Anheuser-Busch InBev aims to boost output of ‘healthier’ beers

Anheuser-Busch InBev, which will soon make almost 30% of the world’s beer, wants to serve more low and alcohol-free brews to drinkers trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

The Belgium-based brewer, on the verge of buying its largest rival SABMiller, has forecast lower and zero strength beer will grow from a small base to make up 20% of its sales by the end of 2025.

That is a bold target. Industry monitor Plato Logic says beer of up to 2.8% alcohol by volume had only a modest 2.5% share in 2014, although annual growth was 4% to 6% versus just 1% for beer as a whole.