Justin Kendall

Justin Kendall

Editor, Brewbound

Justin Kendall provides daily coverage of the beer industry on Brewbound.com, conducts live-streamed interviews during Brewbound’s events and co-produces the Brewbound podcast. Kendall is a nearly 20-year career journalist who led alt-weekly newspapers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Des Moines, Iowa.

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Posts by Justin Kendall

Large Beer Manufacturers, Trade Groups Review Campaign Spending Following Attack on Congress

Large Beer Manufacturers, Trade Groups Review Campaign Spending Following Attack on Congress

Corporate America is reassessing its campaign spending in the wake of a rally-turned-riot at the U.S. Capitol last week by supporters of President Donald Trump that left five people — including a Capitol police officer — dead. Within the beer industry, the two largest beer manufacturers in the U.S. told Brewbound that they will review their spending.

FIFCO USA to Shut Down Portland Brewing Company After 34 Years

FIFCO USA to Shut Down Portland Brewing Company After 34 Years

FIFCO USA will cease production of Portland Brewing Company beers and permanently close the brewery after 34 years, effective on February 5. FIFCO will also transfer production of Pyramid Brewing offerings, which had been brewed in Portland, to the Genesee production facility in Rochester, New York

IRI: Off-Premise Beer Category Sales Reach Nearly $43.8 Billion in 2020

IRI: Off-Premise Beer Category Sales Reach Nearly $43.8 Billion in 2020

Total beer dollar sales in off-premise retailers reached nearly $43.8 billion in 2020, according to market research firm IRI. The firm, which tracks category-wide sales at major off-premise retailers, reported a 14.7% increase in dollar sales and a 10% increase in volume sales at multi-outlet and convenience (MULC) stores (grocery, drug, club, dollar, mass-merchandiser and military) through December 27, 2020.

Massachusetts Franchise Law Reform A Signature Away

Massachusetts Franchise Law Reform A Signature Away

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Massachusetts lawmakers finally passed franchise law reform legislation. If signed by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, the measure would put to rest a long-simmering debate between the Bay State’s craft brewers and their wholesaler partners.

Japan’s Kirin to Acquire Minority Stake in India’s Bira 91 for $30 Million

Japan’s Kirin to Acquire Minority Stake in India’s Bira 91 for $30 Million

Five months after considering a sale of as much as 20% of the company, India’s B9 Beverages is in the process of selling a minority stake in the New Delhi-based company for $30 million to Tokyo, Japan-headquartered Kirin Holdings, according to the Financial Times and Reuters.

Josh Halpern Out as Chief Sales Officer at FIFCO USA

Josh Halpern Out as Chief Sales Officer at FIFCO USA

The changes at FIFCO USA are continuing into the new year, as the company parted ways with Josh Halpern, who had served as chief sales officer over the last three years.

Sheehan Family Embroiled in Lawsuit as 2 Sons Sue Father

Sheehan Family Embroiled in Lawsuit as 2 Sons Sue Father

A dispute in one of the most prominent families in the beer industry — the Massachusetts-based Sheehans, owners of Sheehan Family Companies, which operates beer wholesalers in 13 states and Washington, D.C. — has spilled into the court system. Timothy G. Sheehan and George L. Cushing, a trustee who represents trusts that benefit Tim Sheehan and his brother John T. Sheehan, filed a civil lawsuit in Massachusetts’ Suffolk Superior Court alleging that the patriarch and matriarch of the family, Gerald (“Jerry”) and Maureen Sheehan, have violated their fiduciary duties and misappropriated company funds.

The 10 Most-Read Brewbound Stories of 2020

The 10 Most-Read Brewbound Stories of 2020

Brewbound readers in 2020 sought out news about the pandemic, mergers and acquisitions, brewery closures and job changes. 2020 marked a year of shifts for brewers, as well as Brewbound, which shifted its business model to a subscription model. With that in mind, we’ve pulled the five most-read stories before the paywall was introduced and the five most-read stories after.

President Trump Criticizes Relief Package; Permanent Excise Tax Relief in Limbo

President Trump Criticizes Relief Package; Permanent Excise Tax Relief in Limbo

Permanent excise tax cuts for brewers and importers was just a signature away. However, getting pen to paper on the $900 billion economic relief package and a $1.4 trillion government funding bill passed by Congress is now in question after President Donald Trump unexpectedly pushed back against the measures.

Anheuser-Busch Names Atlanta Hawks Partner of the Year

Anheuser-Busch Names Atlanta Hawks Partner of the Year

The Atlanta Hawks have been named Anheuser-Busch InBev’s “NBA Partner of the Year,” team executives tell Brewbound. The difference maker for the Hawks: an in-arena activation with rap superstar Big Boi, who was featured on limited edition 25 oz. Budweiser cans sold within the Atlanta market and at the team’s home arena, State Farm Arena.