News

Bev-alc’s trajectory remained “stagnant” leading up to the final week of August, according to the latest weekly scans report from market research firm NIQ.

Check out news items initially reported in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter, including headlines from Diageo, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Dad Strength, Boston Beer and others.

Where most low-dose drinks come in at around 2.5 to 3 mg per container, Herb Light cuts that by more than half. But in the guise of a refreshing, session-friendly, non-alcoholic beer styled after classic American light pilsners, the concept is closer to “non-alcoholic-plus” than to a typical THC drink.

Martignetti Companies is expanding its New England footprint again. The beer, wine and spirits distributor has struck a definitive agreement to acquire Girardi Distributors, LLC, a Massachusetts-based, independent Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) distributor.

The spiked sports drink gold rush is on, but two players have already established themselves at the top of the burgeoning “vodka + ade” drink segment. Following the success of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka, Stateside has another hit in its portfolio with the addition of Super Lyte, which launched earlier this year.

The hemp beverage industry is set to receive a one-month reprieve from a looming U.S. hemp ban, as Congress has voted to pass a continuing resolution pushing the deadline to December 11, sending the bill to the president’s desk.

Dedicated non-alcoholic (NA) beer maker Athletic Brewing is tapping wine and spirits marketer Dan Kleinman as its next CMO. Kleinman will take over the role, effective September 8.

Joining forces has been a lifeline for many craft breweries seeking streamlined backend systems and greater power in talks with retail and distribution partners. But the strategy doesn’t guarantee positive sales results, according to the latest monthly report from Bump Williams Consulting (BWC).

After Sierra Nevada’s brands delivered growth in a challenged craft beer market, the country’s No. 2 craft brewery by volume plans to keep its foot on the gas. Part of stemming volume declines requires recruiting new drinkers into craft.

August’s ready-to-drink releases include a Bay Area canned cocktail brand suiting up with the 49ers and a top sparkling wine brand making its RTD debut, plus several fall-themed cocktails and one controversial breakfast-flavored libation. Here’s what’s new on shelf.

Some top beer brands are experiencing a late-summer boost in spite of the category’s summer slump, according to the latest weekly off-premise scans from market research firm Circana.

Hard soda slinger Crooked Pop is adding a veteran beverage executive to its team as it moves from an initial regional launch toward broader distribution.

Labor Day celebrations may be more subdued this year, at least in the on-premise, according to the latest “CGA-powered” data report from market research firm NIQ.

The August Beer Purchasers’ Index – coupled with lower inventory at risk of going out of code – revealed an industry that has fallen into “cautionary” mode at summer’s end for a second year, according to NBWA VP of analytics and chief economist Lester Jones’ wholesaler survey.