USA – AB InBev has launched new lemon flavoured Bud Light lager brewed with citrus real citrus peels and aged over black tea leaves to give the beer a distinct flavour profile.
The limited-release lager will be available across the US from 29 April to September.
The light lager complements the existing Bud Light Lime and Bud Light Orange, the brand’s two previous experiments with brewing with citrus peels.
“As the number one selling beer in America, it is important for us to continue to innovate and bring consumers the types of products they are demanding,” said Andy Goaler, vice-president of marketing for Bud Light.
“We saw the success of Bud Light Lime and Orange last summer and wanted to bring another beer into our portfolio that uses real lemon peels and tea leaves in the brewing process.
“Bud Light Lemon Tea is a product that we think consumers are going to love this summer.
“Its unique taste profile is something we think is going to help attract new people to the Bud Light family.”
Bud Light Lemon Tea will include an ingredient and serving facts label on its packaging, with icons that highlight the fact that it is brewed with no corn syrup and no artificial flavours.
The launch further reinforces the company’s commitment to Bud Light which debuted a comprehensive ingredients label on its packaging.
According to AB InBev, the citrus flavours accounts for 84% of the overall flavoured beer category in the US amid a greater focus on flavour.
The category is driven by growing demand for low- and no-alcohol options among millennials, something that has seen falling consumption in the US and Canada.
In Europe, all countries recorded a similar level of decline in overall alcohol consumption including in Greece and Belgium, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
But, China, India, Brazil and Indonesia saw increased consumption attributed to growing economy and an emerging middle class.
