AB InBev eyes takeover of US punch brand BeatBox

AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, is looking to buy the American alcoholic punch maker BeatBox, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. The paper, citing anonymous sources, says a deal could be struck soon, though it could still fall through. The takeover would value BeatBox at about $700 million (605 million euros).

BeatBox, based in Texas, sells brightly packaged fruit punches with alcohol levels of 8 to 11 per cent. The drinks are popular with young adults and have built a loyal following through music-festival partnerships. Their relatively low price (around 4-5 dollars a carton) has also helped boost sales.

For AB InBev, the acquisition would strengthen its range of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. The brewer already owns brands such as Cutwater canned cocktails and Nütrl vodka drinks, alongside its major beers including Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois and Jupiler.

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AB InBev’s move is part of a wider trend where brewers worldwide are expanding beyond beer as consumers drink less of it overall. This potential deal would further help AB InBev’s push into the ready-to-drink market.

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