As the RTD category continues to grow, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has announced that it is paying up to $490 million for a majority stake in Beat Box Beverages. 

Known for owning major beer brands like Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois, AB InBev has said that the RTD brand will be added to its ‘Beyond Beer’ portfolio. 

Currently, AB InBev is set to own 85% of Beat Box, a transaction that is due to go through in the first quarter of 2026. The brewing company has added that this is the first step in eventually owning 100% of the brand. 

Other Beyond Beer brands that are currently owned by the brewer include Cutwater Spirits, Nütrl Vodka Seltzer and Phorm Energy. 

On the acquisition, Brendan Whitworth, CEO of AB InBev, said: “We could not be more excited to welcome Beat Box, one of the fastest-growing RTD brands in the industry, to our portfolio. 

“We have a proven playbook for building winning brands, and I look forward to partnering with Beat Box and embarking on their next chapter of dynamic growth together.” 

Justin Fenchel, co-founder and CEO of Beat Box added: “When we started Beat Box in 2011, we could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead.  

“We’ve been so fortunate to build something that truly resonates with people, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Our long-standing relationships with the Anheuser-Busch team made this partnership feel like the right next step.” 

Known for its slogan “The world’s tastiest party punch,” Beat Box RTD flavours include Blue Razzberry, Orange Blast, Fruit Punch and Juicy Mango. Its target audience is Gen Z and younger Millennials.