AB InBev highlights how local farmers power its flagship beers worldwide
AB InBev says its iconic brews rely on a network of over 20,500 farmers, many of whom are smallholders, to supply local ingredients.
Ingrid De Ryck, AB InBev’s chief sustainability officer, emphasized that the company’s world-renowned beers are rooted in a global farmer network exceeding 20,500 partners, with more than 14,000 classified as smallholders. By sourcing barley, hops, rice, sorghum, cassava and other crops near each brewing site—from the United States to Uganda—the brewer claims to blend local expertise with its large-scale operations. The Cheers to Farmers initiative brings growers together for events, research showcases and training, while agronomists provide one-on-one support, radio broadcasts and financial-literacy programs.
Seven model farms and the Global Barley Innovation Center pilot resilient crop varieties and sustainable methods, which are then rolled out to farmers such as Joseph, a Ugandan barley grower who tripled his harvest after receiving agronomic advice. AB InBev aims to extend its skilled-connected-empowered framework to all malt suppliers, seeking consistent quality and stronger local economies.
Why it matters
The story shows how a major brewer is linking sustainability and local economies through its supply chain.
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