Anheuser-Busch to Acquire Fast-Growing Cutwater Spirits
Anheuser-Busch InBev today announced the purchase of fast-growing Cutwater Spirits, a craft distilling venture that was originally born inside of Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. Specific financial terms of the deal – A-B InBev’s first in the spirits space — were not disclosed.
Distribution Roundup: Rhinegeist Enters Nashville; Sweetwater Goes Statewide in Massachusetts
In the latest Distribution Roundup, Rhinegeist enters Nashville; Sweetwater goes statewide in Massachusetts; Castle Island makes its first move outside of Massachusetts; Founders adds its 48th state; and more expansion moves.
Beer Business Finance: How to Set Up Taproom Financial Reporting
Taproom-focused breweries have emerged as one of the most popular business models in the craft beer industry, and for good reason: These small-batch, retail-driven breweries are profit machines, and they are disrupting the traditional three-tier system of brewing, distributing and retailing beer. In his latest column, Wormtown Brewery CFO Kary Shumway takes a look at how new craft brewery owners can create a solid financial plan for their taproom-minded outfits.
Middle-Tier Moves: Reyes to Acquire Another California Constellation Brands Wholesaler
One of the biggest beer wholesalers in the country is growing once again. Reyes Beverage Group subsidiary Harbor Distributing LLC last week announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Central Coast Distributing LLC in Santa Maria, California.
Euromonitor: CBD, Personalization Set to Drive Cannabis Market
In a webinar entitled “Cannabis Legalisation: How It Will Disrupt the Future” hosted by market research company Euromonitor International last Thursday, Shane MacGuill, head of tobacco research, and Spiros Malandrakis, head of alcoholic drinks research, looked at several ways in which cannabis will likely disrupt the tobacco and alcohol industries.
Last Call: Receiver Reaches Agreement to Sell DME Group’s Main Business
In this week’s edition of Last Call: Alvarez & Marsal reaches an agreement to sell DME Group’s main business; lawmakers threaten to limit dates for Boston beer gardens; and the U.S. House introduces the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act.
Teamsters: Survey Finds “Significant Disruption” in SoCal Coke Distribution
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claimed Wednesday that strategic decisions made by Coca-Cola bottler and distributor Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling (RCCB) “have created significant disruption in the quality of service” for customers in Southern California, according to the results of a survey of over 100 retailers.
Brewers Association Launches Diversity Grant Program
As part of its ongoing quest to help foster a more inclusive brewing industry, the Brewers Association (BA) has launched a new grant program that will provide funding to “events that increase access and awareness of craft beer to new demographics.” Announced Wednesday, the grant program will include funding for beer festivals, beer and food pairing events, ethnic and cultural heritage festivals and film festivals, among others.
Texas Craft Brewers, Wholesalers Reach Compromise on Brewery To-Go Sales
Texas’ craft brewers and wholesalers have agreed to a compromise in the years-long debate over to-go beer sales at manufacturing breweries. A “stakeholder agreement” announced Wednesday evening by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, which represents the state’s nearly 300 craft breweries, and the Beer Alliance of Texas, a powerful wholesaler lobbying group, has the potential to finally legalize off-premise sales at the Lone Star State’s manufacturing breweries.
Brewbound Podcast Episode 23: BeerAdvocate Founders on the Future of Print Journalism and the Business of Beer Festivals
In episode 23 of the Brewbound Podcast, Jason and Todd Alström sit down for a discussion about the business of beer festivals, the future of print journalism within beer, A-B InBev’s investment in competitor beer ratings website RateBeer, and what it’s like to be at the center of a controversy that is unfolding on the BeerAdvocate forum.
Molson Coors Sales Decline 2.1 Percent in 2018
Citing negative volume trends in the U.S. and Canada, Molson Coors reported a 2.1 percent decline in net sales in 2018, according to yesterday’s full-year earnings report. In 2018, Molson Coors posted nearly $10.8 billion in net sales, down from more than $11 billion in 2017.
Gambrinus Ceases Brewing Operations at Bridgeport Brewing in Portland, Oregon
Add Bridgeport Brewing to a growing list of Portland, Oregon-based craft beer companies that has ceased brewing or taproom operations in recent months. In a Facebook post today, the craft beer brewery, which was purchased by Texas-based The Gambrinus Company in 1995, said it had ceased brewing operations as it prepares to close its brewpub on March 10.
Juneshine Completes Capital Raise, Acquires Ballast Point’s Scripps Ranch Facility
Startup hard kombucha producer Juneshine today announced the closing of a seed funding round that has enabled the company to acquire brewing equipment at Ballast Point’s Scripps Ranch facility in San Diego and take over the property.
Legislative Update: Brewers of PA Hires Ex-Liquor Control Chair; Nebraska Pushes for Highest Excise Tax in Nation
In the latest Legislative Update: The Brewers of PA hires ex-liquor control chair; Nebraska lawmakers push for the highest excise tax in the nation; a Maryland bill attempts to strip the comptroller of alcohol regulatory powers; and more from the state Legislatures.