AB InBev buys majority stake in BeatBox for $490m
Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has agreed to purchase an 85% stake in ready-to-drink brand BeatBox Beverages for approximately US$490 million.
A report by The Wall Street Journal last month claimed that AB InBev was close to buying the US-based alcoholic punch brand in a deal that valued BeatBox at approximately US$700m.
After refusing to comment on the rumoured sale, AB InBev has now confirmed it plans to purchase a majority stake in BeatBox. The deal provides the option to fully own the brand after five years.
The company produces a line of non-carbonated products in 330ml Tetra Pak boxes, using wine, malt and spirits as its base. The brand offers more than 13 ‘party punch’ flavours, including Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Juicy Mango and Orange Blast.
BeatBox will join AB InBev’s ‘beyond beer’ portfolio, which includes canned cocktail maker Cutwater Spirits and vodka-based canned soda brand Nütrl. AB InBev acquired Cutwater in 2019.
Justin Fenchel, Aimy Steadman, and Brad Schultz founded Texas-based BeatBox in 2011.
CEO Fenchel said: “When we started BeatBox in 2011, we could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead. We’ve been so fortunate to build something that truly resonates with people, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.
“Our long-standing relationships with the Anheuser-Busch team made this partnership feel like the right next step. With Anheuser-Busch behind us, Aimy, Brad and I are excited for the chance to accelerate our growth and continue doing what we love for years to come – bringing people together and making the world more fun.”
AB InBev described BeatBox as a top 10 RTD brand in the sector. According to Circana data for the 52 weeks to 23 November 2025, BeatBox sold over US$340m in retail sales in the US off-trade, which represents growth of more than 50% year over year.
Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, added: “We could not be more excited to welcome BeatBox, one of the fastest-growing RTD brands in the industry, to our portfolio.
“I have spent the past year getting to know Justin and the team at BeatBox, and I’m confident that their entrepreneurial spirit, their commitment to consistent innovation, and their ability to connect with their consumers will be a strong complement to our existing team and capabilities.
“We have a proven playbook for building winning brands, and I look forward to partnering with BeatBox and embarking on their next chapter of dynamic growth together.”
Subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
BeatBox also has the backing of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
In 2023, BeatBox partnered with Sk8er Boi singer Avril Lavigne on the launch of a Pink Lemonade RTD cocktail.
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