Busch® Beer Not A “Product of U.S.A.,” Suit Alleges

Two consumers have filed a putative class action against Anheuser-Busch
in California state court alleging that the company misuses the “Product
of U.S.A.” claim on Busch® beer cans because the product is brewed with
imported hops. Nixon v. Anheuser-Busch Cos., LLC, No. 15-544985 (Cal.
Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty., filed March 27, 2015). The complaint
asserts that Anheuser-Busch charged premium prices for beer made in
the United States despite using imported hops, or “a significant portion”
of the beer. The plaintiffs allege unfair competition and a violation of
California’s “Made in USA” law. They seek to represent a statewide class
of purchasers and to receive damages and an injunction.

Issue 561