SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 6, 2025 – Anheuser-Busch, the iconic American brewer behind Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stella Artois, has announced the production of its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water for disaster-stricken communities across the United States—marking a significant milestone in its longstanding commitment to disaster relief and corporate social responsibility.
$6 Million Investment Strengthens U.S. Disaster Response Capabilities
Coinciding with the milestone, Anheuser-Busch revealed a strategic $6 million investment into its Fort Collins, Colorado brewery to enhance both beer and emergency water production capabilities. The expansion is designed to strengthen the brewer’s operational flexibility and speed of response in national emergencies, while maximizing ROI through more agile supply chain performance.
“For over three decades, we’ve leveraged our infrastructure to help where it’s needed most,” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch. “Reaching 100 million cans produced is just one more way we demonstrate our constant, unwavering commitment to showing up for our neighbors when it matters most.”
A Decades-Long Model of Purpose-Driven Manufacturing
Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has paused commercial beer production across all 12 of its U.S. breweries at various times to supply clean drinking water during natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Today, its Fort Collins, CO and Cartersville, GA breweries are designated to proactively produce emergency drinking water year-round—ensuring rapid response capabilities when disaster strikes.
This scale and geographic reach, powered by an extensive wholesaler and logistics network, uniquely positions the company to serve affected communities faster than many traditional humanitarian pipelines.
Strategic Partnerships Extend Market Impact
The 100 millionth can is scheduled to ship this May to volunteer fire departments across the nation, part of Anheuser-Busch’s annual summer wildfire preparedness initiative. In its seventh consecutive year, this program—conducted in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)—will distribute 1.5 million cans of emergency water to more than 630 departments across 45 states.
Sarah Lee, CEO of the NVFC, emphasized the impact: “Since our partnership began in 2019, Anheuser-Busch’s emergency drinking water donations have been vital to our mission. More than ten percent of the 100 million cans have gone directly to departments across the country, helping ensure responders stay safe and hydrated on the front lines.”
These donations create tangible budget relief for fire departments, allowing redirection of limited resources toward mission-critical equipment and training—an operational advantage in underfunded regions.
American Red Cross: A Century-Long Collaboration
The milestone also celebrates Anheuser-Busch’s deep-rooted partnership with the American Red Cross, reinforcing the brand’s positioning as more than a beverage manufacturer—it is a critical stakeholder in U.S. disaster response infrastructure.
“For over a century, Anheuser-Busch has been a vital partner in providing disaster relief support with the American Red Cross,” said Cliff Holtz, CEO of the American Red Cross. “This collaboration has been instrumental in our joint efforts to support communities during times of need across the country.”
A Scalable Model for ESG and CSR in Manufacturing
This initiative sets a benchmark for ESG-driven innovation in the beverage industry, demonstrating how U.S.-based manufacturers can translate production scale into societal value. It highlights Anheuser-Busch’s effective alignment of corporate social responsibility with core business operations—resulting in measurable community impact and brand equity growth.
To learn more about Anheuser-Busch’s emergency water program and its disaster relief initiatives, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.