(Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) – Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) has announced it will expand U.S. production of Belgian lager Stella Artois in the U.S. this summer at four breweries, including Jacksonville.
A-B officials said the move is part of the plan, announced last week, to invest $1 billion over the next two years at its U.S. facilities to help drive the country’s economic recovery. In addition, officials said in a statement that A-B will spend another $296 million over the same two-year period for the domestic production and distribution of Stella Artois in the U.S.
A spokeswoman did not detail the amount of investment in Jacksonville nor the number of jobs expected to be created. Jacksonville joins A-B breweries in St. Louis; Los Angeles and Newark, New Jersey in producing Stella Artois.
“Stella Artois is an industry leading premium lager with unmatched quality, history and heritage. It is a critical element of our industry leading portfolio and we are excited to invest even further behind the growth of this beloved brand,” said Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris,. “As part of our $1 billion U.S. investment, we will combine our brewing expertise with over 600 years of Belgian heritage to ensure that beer drinkers continue to enjoy Stella’s uncompromising quality and refreshing premium lager taste.”
A-B said the quality and recipe of Stella Artois will remain constant around the world. The brewer has developed and produced some Stella Artois products in the U.S. in the past, such as Stella Artois Solstice Lager, Stella Artois Midnight Lager and Stella Artois Cidre.
Production is expected to start this summer with the 11.2-ounce bottle of Stella Artois. Officials said can and drought production will come to A-B’s U.S. facilities by the end of the year.
In addition to Stella Artois, Anheuser-Busch brands include Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and others. It has more than 120 facilities across 27 states, including its North American headquarters in St. Louis.