Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser and Bud Light, has unveiled a teaser for a commercial set to air during Superbowl LIX.
The short clip, featuring the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, includes two adult horses and a foal. The 15-second teaser, accompanied by a brief excerpt from the Bellamy Brothers' "Let Your Love Flow," concludes with a close-up of the young horse's ears and the words "Coming Superbowl LIX."
However, as reported by The Post Millennial, the ad will only be broadcast in a select number of markets across the United States. These include Phoenix, Arizona; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; El Paso, Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
This strategic move follows a controversial branding incident in 2023 when Bud Light collaborated with trans-identified male, Dylan Mulvaney. The partnership, which involved a payment of $185,000 to the trans influencer, sparked significant backlash against Anheuser-Busch and the Bud Light brand.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are a cherished symbol of the Budweiser brand, having appeared in 45 different Superbowl commercials. However, the company's image was somewhat tarnished by the Mulvaney incident. In the aftermath, Anheuser-Busch's InBev stock was downgraded following a sharp decline in sales, while competitor beers Coors Light and Miller Lite saw a surge in sales.
However, the cultural landscape appears to be shifting with the election of President-elect Donald Trump. This shift is evident in the NFL, where many players have adopted the "Trump dance" as a touchdown celebration. Additionally, several Fortune 500 companies have announced their departure from left-wing DEI policies. According to Variety, Anheuser-Busch executives typically use the Clydesdales to evoke emotions and feelings of pride.
The forthcoming Superbowl commercial may signal Anheuser-Busch's attempt to return to its traditional branding, moving away from the "woke" imagery that has previously caused controversy. This move aligns with the conservative values of tradition and individual freedom, suggesting a potential return to the company's roots and a departure from the progressive branding strategies that have proven divisive in the past.
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