Anheuser-Busch to Roll Out Tequila Beer

Anheuser-Busch Cos., the world’s largest beer maker, said it will begin selling its tequila-flavored beer across the U.S. on Monday, in part to combat rising sales of Mexican imports. The new beer, called Tequiza, has been test-marketed since 1997 in Texas, New Mexico, Florida, New York City and parts of California. It is a blend of beer, lime and imported tequila. St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch dominates the U.S. beer market with a 48.2% share, while Philip Morris Cos.’ No. 2 Miller has 21.9%, according to Beverage Marketing Corp., an industry researcher. U.S. sales of the leading Mexican import, Corona Extra, increased 38% last year to 4 million barrels, according to industry newsletter Beer Marketer’s Insights. Anheuser-Busch shares were unchanged at $68.75 on the NYSE.