Teamsters’ Breakthru Strike Spreads to 6 More States
The Teamsters’ strike at Breakthru Beverage in Florida is extending to the alcohol distributor’s facilities in 6 other states: Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Pennsylvania, the labor union announced today.
The Teamsters said more than 700 members in those states won’t be crossing picket lines and consumers “should prepare for significant product shortages.”
The issues flared up two weeks ago when more than 160 drivers at Breakthru facilities across Florida went on strike for what the Teamsters claimed was illegal firings of workers for union activity and the company’s refusal to negotiate in good faith, including asking workers to take pay cuts of between $15,000 and $30,000 annually per worker and no improved benefits.
Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien accused Breakthru of breaking the law and “disrespecting” its workforce. The group said workers are seeking “the same wages and benefits that Teamsters” at other Breakthru locations have received.
Intuition Ale Works For Sale
Jacksonville, Florida-based Intuition Ale Works is being offered as a turnkey operation, including equipment, licensing and brand rights, along with a bier hall, rooftop bar, taproom, commercial kitchen and live events space.
Auctionhouse Heritage Global Partners is advertising the brewery as “now accepting offers” and “fully operational and ready to scale.”
Intuition ranked as the 153rd largest microbrewery in 2024, with 6,664 barrels of beer produced (-9% YoY), according to BA data. The company is 2 years removed from being just 51 barrels shy of 8,000 barrels of beer.
G4 Kegs Pauses Imports
Portland, Oregon-headquartered G4 Kegs has paused importing of steel kegs and plans to see through its remaining inventory and then decide what’s next, owner Max Shepanek told Colorado Public Radio.
The moves are in response to the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported goods, with kegs primarily sourced from China and Europe, along with the slowdown in the craft brewing industry, as closings outpace openings and market expansions shrink.
Shepanek said: “The bigger issue right now is there’s no plan. So far, everything is just buzzwords and bullying and jockeying, and so these go into effect overnight. But what happens is there’s no plan on the backend to actually enforce it.
“We could have stuff on the water and it could be subject to who knows what, by the time it lands … There’s too much risk right now to move forward on importing stuff.”
Consumers Cutback Spending in May
Retail sales declined by 0.9% in May, marking the biggest drop since January and the 2nd consecutive month of retail sales declines (April -0.1%), according to U.S. Census Bureau data shared today by the Commerce Department.
However, spending at food service and drinking places increased 5.3% last month compared to May 2024.
The pullback in May coincides with contradictory surveys showing improved consumer sentiment in May despite macroeconomic headwinds due to trade policy and immigration crackdowns.
WSJ: Constellation Data Shows 75% of Hispanic Consumers Cutback Restaurant Visits
In a Wall Street Journal report titled “ICE Raids Have Sent Latino Shoppers Into Hiding and Big Brands are Hurting,” Constellation Brands shared that its monthly consumer survey found that 75% of Hispanic consumers reported going to restaurants less frequently. Respondents also reported attending fewer social gatherings where beer is served.
Meanwhile, Boston Beer attributed slower sales of Twisted Tea to a drop in Hispanic consumer purchasing. Founder Jim Koch told the Journal that he doesn’t see much Boston Beer can do to reverse those trends in the short-term.
Revisit prior Brewbound coverage of Constellation leaders’ read on the situation.
New On Shelves: Malört x Voodoo Ranger Roulette IPA
New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger label is collabing with Jeppson’s Malört on a limited-edition Roulette IPA that brings a bit of mystery to the 6-pack that you’ll crack.
How it works: 4 of the 6 cans are Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA, for the lucky. For those who tempt fate, 2 cans are a Malört-inspired IPA, with the liqueur’s “signature bitter wormwood flavor.” All 6 cans look the same.
Limited quantities of Roulette IPA launched Monday (June 16) at New Belgium’s Fort Collins Liquid Center, and will also be available at events in Chicago at The Empty Bottle (June 21), Gman Tavern (June 25) and House of Blues (June 26), as well as in Denver at Hayter’s & Co. (July 5).
May the odds be ever in your favor.