Anheuser-Busch was one of many beverage companies that retooled their manufacturing to begin producing hand sanitizer early in the pandemic. Those moves made sense on a number of levels, helping offset nationwide sanitizer supply shortages and creating additional revenue streams. For Anheuser-Busch, it was also built-in advertising, with its branded hand sanitizer acting as a neat little promotional product.
The beverage giant is still reaping that benefit, this time in the support of democracy. Ahead of the November presidential election, the company is reportedly sending over 8 million ounces of its sanitizer to polling locations across the U.S. That comes out to around 62,500 gallons. For perspective, if you put all that sanitizer into gallon jugs and placed them in a line, it’d stretch for almost five and a half miles. That’s a lot of hand sanitizer!
Anheuser-Busch has already sent close to 3,000 gallons to Illinois and 6,500 gallons to Texas.
“As Texans prepare to cast their ballots, their health and safety remains our top priority, which is why we are taking extra measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling locations,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, according to CNN. “By distributing hand sanitizer to polling locations across the state, Texans will be able to protect themselves while exercising their right to vote. Thank you to Anheuser-Busch and Silver Eagle Beverages for teaming up with the Lone Star State to help ensure the protection of voters and election workers at the ballot box.”
We have a long history of supporting our communities and employees – this time is no different. That’s why we are using our supply and logistics network to begin producing and distributing bottles of hand sanitizer to accommodate the growing needs across the United States. pic.twitter.com/nqImcE5WJP
— Anheuser-Busch (@AnheuserBusch) March 22, 2020
According to WAND17, an Illnois NBC affiliate, Anheuser-Busch has already donated more than half a million 8 oz. bottles of its branded hand sanitizer to various organizations across the country, including food banks and health care systems. Each bottle carries the Anheuser-Busch logo and branding, along with a message about how the sanitizer helps support communities. Getting that sort of promotional presence into polling places all over the U.S. certainly won’t hurt.
“As a leading U.S. employer, Anheuser-Busch is committed to uniting our communities, strengthening our democracy, and encouraging even greater participation in the political process. One part of this commitment is shifting our production capabilities to donate hand sanitizer so that election officials and voters throughout the country can take part in a safe election this fall,” said Cesar Vargas, chief external affairs officer for Anheuser-Busch, according to WAND17, an Illinois NBC affiliate. “We like to say that ‘beer is bipartisan’ and we are proud to step up and serve our communities during this election season.”
