A-B to Bacardi: Let's Toast

ST. LOUIS–Anheuser-Busch is delving deeper into the growing flavored-alcohol beverage category by striking an alliance with Bacardi USA to produce and distribute a new rum-based alcopop, the company said.

The partners declined to provide details, and A-B wholesalers report that they’ve only been privy to last Friday’s announcement about the alliance with the maker of Bacardi Rum–the leading distilled spirits brand in U.S. and the world. Previously, A-B executives doubted publicly about whether such drinks, known as “malternatives,” would have staying power.