AB InBev said it will acquire a majority stake in BeatBox, a rising star in the ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage category in the US.
The brand was launched into the UK wholesale, cash & carry and convenience sector in October by distributor Red Star Brands.
The transaction will expand AB InBev’s fast-growing Beyond Beer portfolio in the US, which already includes Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer and Phorm Energy. The business said BeatBox complements its Beyond Beer portfolio, bringing flavors and styles that are incremental to its current RTD offerings.
Founded in 2011 as an MBA project at UT Austin, BeatBox gained national attention in 2014 after a game-changing appearance on Shark Tank, the US version of Dragon’s Den.
According to Circana, in the 52 weeks through November 23, 2025, BeatBox has sold over $340 million (£255m) in retail sales in the US, which represents a growth rate of more than 50 per cent year-over-year.
“When we started BeatBox 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,” Justin Fenchel, co-founder and CEO of BeatBox, said.
“Our long-standing relationships with the Anheuser-Busch team made this partnership feel like the right next step. With Anheuser-Busch behind us, Aimy, Brad and I are excited for the chance to accelerate our growth and continue doing what we love for years to come – bringing people together and making the world more fun!”
Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, the US subsidiary of AB InBev, added: “We could not be more excited to welcome BeatBox, one of the fastest-growing RTD brands in the industry, to our portfolio.
“I have spent the past year getting to know Justin and the team at BeatBox, and I’m confident that their entrepreneurial spirit, their commitment to consistent innovation, and their ability to connect with their consumers will be a strong complement to our existing team and capabilities. We have a proven playbook for building winning brands, and I look forward to partnering with BeatBox and embarking on their next chapter of dynamic growth together.”
AB InBev is acquiring 85 per cent of BeatBox for approximately $490 million with a path to 100 per cent ownership after five years based on a predetermined pricing formula. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and it is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.