Budweiser, a brand of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, is taking its longstanding tradition of patriotic packaging even further this summer by replacing "Budweiser" with "America" on the front of its 12-ounce cans and bottles.
The brand also is modifying Budweiser's iconic label to add copy that is central to American history, including phrases from the Pledge of Allegiance as well as lyrics from "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful." On shelves nationwide from May 23 through the election in November, these cans and bottles aim to inspire drinkers to celebrate America and Budweiser's shared values of freedom and authenticity, the company says.
Designed in partnership with Jones Knowles Ritchie New York, Budweiser's new look serves as the focal point for its summer-long campaign — America is in Your Hands — which reminds consumers to embrace the optimism upon which the country was first built, it adds. The "America" cans and bottles also will star in the brand's new national TV spot, premiering June 1.
"We are embarking on what should be the most patriotic summer that this generation has ever seen, with Copa America Centenario being held on U.S. soil for the first time, Team USA competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Ricardo Marques, vice president of Budweiser, in a statement. "Budweiser has always strived to embody America in a bottle, and we're honored to salute this great nation where our beer has been passionately brewed for the past 140 years."
The America is in Your Hands campaign will come to life this summer during culturally relevant moments where Budweiser will be present, including Fourth of July celebrations, the Copa America Centenario soccer tournament, the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and events to celebrate the brand's six Team Budweiser athletes competing to appear in the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The campaign will include billboards, murals, digital content and retail activations along with additional surprises to be revealed throughout the summer, the company says.
The brand also will unveil new cans and bottles featuring a magnified view of the Statue of Liberty's torch, inspired by Team Budweiser, the brand's six Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. On shelves from May 23 through mid-September, the Torch packaging will be available in 16- and 25-ounce cans, along with 16-ounce aluminum bottles.
