1st time in almost 40 years; No Clysedale's @ this years SB...
New York (CNN Business) — Budweiser's Clydesdale horses have become synonymous with the Super Bowl. But this year, they're getting a rest: For the first time in 37 years, the beer company isn't advertising during the Super Bowl.
Instead, Budweiser is shifting the money that would've been spent on the commercial slot — a reported $5.6 million for the February 7 event — to support "critical Covid-19 vaccine awareness" with donations and future ad campaigns, the company said Monday.The pandemic forced Budweiser to rethink its marketing approach, vice president of marketing Monica Rustgi told CNN Business, as the alcohol industry reeled from the sudden shutdown of bars, restaurants and big events. The brand wanted to "be proactive" in promoting vaccine awareness since it will eventually lead back to normalcy, she said in an interview.Some of Budweiser's planned advertising airtime this year will be given to the Ad Council and Covid Collaborative's Vaccine Education Initiative. Last year, both organizations forged a partnership to educate the public about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. Budweiser is donating $1 million worth of ad inventory on TV, radio and other places to the organizations for future ads.Ahead of the game, Budweiser is also rolling out a new online ad this week narrated by "Parks and Recreation" actress Rashida Jones, highlighting people coping with the virus and a group of healthcare workers that were among the first people in the US to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. It's also giving away free beer on a dedicated website.
"Some people might wonder why were not showing up at the Super Bowl, but we will just show up in a different way," she said.
Super slump?
Budweiser isn't the only big company skipping this year's game. Coca-Cola (KO)and Pepsi (PEP) both announced in recent weeks they won't be buying ads during Super Bowl LV. The sports spectacle has been "struggling to attract the degree of advertising demand it usually draws" because of the pandemic's economic affects on company's bottom lines, said research firm eMarketer. For example, Coca-Cola recently slashed 2,000 jobs as it grapples with a decline in revenue from lost sales in restaurants. Pepsi said it would rather focus its marketing efforts on its sponsored Super Bowl halftime showh
ttps://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/media/budweiser-super-bowl-2021-commercial/index.html
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Just a business decision. Budweiser stock has been down significantly since the end of 2018. Kids aren't drinking beer, they are drinking Trulys, White Claws, favored alcohol, etc. and these big companies are pivoting in that direction. But pure beer sales are dying, but they've gotten a recent boost because of the pandemic.
I would think that the craft beer craze is certainly chewing away at their sales as well.
@"prairieghost" said: I would think that the craft beer craze is certainly chewing away at their sales as well.It definitely has.
@"prairieghost" said: I would think that the craft beer craze is certainly chewing away at their sales as well.i was going to say this, they are still drinking a shit ton of beer, just that many of them are going with the kind that comes in 4 packs and not 24 packs.
@"prairieghost" said: I would think that the craft beer craze is certainly chewing away at their sales as well.No doubt. It's amazing how that has grown. Also priorities have changed. Good to see some of the corporations helping during this time.
Heineken sales are also down, as I now imbibe only 2 days/wk versus 8...! ;) B)
@"StickyBun" said: With sales down 77%, most U.S. craft breweries won’t survive 3 months, survey says - oregonlive.com
Craft was great when it was unique. Back in the day when most people were surprised there were other types of beer than bud and busch. There are too many breweries anymore though. How do you stand out? How is your IPA different than anyone elses? Can it be done, yeah, but there is only a small-ish market that too many people have their hands in.
@"El_Padre" said:@"StickyBun" said: With sales down 77%, most U.S. craft breweries won’t survive 3 months, survey says - oregonlive.comCraft was great when it was unique. Back in the day when most people were surprised there were other types of beer than bud and busch. There are too many breweries anymore though. How do you stand out? How is your IPA different than anyone elses? Can it be done, yeah, but there is only a small-ish market that too many people have their hands in.
Every town of any size has two or three these days if not more. Thats a lot of options for a type of beer that most beer drinkers don't polish off by the case while out fishing.
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.