Budweiser Taps Premium Beer for Growth as China Volume Takes Hit

(Bloomberg) — Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC plans to expand sales of more expensive beers beyond restaurants and bars in China, as weak consumer demand for regular products amid the country’s economic downturn weighed on its earnings.

The company this year wants to widen distribution of Budweiser and “super premium” offerings like Corona and Blue Girl to more cities, Chief Executive Officer Jan Craps told Bloomberg in an interview in Hong Kong. The group also plans to accelerate retail sales as consumers increasingly shift to drinking at home. It’ll use existing partnerships, like one with Swire Pacific Ltd.’s beverages arm, he said.