While “it might feel like we’re hearing more about brewery closures” since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of craft breweries opening across the country, according to Brewers Association staff economist Matt Gacioch.

Despite industry scan trends, Firestone Walker believes “the American craft beer industry is as strong as ever.” The Duvel-owned California craft brewery is focused on its core beer brands in 2025, and believes those brands can satisfy both classic craft beer consumers and new drinkers, leadership detailed Monday in a virtual presentation for wholesale partners.

Beer inflation eased slightly in August, but still remains above other bev-alc categories and the total industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.

Duvel Moortgat-owned Firestone Walker is staying in the beer category in 2025, and believes beer can still speak to consumer needs – even the consumers who “don’t know they like beer yet.”

Production of Modern Times Beer will shift to AleSmith Brewing in San Diego as part of a new contract brewing relationship with Craft ‘Ohana, the portfolio company that includes Maui Brewing, Modern Times and Kupu Spirits.

U.S. brewers shipped an estimated 12.8 million barrels of beer in July, a -2.5% decline year-over-year (YoY), and a loss of 458,000 barrels compared to July 2023, according to the Beer Institute (BI).

Constellation Brands may have lowered its fiscal year 2025 (FY25) guidance earlier today, but the company has not lost confidence in the continued growth of its beer brands.

More than one-third (38%) of consumers plan to visit on-premise establishments for Labor Day (September 2), according to CGA, the on-premise arm of market research firm NIQ.

Beer declines continued in the last four weeks, with even previous high-performing segments such as imports feeling late summer pains in recent scans from market research firm Circana (data ending August 11).

Sierra Nevada CEO Pryce Greenow began his remarks to wholesalers last week acknowledging that craft beer is not short on challenges, including a “cash-constrained consumer,” category price increases, trends in moderation and bev-alc abstinence “becoming more meaningful,” and “a whole host of substitute products” entering the market.

Spirits, hard cider, mead and braggot producers can now ship their products directly to New York consumers. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S2852A into law Monday, allowing direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping from in- and out-of-state manufacturers.

Stevenson announced the news Friday on LinkedIn, posting a photo of herself with JuneShine co-founders Greg Serraro and Forrest Dein, and writing: “Could not be more excited to join Greg, Forrest and the JuneShine Team! So many exciting things to come!”

New Orleans-based Cajun Fire Brewing is the new owner of a 20-barrel brewhouse.

While many annual business plans over the next couple months will likely include fourth-category innovations, Sierra Nevada is focused on continuing to innovate with “beer-flavored beer.”