Budweiser’s Branding Blunders: From Mulvaney to Power Slap

Introduction

Budweiser, owned by Anheuser-Busch, has recently made some questionable branding decisions that have left their loyal customers scratching their heads. From featuring flamboyant trans activist Dylan Mulvaney in social-media commercials to partnering with a controversial sport called Power Slap, Budweiser’s branding choices have raised eyebrows and led to a significant backlash.

The Mulvaney Fiasco

In an ill-advised move, Budweiser featured Dylan Mulvaney sipping Bud Light in a bubble bath in their social-media commercials. The flamboyant nature of the ads did not sit well with their target audience, leading to a negative response and a decline in sales.

The Desperate Hail Mary: Power Slap

In an attempt to recover from the Mulvaney fiasco, Budweiser partnered with Dana White, the CEO of UFC, to promote a new sport called Power Slap. This sport involves grown men slapping each other in the face until one is unable to continue. While Dana White is known for his business acumen, this partnership is seen as a desperate move by Budweiser’s executives.

The Influence of AB InBev

Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser, is no longer independent. It was acquired by beer conglomerate InBev in 2008. The decision-making power now lies with executives from Brazil and Belgium, who have embraced corporate wokeism and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives that have not resonated well with Budweiser’s core audience.

The Fallout and Decline

Since the Mulvaney commercials went viral, Budweiser’s stock has plummeted, and sales of Bud Light, once the nation’s top-selling beer, have declined significantly. The misguided attempt to diversify Budweiser’s demographic has backfired, alienating their core audience of blue-collar workers.

Budweiser’s Attempt at Redemption

In an effort to turn the tide, Budweiser has partnered with UFC and Dana White to promote Bud Light at UFC events in 2024. They have also introduced Power Slap as a new sport associated with their brand. However, the stark contrast between Mulvaney and the tough guys in Power Slap raises questions about the authenticity of Budweiser’s rebranding efforts.

Conclusion

Budweiser’s branding blunders, from featuring Mulvaney to embracing Power Slap, have left their loyal customers disillusioned. The influence of AB InBev and their corporate wokeism initiatives have further alienated Budweiser’s core audience. While Budweiser attempts to redeem itself through partnerships with UFC and Dana White, it remains to be seen whether they can regain the trust and support of their once-loyal customer base.