Molson Coors has hit back at an Anheuser-Busch InBev Super Bowl ad that poked fun at the ingredients of Miller Lite and Coors Light.
Molson Coors defended its use of corn syrup in the Miller Lite brewing process
An A-B InBev Bud Light spot during Sunday's NFL championship game highlighted to viewers the use of corn syrup in Miller Lite and Coors Light, both of which are owned by Molson Coors. The ad, which featured characters from Bud Light's Dilly Dilly campaign, made it clear to viewers that the A-B InBev beer did not use corn syrup.
However, in a statement this week from Miller Lite, Molson Coors defended the use of corn syrup in its brewing process, pointing out that corn syrup is not the same as high-fructose corn syrup, which is used to make some high-sugar soft drinks in the US. "To be clear," Molson Coors said, "corn syrup is a normal part of the brewing process and does not even end up in your great tasting can of Miller Lite."
Molson Coors continued: "It's unfortunate that our competitor's Big Game ad created an unnecessary 'corntroversy'. However we thank them for starting this conversation on such a big stage because it allows us to clarify the truth."
Molson Coors was not the only group to defend corn syrup in brewing. The National Corn Growers Association tweeted after the ad aired: "America's corn farmers are disappointed in you."
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Sectors: Beer & cider, Marketing – advertising & promotions
Companies: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Molson Coors
