Ibotta partners with Anheuser-Busch to offer beer discounts on app

Source: The Denver Post

By Tamara Chuang

March 3rd

Noted: Mobile shopping app Ibotta announced Thursday that a new two-year partnership with Anheuser-Busch will reward customers who are of drinking age with up to $5 cash back on beer purchases at restaurants and stores.

Anheuser-Busch needs to look for new ways to reach customers. During its latest quarter, profit plunged 10 percent as consumers moved away from brands like Bud Light and Budweiser in favor of “more flavorful beers, like India Pale Ales,” according to a Wall Street Journal story.

In a statement, Anheuser-Busch’s vice president Michael Zacharias noted that the partnership with Ibotta is to “enhance the customer experience. Our goal is to lead our industry in digital and mobile technology, so we’re thrilled to partner with Ibotta to engage with both our retail partners and consumers in a new way.”

Ibotta, one of the more popular retail apps on iTunes, found a niche by offering shoppers rebates on products they purchase. While it may be more tedious then clipping coupons, users can explore and “unlock” deals on their own time. Unlocking can mean watching a commercial, taking a quiz or just answering a question.  Ibotta has paid out $60 million to consumers since its 2012 launch.

The beer promotion offers rebates on Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top, Michelob ULTRA, and Stella Artois. Deals include buying beer with food at restaurants like Chili’s and Outback Steakhouse.  The promotion ends February 2018.