Anheuser-Busch InBev buys analytics firm WeissBeerger

Anheuser-Busch InBev has agreed a deal to purchase Israeli beverage analytics firm WeissBeerger, as the brewer aims to improve its research and development capabilities.

WeissBeerger was established in 2011, and the company has developed a range of analytics tools which provide insights into consumer preferences and habits.

Mainly utilised in bars and breweries, the tools include sensors attached to kegs, refrigerators and beer taps which track the consumption of certain products.

This allows companies to effectively keep track of inventory and determine its most popular products.

According to WeissBeerger, bars which have used their tools have become much more efficient, increasing revenue from each ‘smart’ beer tap by 32% and reducing wastage by up to 50%.

WeissBeerger’s co-founder and vice-president of business development, Ori Fingerer said: “Use of our system combines bar technology with Internet-of-Things and allows items like beer taps to send and receive data via the Internet.

“Big data systems gather information about drinking habits in the bar and analyze them with insights about customer behaviour that would surprise even the bartenders that mix the drinks themselves.”

He added: “We are excited to join the AB InBev family. AB InBev is a truly global brewer and our partnership with them will enhance our connection with customers/points-of-connections (POCs) and consumers around the world. 

“Our partnership will allow us to access existing and new markets to grow our technology platform and analytics capabilities to the benefit of POCs and consumers.

AB InBev did not disclose the fee agreed between the two companies.