Anheuser-Busch, a Fort Collins, Colorado-based manufacturer and maker of Michelob Ultra, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light and Stella Artois, has produced its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water for communities impacted by disaster since 1988.
For decades, Anheuser-Busch has periodically paused production of its American beers to produce emergency drinking water, a critical resource that provides relief to communities across the U.S. in times of need. This production highlights the company’s commitment to showing up for those in need in partnership with the American Red Cross and the way that manufacturing its beer in America has allowed it to do so.
Anheuser-Busch’s 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water will depart the Fort Collins brewery in May for delivery to volunteer fire departments nationwide as part of the company’s annual campaign to prepare local first responders with vital resources ahead of the summer wildfire season.
For the seventh consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch, its wholesaler partners and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will join forces to deliver 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to more than 630 volunteer fire departments across 45 states, allowing these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to keep their force prepared to respond to any emergency or disaster.
Anheuser-Busch’s ability to respond to disasters quickly is made possible through its extensive network of breweries and wholesaler partners. Timed with today’s production, Anheuser-Busch is investing more than $6 million in its Fort Collins brewery to improve its capabilities in brewing and packaging both beer and emergency drinking water, further strengthening its role in disaster relief efforts.
“This kind of lasting impact is only possible because of the dedication of our people, including our breweries and our network of partners and wholesalers,” said Cesar Vargas, chief external affairs officer at Anheuser-Busch.
“Reaching 100 million cans produced is just one more way we demonstrate our constant, unwavering commitment to showing up for our neighbors when it matters most. Our continued investments in our Fort Collins brewery strengthen our ability to respond quickly in times of need. It’s something we will continue to do for years to come – because that’s who we are.”
Since Anheuser-Busch first began producing water for communities in times of need, all 12 Anheuser-Busch breweries across its U.S. footprint have paused beer production at some point to produce emergency drinking water. Currently, Anheuser-Busch’s breweries in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Cartersville, Georgia, proactively produce emergency drinking water throughout the year to ensure cans are always on hand to quickly reach American communities impacted by or preparing for disaster.
[RELATED: PepsiCo’s Watershed Projects Aim To Replenish Millions Of Gallons Of Water]