Anheuser-Busch announces new US commercial structure

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch announced enhancements to its U.S. commercial leadership team to further support the company's consumer-first commercial strategy. The new commercial leadership team brings more than 60 years of combined experience building brands and driving growth in the U.S. and other markets worldwide.

“Over the last four years, we have developed and implemented a clear and consistent consumer-first strategy that has resulted in strong momentum for our U.S. business,” said Brendan Whitworth, CEO at Anheuser-Busch, in a statement. “The new commercial structure we are announcing today, along with key leadership changes, will make us better partners to our wholesalers and retailers, ultimately accelerating our momentum in the U.S.”

Kyle Norrington, currently president of Labatt in Canada, will assume a new role as U.S. chief commercial officer, overseeing sales and marketing in the United States. During his time leading the beer business in Canada, Norrington developed and implemented the Canada 10YP, resulting in the gain of a full share point in 2020 driven by the outperformance of core brands, led by Michelob ULTRA.

Simon Wuestenberg, currently president of Anheuser-Busch's wholly owned distributor business unit AB ONE, has been appointed U.S. chief sales officer. Most recently, Wuestenberg was the Midwest region vice president of sales where, under his leadership, market share grew for three straight years following eight years of decline and 90% of its wholesaler partners grew topline.

Marcel Marcondes, currently U.S. chief marketing officer, is transitioning to a new role within AB InBev that will be announced at a later date. Marcondes has been integral to the creation and execution of Anheuser-Busch's consumer-first strategy, revolutionizing the way that Anheuser-Busch approaches marketing.

Benoit Garbe, currently U.S. chief strategy officer, has been named U.S. chief marketing officer. Since joining Anheuser-Busch, Garbe has been instrumental in fostering a higher degree of commercial alignment and integration to support the company's strategy and accelerate growth.

This new commercial structure will further strengthen Anheuser-Busch's U.S. commercial team optimizing its operations and accelerating the company's journey to lead future growth, it says. BI

Breakthru Beverage Group, New York and Chicago, announced that the Board of Managers has appointed Tom Bené as president and CEO, which took effect Oct. 4. As Breakthru’s leader, Bené will advance the next phase of the company’s evolution focusing on growth and expansion, accelerating technology and innovation and executing with excellence for supplier and customer partners, the company says.

Los Angeles-based Four Sigmatic announced its ground coffees will be sold at select Targets in stores across California, as well as nationally on Target.com. “We’re thrilled to expand our footprint with Target at a time when consumers are more health-conscious and better educated about the importance of healthy choices for every occasion including their morning coffee routine,” said Tero Isokauppila, founder and CEO for Four Sigmatic, in a statement.

National Restaurant Association releases mid-year supplement update

The National Restaurant Association, Washington, D.C., released a mid-year supplement to the 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, which illustrates the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. The report provides an updated look at key indicators and trends influencing the industry’s recovery as of June/July 2021, including the current state of the economy, workforce, and food and beverage sales.

The following are some of the key findings:

• Food and beverage sales in the restaurant and foodservice industry are projected to total $789 billion in 2021, up 19.7% from 2020.
• Despite a steady trend of job creation in the first half of the year, eating and drinking places are still nearly 1 million jobs, or 8%, below pre-pandemic employment levels and the restaurants and accommodations sector have one of the highest levels of unfilled job openings of any industry.
• Six in 10 adults have changed their restaurant use due to the rise in the delta variant.

“Faced with one of the most devastating and disruptive events of our lifetime, the restaurant industry has taken significant strides toward rebuilding over the first half of 2021,” said Tom Bené, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, in a statement. “Consumer expectations around dining out have changed, and the industry is continually adapting to not only meet, but exceed, these expectations. Restaurant operators, along with their partners throughout the supply and distribution chain, remain focused on providing diners with a safe and enjoyable experience, amid rising food and labor costs and challenges related to the pandemic. Given these factors, our outlook through the end of the year is one of cautious optimism.”

The pandemic catalyzed many changes in the restaurant industry including the rapid consumer adoption of technology for online ordering, electronic payment and order pickup. Consumers want to see restaurants continue incorporating technology and are keen to continue using outdoor dining. In 31 jurisdictions, thanks to approved legislation, consumers will be able to continue ordering alcohol beverages with their to-go takeout orders.

• 52% of adults would like to see restaurants incorporate more technology to make ordering and payment easier.
• 84% of adults say they favor allowing restaurants to permanently set up tables on sidewalks, parking lots or streets.
• A majority of adults in states that allow alcohol beverages with takeout and delivery orders would like to see it continue on a permanent basis.

“The trends from the first half of the year are promising, but a lot of uncertainty remains in regard to the delta variant, consumer confidence and ongoing labor challenges,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the National Restaurant Association. “We expect restaurant pent-up demand will remain high in the coming months. However, in this state of flux, maintaining the availability of on-site dining with few capacity restrictions will be critical to keeping the overall sales momentum going forward, especially for full-service operators.” BI

New York-based Castle Brands, the Pernod Ricard owned marketer of premium and super-premium beverage alcohol brands, assumed responsibility for Irish Distillers' experimental, super-premium Method and Madness Irish Whiskeys in the United States, effective Oct. 1. The Method and Madness range currently available in the U.S. includes three Irish Whiskeys, each with its own twist; a Single Grain Irish Whiskey finished in Virgin Spanish Oak; a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey finished in French Chestnut; and a Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak.

RNDC and LibDib announced the launch of LibDib@RNDC TX, a new RNDC sales division in Texas. LibDib@RNDC TX brings LibDib’s unique platform-based distribution model to RNDC Texas, which will allow any compliant supplier to secure distribution for products in the state, it says. “Bringing the LibDib model to RNDC Texas allows for suppliers to have the best of both worlds,” said Pape Swanson, state executive vice president for Texas for RNDC, in a statement. “There is a distribution option for both established RNDC suppliers, as well as new and emerging brands. As partners, LibDib can easily graduate brands when they are ready for the RNDC model. It's a win-win for both distributors, as well as the brands, which is exciting for our industry.”