Gas-price surge drags down U.S. beer sales, Nielsen data indicate

U.S. beer volumes fell 6.3% year over year through the week ending May 2 as higher gasoline prices weigh on discretionary spending, with California posting the steepest declines and convenience-store channels hit hardest; the weakness is spreading across beverages and signaling broader consumer pressure, while major brewers show mixed results (Michelob Ultra stable, Bud Light/Budweiser down) and Constellation Brands gains share.