Why Was There No Budweiser Commercial During Super Bowl 2020? Exploring the Surprising Absence
Find out why Budweiser decided not to air a commercial during Super Bowl 2020 and explore the reasoning behind their surprising marketing strategy.
Every year, the Super Bowl is a time when companies pull out all the stops to get their brand in front of the millions of people who tune in for the big game. One of the most iconic commercials in recent years has been those featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales. However, this year, Budweiser has made the surprising decision to sit out from the commercial lineup. So, why isn't there a Budweiser commercial in Super Bowl 2020?
The short answer is that Budweiser decided to focus on other promotional tactics this year. Instead of spending millions of dollars on a Super Bowl commercial, they are allocating resources to increase support for social responsibility initiatives.
But before we get into that, let's take a look at what sets Budweiser apart from its competitors. It's no secret that Budweiser is one of the most recognizable beer brands in the country. But what makes it so popular? Well, for starters, the company's marketing team is top-notch. The Budweiser Clydesdales commercials have become iconic over the years, and they've been known to tug on the heartstrings of even the most stone-hearted viewers.
So, with a track record like that, why would Budweiser decide not to air a commercial during the biggest televised event of the year? The answer lies in the changing landscape of marketing strategies.
For years, companies have relied on Super Bowl commercials to reach a massive audience. It's estimated that last year's Super Bowl reached around 98 million viewers. That's a lot of potential customers. However, as advertising costs have skyrocketed, some companies are rethinking their approach to marketing.
This is where Budweiser's commitment to social responsibility comes in. The company has made a pledge to invest $1 billion over the next ten years to support renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint. By sitting out from the Super Bowl commercial lineup, Budweiser is directing its resources towards increasing awareness of this initiative.
Budweiser isn't the only company shifting its focus away from traditional advertising methods. In recent years, we've seen an increase in social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and content marketing. The truth is, consumers are becoming more discerning about how they spend their time and money. They want to feel like they're engaging with brands that share their values.
Another factor in Budweiser's decision might be the changing demographics of Super Bowl viewership. According to Nielsen, the 2019 Super Bowl saw a 2% decrease in total viewership from the year before. While the Super Bowl is still a massive event, it's possible that companies like Budweiser are starting to question whether the expense of a Super Bowl commercial is worth it.
Overall, Budweiser's decision not to air a Super Bowl commercial this year is a sign of the changing times. As companies become more socially responsible and marketing strategies evolve, we may see fewer and fewer iconic commercials during the Super Bowl. But for now, we can appreciate the memories of those classic Budweiser adverts featuring the beloved Clydesdales.
In conclusion, Budweiser has left out from the Super Bowl commercial lineup this year to focus on other promotional tactics and social responsibility initiatives. The rapidly changing landscape of advertising is a driving factor in the shift away from traditional advertising methods such as the Super Bowl commercial. Companies like Budweiser realize that their customers want to feel engaged with brands that share their values. As we move forward, it's likely that we'll see more and more companies looking for innovative ways to reach their target audience.
The Absence of Budweiser in Super Bowl 2020
The Super Bowl is a championship game of the National Football League where people from all walks of life gather together to witness the grand event. However, aside from the football game, the Super Bowl has become a platform for advertising. Companies spend millions of dollars to air their advertisements, and viewers eagerly await the commercials that have become as much a part of the Super Bowl experience as the game itself.
One of the most prominent companies that have consistently advertised in the Super Bowl for over twenty years is Budweiser. Budweiser has been synonymous with the Super Bowl, and it’s hard to imagine a Super Bowl without a Budweiser commercial. Yet, this year, 2020, the beloved beer brand decided to bow out of the Super Bowl advertisement scene. Why did they make this decision?
Brand Refreshing
According to the Vice President of Marketing at Anheuser-Busch, Marcel Marcondes, Budweiser believes that the Super Bowl is an excellent platform to show the efforts of its hard-working employees. Still, they wanted to channel their advertising budget differently. They plan to prioritize the company’s upcoming social responsibility and sustainability initiatives rather than expensive Super Bowl ads.
Budweiser wants to focus on reviving their brand and see it as an opportunity to introduce new products and expand into different markets. The objective of the brand refresh is to appeal to younger consumers who prefer craft beers and hard seltzers rather than traditional beer. This undertaking includes releasing a new spiked seltzer line called Bud Light Seltzer that appeals to the younger demographic.
Financial Constraints
Another reason for Budweiser's absence in this year’s Super Bowl is likely due to financial considerations. According to reports, a 30-second commercial for Super Bowl 2020 costs about $5.6 million, excluding production costs. It's a huge amount of money that could have a considerable impact on a company’s marketing budget.
It is also essential to note that Budweiser is owned by Anheuser-Busch, and the company has opted to invest more in other brands such as Michelob Ultra and Bud Light. These brands have a younger target audience, which fits with the company's current brand refreshing direction.
Effects of Social Media
With the rise of social media and the proliferation of online content, advertising has taken on different forms. Companies can now reach their target audiences without spending millions of dollars on a single commercial. Instead, they focus on creating shareable and engaging content regularly.
Budweiser has realized the power of social media and has been experimenting with this platform for quite some time. They have created short-form videos and engaging stories through their digital channels. Instead of running a Super Bowl ad, Budweiser will explore other creative ways to connect with its customers like its newly launched weekly online video series called “Budweiser Rewind.”
The Bottom Line
For over two decades, Budweiser has been a constant presence in the Super Bowl advertising game. Their absence this year may raise some eyebrows, but this move is not entirely unexpected. The company is focusing on a brand refresh initiative, prioritizing social responsibility and sustainability, and exploring creative advertising avenues through digital platforms.
In today’s day and age, there are multiple ways to reach a broader audience without relying solely on traditional advertising methods. The Super Bowl will continue to be a significant event that attracts millions of viewers worldwide, but the way companies approach it may change as advertising continues to evolve.
Why No Budweiser Commercial in Super Bowl 2020
The Legacy of Budweiser
Budweiser is one of the most popular and leading beer brands in the world. Established in 1876, it has a long-standing legacy for producing high-quality and flavorful beer known around the world. It has been marketed through a number of iconic commercials over the years. However, during the Super Bowl 2020, a first in years, there was no commercial from Budweiser.The Power of Super Bowl Commercials
Super Bowl commercials are some of the most watched and talked about events on television in the United States. For this reason, some companies pay millions of dollars to air their commercials during the game. In fact, it is estimated that companies pay an average of $5.5 million for a 30-second spot during the game, which makes it one of the most expensive advertising platforms globally.The Cost of Advertising During Super Bowl
While some companies such as Coca-cola and Pepsi have consistently aired commercials during the Super Bowl, Budweiser parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev opted to skip advertising this year. It’s believed that the reason behind this is to cut down costs, considering the high amount charged by Fox – the official network responsible for airing the Super Bowl.The Shift Toward Purposeful Advertising
Another reason why Budweiser may have skipped airing a commercial this year is the increased focus on purpose-driven advertising. Over the past few years, there has been a shift towards creating ads that convey the brand's values and ideologies. Budweiser is a brand that has always focused on creating powerful advertisements, with the intent of conveying its image of unity in diversity. Perhaps, they felt that the choices Fox allowed them were not in line with this ethos.Budweiser and Social Impact Advertising
In 2017, Budweiser released a commercial titled “Born the Hard Way” that went viral. The commercial was a mini-biopic highlighting founder Adolphus Busch’s journey from Germany to the United States, where he faced countless challenges before building one of America’s biggest beer brands. Budweiser has since relied heavily on social impact advertising, such as environmental sustainability ads that feature its commitment to using excess stock barley grain for renewable energy.No Shortage of Controversial Commercials This Super Bowl
The Super Bowl 2020 saw some of the most political ads yet, delving into issues such as immigration, women's rights, and criminal justice reform. Companies like Microsoft and Google focused their ads on encouraging gender equality and recognizing minorities while Olay featured an all-female astronaut crew to show women's capacity for adventure. These commercials were thought provoking and had social impact.The Search for Brand Authenticity
Consumers are demanding authenticity from brands more than ever before. They want brands to be more transparent about their position on different issues and what they stand for. It appears that purpose-led advertising with a focus on social issues is slowly replacing the brand-building advertising of the past. Brands, including Budweiser, must take this into account if they want to remain relevant.The Move Towards Digital Advertising
Although the Super Bowl is still one of the most popular TV events globally, there is a shift towards digital advertising. The rise of social media platforms and ad placement allows brands to communicate directly with their audiences. While traditional TV advertising still has its place, it may no longer have the potency it once had.A Comparison Table Of Super Bowl 2020 Commercials
Here is a comparison table of Super Bowl 2020 commercials:| Company | Focused Issue | Cost Per 30-second Spot || --- | --- | --- || Amazon | Alexa | $5.6 million || Porsche | Taycan Electric Car | $5.6 million || Facebook | Groups | $5.6 million || Google | Translate | $5.6 million || Coca-Cola | Promoting Diversity | Not disclosed || Pepsi | Promo with Missy Elliot and H.E.R | Not disclosed |Final thoughts
While the absence of a Budweiser ad from this year’s Super Bowl sparked conversations, one fact remains. The world of advertising is changing. Now more than ever, consumers want brands to make a stand on what they believe and not just sell their product. While Super Bowl ads still have a massive outreach, social media platforms and digital marketing should become a more crucial element in any marketing strategy.Why No Budweiser Commercial in Super Bowl 2020?
The Super Bowl is considered one of the biggest advertising platforms globally, where brands compete with one another through their commercials or advertisements. For years, Budweiser has been a regular participant in the Super Bowl's advertising game; yet, in 2020, they opted not to participate. This move raised some questions and even sparked controversy among fans and viewers.
The Reasoning Behind the Absence
According to a statement released by Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser's parent company, the brand decided not to participate in the Super Bowl 2020 advertising frenzy to reallocate its marketing funds towards COVID-19 relief efforts. The company stated that the decision came from their desire to support American communities and individuals affected by the ongoing pandemic.
This decision was not entirely unexpected, as this is not the first time a brand has opted not to participate in the Super Bowl for similar reasons. Big-name brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Hyundai have also put their advertising campaigns on hold during Super Bowl events in the past.
The Possible Financial Impacts
The absence of Budweiser during Super Bowl 2020 would have undoubtedly impacted the advertising budget for Anheuser-Busch. The brand typically spends millions of dollars annually on Super Bowl ads, and without a presence on the platform in 2020, the company had to identify an alternative allocation for ad spend to avoid losses in revenue. Despite this initial financial setback, many people speculated that the positive impact of redirecting funds towards the COVID relief efforts could provide long-term benefits.
Alternative Advertising Tactics
Even though Budweiser did not participate in traditional Super Bowl advertising, the brand still managed a presence during the event. The company created an advertisement called One Team that highlighted the efforts of essential workers during the pandemic, which aired a week before the Super Bowl event. Additionally, Budweiser used social media platforms to share their message of support for COVID-19 relief and encouraged people to donate to support the cause.
Branding Impact
Budweiser's absence from the Super Bowl raised many questions about its branding strategy. Still, the company seemed to make a conscious choice to showcase its dedication to corporate social responsibility by redirecting advertising funds to benefit individuals and communities in need. This choice could strengthen the brand's reputation long-term and create loyal customers who appreciate the company's community-driven approach.
The move also provided an opportunity for other brands under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella to shine. Brands such as Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, and Stella Artois all had spots during the 2020 Super Bowl event, allowing the company to highlight its varied portfolio.
Conclusion
Even though Budweiser's absence from the Super Bowl sparked some controversy, it showcased an innovative way to build brand equity by putting corporate social responsibility ahead of advertising dollars. The move proved how important it is for brands to invest in supporting their communities and potentially earn consumer loyalty. It will be interesting to see if other brands follow this trend of balancing corporate social responsibility and advertising spend in upcoming events.
Why No Budweiser Commercial In Super Bowl 2020?
The Super Bowl in the United States isn't just famous for the high-voltage game, but it is also known for its commercials. Year after year, brands spend millions of dollars to showcase their marketing techniques in the hopes of attracting an audience. One brand that has been synonymous with the Super Bowl commercials is Budweiser. The company, however, surprised everyone when they announced that they would be opting out of the 2020 Super Bowl commercial lineup.
The reason behind Budweiser's decision to skip the Super Bowl 2020 was a rather strategic move. According to the company, they wanted to focus more on local communities' efforts during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic instead of spending on advertising for a one-day event. While this news may have disappointed football fans and beer aficionados alike, it reflects a shift in marketing strategies for the company.
Budweiser aims to match corporate social responsibility and enhance its brand image. Instead of spending on advertisements, the company has opted to divert its funds towards supporting local communities' relief efforts during the pandemic. This shift follows a trend among big brands worldwide, who are taking CSR initiatives seriously.
Another reason behind Budweiser's absence from the commercial lineup could be attributed to lower profit margins. According to reports, Budweiser has been facing a decline in sales in the US over the years. To revive its brand and boost sales, the company decided to redirect its funds towards other marketing channels.
Despite the absence of Budweiser's commercial, the company continued its tradition of public service by donating a portion of the money saved on advertising to the Ad Council's COVID-19 vaccine outreach campaign. During these times, when the world is facing unprecedented circumstances, every little contribution helps.
Budweiser's decision to skip the Super Bowl has also paved the way for other brands to be in the spotlight. These brands, who may have shunned the high costs of advertising during the Super Bowl previously, now have an opportunity to make their mark. It's no longer about who spends the most but who can make the most impact.
For many, watching the commercials has become as big a tradition as watching the game itself. The famous Clydesdale and outlandish commercials by Budweiser are the stuff of legend that fans look forward to viewing. However, the current times demand adapting to change and addressing people's pressing needs. Budweiser's pivot towards supporting local communities' efforts provides an alternative way of celebrities and brands alike to play a more significant role in society.
While Budweiser may break its streak of being present during the Super Bowl commercial lineup, the change it brings is worth recognizing. By stepping up and supporting communities during a pandemic, the company highlights the idea that companies can indeed prioritize social welfare over profits.
So, while we may not see a commercial from Budweiser this year, let's be glad that the company has taken a more conscientious approach. Additionally, let's appreciate the commercials by other brands that are tailor-made for this year's Super Bowl. As we brace ourselves for yet another spectacle in the arena of sports and advertising, let us also acknowledge Budweiser's contribution to society during these troubled times.
John writes blogs that aim to inform readers about various topics. His interests range from finance and technology to entertainment and current events.
We hope you enjoyed reading about why there wasn't a Budweiser commercial during the Super Bowl 2020. Now that you know the reason behind this strategic move, perhaps you can appreciate the impact the company is making in society. Remember, it's no longer about who spends the most on advertising, but who can make a difference in specific areas that matter to local communities.
Why No Budweiser Commercial In Super Bowl 2020?
1. Is it true that Budweiser did not have a commercial in the Super Bowl 2020?
Yes, it is true. For the first time in nearly four decades, Budweiser did not air any commercial during the Super Bowl.
2. What was the reason for Budweiser's absence from the Super Bowl advertisements this year?
The company stated that it decided to donate the marketing budget for the Super Bowl to COVID-19 vaccination awareness campaigns. They produced a commercial called Bigger Picture, which highlights the resilience of Americans in the face of the pandemic and celebrates the spirit of togetherness.
3. Did Budweiser completely withdraw all of its advertisements in the Super Bowl, including those that were created for other brands like Bud Light and Michelob Ultra?
Although Budweiser skipped airing its commercial during the Super Bowl, it still had a significant presence in the event through its other brands. Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and other products owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev were still featured in the commercials that aired during the game.
4. Are there any plans for Budweiser to participate in future Super Bowl advertising opportunities?
There is no information yet on whether Budweiser will return to buy advertising spots during the Super Bowl in the coming years.
Conclusion:
Budweiser’s absence from the Super Bowl commercials was mainly due to its commitment to supporting public health campaigns amid the pandemic. Despite not running any of its commercials, the company managed to maintain its presence during the sporting event through its other brands. As for whether it will return to the Super Bowl in the future, only time will tell.
Why No Budweiser Commercial In Super Bowl 2020?
1. Is Budweiser not participating in the Super Bowl commercials this year?
Budweiser has made the decision to not air a commercial during the Super Bowl in 2020.
2. What is the reason behind Budweiser's absence from the Super Bowl advertising?
There are a few reasons why Budweiser chose not to participate in the Super Bowl commercials this year:
- Shifting Marketing Strategy: Budweiser decided to reallocate their Super Bowl advertising budget to support local communities and COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaigns. They believe that these initiatives are more relevant and impactful during these challenging times.
- Focus on Digital Platforms: Budweiser is shifting its focus to digital platforms, such as social media and online streaming, to reach a larger and more diverse audience. They believe these channels allow for better engagement and targeting options.
- Brand Recognition: Budweiser is a well-established brand with high recognition among consumers. They may feel that they can reduce their advertising spend during the Super Bowl while still maintaining their strong brand presence.
3. Will Budweiser return to Super Bowl commercials in the future?
While Budweiser did not participate in the Super Bowl commercials in 2020, there is no definitive answer regarding their future participation. It will depend on their marketing strategies, objectives, and external factors influencing their decision-making process. Budweiser has been known for its creative and memorable Super Bowl ads in the past, so it is possible that they may return in the future.
In conclusion,
Budweiser's absence from the Super Bowl commercials in 2020 can be attributed to their decision to reallocate their advertising budget towards supporting local communities and COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaigns. Additionally, they are focusing on digital platforms to reach a wider audience and may feel that their brand recognition allows them to reduce their spend during the Super Bowl. Whether Budweiser will return to Super Bowl commercials in the future remains uncertain, as it will depend on various factors influencing their marketing strategies.