North Carolina craft brewers and wholesalers have reached a compromise in a contentious years-long dispute over the state’s self-distribution and franchise laws. After filing a lawsuit two years ago challenging the constitutionality of a state law requiring brewers who sell more than 25,000 barrels to forfeit self-distribution rights and sign with a wholesaler, Craft Freedom LLC — a trade group consisting of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and NoDa Brewing Co. — has struck a deal with the North Carolina Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association that could create an additional brewer classification for “mid-sized independent breweries” selling fewer than 100,000 barrels annually.

Colorado-headquartered Ceria Beverages plans to begin selling its THC-infused, non-alcoholic beers in Southern California within the next 90 days, according to co-founder Keith Villa.

Count Deschutes Brewery among the list of beer companies experimenting with no- and low-alcohol offerings. The Bend, Oregon-headquartered craft brewery — the 10th largest U.S. craft brewery, according to the Brewers Association — has begun testing prototypes of two non-alcoholic beers.

In the latest Legislative Update: Maryland inches closer to franchise reform; a flow meter bill in Texas is in limbo; Connecticut brewers seek to-go sales increase; and more.

Hoping to build off the continued growth of its flagship Kona Brewing portfolio, Craft Brew Alliance said it plans to increase sales of the Hawaiian-themed brand by double digits in 2019. During Thursday’s earnings call with investors and analysts, CEO Andy Thomas laid out the company’s plans to hit that goal, while also reflecting on a “good” 2018.

In the latest edition of People Moves: Long-time beer executive Bill Hackett retires from Constellation Brands; Crook & Marker hires Bai president; and Anheuser-Busch InBev board chairman set to resign.

Diversified Metal Engineering (DME) has returned from the brink of collapse. CIMC Enric Tank & Process B.V. yesterday closed on a deal to acquire the financially troubled Canadian brewing equipment manufacturer.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company was busy last week. The Dallas-based craft brewery — which was acquired last June by the Fireman Capital-backed Canarchy Craft Brewery Collective — launched in Oklahoma, its first market outside of Texas; opened a research-and-development brewery and restaurant in Fort Worth; and commissioned a new 60-barrel brewhouse at its main production facility.

Fast-growing, Seattle-based Reuben’s Brews is hoping a newly opened production facility will finally help the company meet demand for its beer. Over the weekend, the 7-year-old craft brewery officially opened an 11,000 sq. ft. brewery and taproom in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: The Massachusetts high court denies Craft Beer Guild’s “pay-to-play” appeal; Drizly sues its co-founder; U.S. beer shipments increase in January; and more industry news.

Anheuser-Busch InBev today reported 2018 global revenue growth of 4.8 percent — to more than $54.6 billion — despite continued declines in the U.S.

Boulevard Brewing Company today announced the launch of a line of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails called Fling. Speaking to Brewbound, Jeff Krum, president of Duvel Moortgat USA, which owns the Kansas City craft brewery, described the company’s foray into RTD cocktails as more of a “side hustle.”

Yet another large U.S. beer company is making cuts. Citing a need to restructure its sales organization, Heineken USA (HUSA) announced today it would slash 15 percent of its overall workforce.

Santa Fe Brewing Company’s focus on its home state of New Mexico and a smaller distribution footprint paid off in 2018. The 31-year-old craft brewery’s sales grew 47 percent in its home state last year — and 37 percent across its eight-state territory — according to vice president of sales and marketing Jarrett Babincsak.