Total U.S. beer dollar sales grew to more than $35 billion in 2018, according to retail data provider IRI. The Chicago-based market research firm, which tracks category-wide sales at major off-premise retailers, reported a 1.8 percent increase in beer dollar sales, despite a 0.3 percent decline in volume sales at multi-outlet and convenience (MULC) stores (grocery, drug, club, dollar, mass-merchandiser and military) through December 30.

Virtue Cider has launched Mezzo Spritz, a classic Italian cocktail with an American twist. This low-ABV beverage is made with cider, sparkling water, and botanicals.

More than a year after launching beer deliveries throughout Phoenix, Arizona, Pizza Hut today announced plans to expand the service into 1,000 stores by mid-2019. The national pizza chain, owned by Yum Brands, said it would expand its beer delivery service into five new states — Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio — by mid-January.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: MillerCoors sells its Eden facility for $2.75 million; Reyes acquires 2.5 million cases from Mission Beverage; Blue Moon is named the “Official Craft Beer” of the Kentucky Derby; and more industry news.

In the latest Legislative Update: Michigan enacts new requirements for satellite facilities; South Carolina brewers attempt legislative reform; full-strength beer is now available in Colorado; and more lawmaking moves.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: Utah enacts new drunk driving limit; cannabis bars are coming to West Hollywood; Ray Faust lands at Crook & Marker; Buffalo Wild Wings unveils new store designs; Anheuser-Busch responds to Iowa State fans’ thirst for Busch Light; and more industry news.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: Cargill unloads its malt business; domestic beer shipments decline 6 percent in November; Canopy Growth eyes the U.S. market following the Farm Bill signing; the Arcadia auction is postponed; and more industry news.

Anheuser-Busch InBev today announced a partnership with Canadian cannabis company Tilray that is aimed at researching non-alcoholic beverages infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). In a joint press release, the two companies said they would each invest up to $50 million to better understand the market for beverages infused with cannabis.

Taco Bell will officially be opening three of its famous Cantina restaurants in Manhattan at 840 8th Avenue, 224 7th Avenue, and 500 8th Avenue by the end of 2018. The brand has also partnered with New York’s Blue Point Brewing Company for the launch of Big City Bell Pilsner, which will be available in all three locations in the coming months.

Anheuser-Busch InBev has eliminated nearly 40 jobs across North America, Brewbound has learned. In a statement issued last Friday, A-B said it was making “a limited number of targeted changes” to its North American “supply organization.”

In this week’s edition of Press Clips: Reyes buys the Constellation Brands portfolio from Ace; beer shipments are down 2.1 percent in 2018; the U.S. brewery count eclipses 7,000; Utah mandates tests to ensure 3.2 ABW; and more.

In an effort to attract a growing number of drinkers who are moderating alcohol consumption, several beer companies are looking toward non-alcoholic brews as a way to boost sales and court the 30 percent of U.S. adults who don’t imbibe. Among major producers, both Heineken and Pabst have recently announced plans to roll out non-alc offerings nationwide in the first quarter of 2019. There’s also an emerging group of startups focused exclusively on crafting alcohol-free libations.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: Yakima Chief Hops faces a breach of contract lawsuit; Greg Koch to be on the big screen Sunday; 5 Rabbit’s fight with Donald Trump set to screen; and more news from the week.

In this week’s edition of Last Call: Constellation Brands seeks $3 billion for U.S. wine brands; the New York Prohibition Party seeks alcohol ban; BrewDog takes to the skies; and another wave of brewery closures hits.