeatBox’s rapid financial trajectory and continued momentum in the US RTD category. NIQ data shows that the spirits-based RTD segment in the off-premise channel has reached USD 2.7 billion, almost three times its size in 2021. BeatBox’s rise—from USD 1 million in annual sales in 2017 to USD 175 million in 2024—helps explain valuation expectations of roughly three to five times sales.
For AB InBev, the proposed acquisition fits within a decade-long strategy to expand beyond traditional beer. Since acquiring Cutwater Spirits in 2019 (inside.beer, 1.3.2019), the company has strengthened its RTD offerings through US launches of Nütrl (inside.beer, 28.1.2020) and the iced-tea RTD Skimmers, alongside holding the Canadian rights to Mike’s Hard Lemonade. With consumers showing continued interest in high-flavour, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, the group is expected to further diversify its portfolio.
Both AB InBev and BeatBox have declined to comment publicly on the reported negotiations, and observers caution that talks could still fall through.
