In 2009 Anheuser-Busch (A-B) launched the Bud Light "Fan Can," a promotion that included 27 different color combinations of its cans in college team colors. For exam- ple, students at Louisiana State University could purchase purple-and-gold cans of Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch timed the campaign. called "Team Pride," to coincide with stu- dents returning to campus and with the kickoff of the foot- ball season. Several schools, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa State, University of Colorado, and others, objected strenuously. As a result, A-B halted the program in those markets. The promotion also caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Both the FTC and col- lege officials are concerned about the high rate of under- age and binge drinking on college campuses. Some school officials also were concerned about trademark infringe- ments, and about the appearance that they support Budweiser's activities. As criticism brewed around the country, A-B released a statement claiming that it did not mean to encourage underage drinking-it just wanted to create more fun for sports fans. Although the company halted the promotion in areas where college officials ob- jected, controversy surrounding the promotion appeared in newspapers and on television nationwide. What type of market targeting strategy is Anheuser- Busch using with the Team Pride promotion? (AACSB: Communication; Reflective Thinking) Was this a wise promotion? Explain. (AACSB: Commun- ication; Reflective Thinking: Ethical Reasoning)

Q&A Education