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An incentive program recently created by AB InBev, the parent company of Anheuser-Busch, to try and get distributors to sell more if its beer will be a non-issue in Michigan.
That’s according to Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, who says offering money or rebates to push sales is illegal in the state.
AB InBev is offering financial reimbursement to distributors if 98-percent of their sales are of AB InBev brands, which include Budweiser, Goose Island and Stella Artois.
Craft brewers are worried the incentive program could push their beer off store shelves and tap handles.
Scott Graham, head of the Michigan Brewers Guild, says he’s not surprised AB InBev would press its thumb down on its distributors to try and drive up sales but doesn’t think it would be a big deal even if it were legal.
