Craft beer industry news.
Anheuser-Busch InBev this week announced changes to a U.S. division it calls “The High End,” eliminating the “CEO of Craft” position previously held by longtime executive Andy Goeler. Goeler, who had been focused on growing A-B’s involvement in the craft category, will transition into an expanded vice president of marketing role, working directly with both the company’s acquired craft breweries as well as brands like Stella Artois and Shock Top.
The Portland Timbers season starts this weekend, and Widmer Brothers Brewing is tapping two new Timbers-themed beers at a kick-off party today, March 3, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the Widmer Brothers Pub on North Russell Street in Portland, where the MLS Cup will also be on display.
Today, Southern Tier Brewing Company (STBC) announced that One Buffalo beer is available in 12-pack boxes. “One Buffalo is an all-season beer, for both the casual beer drinker and craft aficionado – especially Western New Yorkers and sports fans,” said Phin DeMink, founder of STBC. “We continue to see a growing demand for One Buffalo, and so the timing is perfect for launching the 12-pack during hockey season.”
RODENBACH Brewery, makers of world class renowned sour beers in the traditional Flanders red style, today announced a limited edition release of its legendary Alexander beer, available only in the United States beginning in April 2016. RODENBACH Alexander is a blend of 2/3rd aged RODENBACH (2 year matured beer from oak standing Foeders) and 1/3rd young ale, then macerated with sour cherries. With an ABV of 5.6%, RODENBACH Alexander is offered in draught one-way kegs and 750ML bottles, adorned with the image of Alexander Rodenbach, one of the brewery’s founding brothers.
Mad Anthony Brewing Company is excited to announce the introduction of new Spring Release, Six to Midnight Session IPA, rolling out statewide starting March 9th; on draft and in 12oz. cans. Six to Midnight is a deliciously approachable hoppy beer with a lighter body and lower alcohol content than your standard IPA, making this the one to enjoy all day long.
Short’s Brewing Company of Bellaire, MI, announces updated Midwest distribution plans. In January, the company announced it would distribute Short’s brews and Starcut Ciders outside of their home state, Michigan, for the first time. Initial distribution outside Michigan began with eastern Pennsylvania in February 2016. This area will extend to Pittsburgh beginning March 19. Wilson-McGinley, a wholesale distribution company established in the 1950s and located in the historic Lawrenceville neighborhood, will be representing Short’s in the Pittsburgh area.
Craft Brew Alliance today announced its 2015 financial results, highlighting a net sales increase of just 2 percent and a shipment decrease of 1 percent across its core family of brands including Kona, Redhook, Widmer, Omission and Square Mile Cider. CBA shipped a total of 824,400 barrels in 2015, down from 830,200 the year prior. Despite the dip, CBA managed to improve gross margin by 110 basis points, to 30.5 percent in 2015, resulting in a 6 percent gross profit increase of $3.5 million.
Craft Beer Guild LLC — a Massachusetts beer wholesaler responsible for selling about 200 craft brands from around the U.S. — has agreed to pay more than $2 million for violating state laws that prohibit unfair trade practices and illegal activities, the Boston Globe reported. The Globe, citing a person familiar with the wholesaler’s operations, said the fine was about $2.6 million. That amount also includes sales made via its “Craft New Hampshire” operation, the ABCC and Craft Beer Guild confirmed.
On March 10th, Fort Collins Brewery (FCB) will be bringing back Hefeweizen for a 2nd year in a row. With the unfiltered haze of winter and the blonde promise of summer skies ahead, Hefe’s crisp hop profile and touch of golden wheat marry these two seasons into one beautiful beer. “As we come out of imperial stouts and winter warmers and start to look for lighter beers like pilsners, Hefe is a great transition beer with a nice body and slight hop kick,” says Thomas Barnett, FCB Operations Manager.
Rick Boelter announced that Boelter has furthered its commitment to the brewing industry by adding Chrislan Ceramics and its related businesses to The Boelter Companies. Chrislan was founded in 1987 and has become the leading manufacturer and supplier of ceramic tap handles, decorated glassware and insulated growlers to the brewing industry. Chrislan’s manufacturing facility is located in the greater Vancouver area – Maple Ridge, BC Canada
Scottish brewery Innis & Gunn yesterday announced United States Beverage LLC as its new U.S. importer. The brewery’s line of oak-aged beers had previously been imported through its own Innis & Gunn USA affiliate. “Following a thorough review of our own business within the US and the fast changing US beer market, we have taken the decision to partner with United States Beverage to accelerate the growth of our beers and further strengthen our position in the US,” Dougal Sharp, founder of Innis & Gunn said in a statement.
MadTree Brewing, the first modern craft brewery in Ohio to can its beers, has a Public Service Announcement about their canned beer lineup. PSA, which actually stands for Proper Session Ale, is the newest offering in their year-round canned beer portfolio. However, PSA is designed to be a Public Service Announcement that craft beer can be both thoughtful and approachable.
Craft beer maker Inveralmond Brewery, based in the heart of Scotland, is about to make a splash in the USA, thanks to a deal with Iron Horse Beverage. Beginning at the end of March, Iron Horse will distribute Rascal London Porter, one of Inveralmond’s most successful brands, to bars and retail stores in the USA, starting in New York and California. Two more Inveralmond brands will follow in the coming months.
Today, Heineken unveiled a new integrated global marketing campaign known as “There’s more behind the star.” Consumers are invited to discover the authentic product stories that are the foundation of an iconic global brand.
