Largest producer of beer in the world.
Headquarters are in St. Louis, Mo., U.S. Its origins can be traced to a small brewery founded in 1852 and bought in 1860 by the soap manufacturer Eberhard Anheuser. In 1861 his daughter married Adolphus Busch, a brewery supplier. Busch pioneered the use of refrigerated railcars and of pasteurization in the brewing industry. In 1876 the company introduced a light-coloured beer called Budweiser; under August Anheuser Busch, Jr. (president 1946–75), and A.A. Busch III (president from 1975), it became the best-selling U.S. beer brand. The company also produces the Michelob brand. Among its other holdings are beverage-container manufacturing and recycling plants, media and advertising groups, and amusement parks, including the Sea World theme parks and Busch Gardens (Tampa, Fla.).