Sales up at A-B

Profits and revenues rose for Anheuser-Busch in the fourth quarter, though this growth was spurred by overseas sales and sales of import beers that A-B distributes domestically, while the stateside performance of core brands Budweiser and Bud Light continued to lag.

Industry folks say this shows consumer preferences are leaning toward craft beers and imports.

In the face of this, A-B's answer will be to ramp up their marketing efforts on behalf of their struggling flagship brands.

So much for giving the consumers what they want.