Craft beer industry news.
Phorm Energy, the new beverage joint venture backed by Anheuser-Busch InBev and UFC boss Dana White, has chosen its fighter. The energy drink brand, a spin-off of 1st Phorm that’s produced by A-B, on Monday morning revealed three-time MMA champion Michael Chandler as its newest partner and a central focus of new content and marketing.
In its 157-year history, Martinelli’s has become a staple in many U.S. households; from its squat 10 oz. apple juices that fit conveniently into kids’ lunch boxes, to its green sparkling cider bottles that allow consumers of all ages to toast and celebrate without booze.
Sazerac Company has partnered with Molson Coors-aligned wholesaler Andrews Distributing on three new ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in Texas, adding a regional portfolio to the spirit company’s expanding RTD business.
Off-premise dollar sales of beverage-alcohol lingered in the red for another consecutive week, down 2.8% year-over-year (YoY), according to market research firm Circana’s weekly report for the seven-day period ending September 21.
It’s time for one of golf’s greatest traditions, as the sport of the people (who have a lot of money) tees off all weekend with the biennial Ryder Cup. The PGA is actually making all food & drink free of charge this weekend (don’t tell Justin – I told him hot dogs were on me for his birthday). Although the … $750 tickets for the weekend sadly do not cover booze.
The sharks were biting on low-ABV on the season premiere of ABC’s Shark Tank. Dad Strength, the maker of 2.9% ABV IPAs, generated interest from four of the show’s investors.
An auction of the production equipment at Smuttynose Brewery’s Hampton, New Hampshire facility is set to open October 8, according to a New Mill Capital listing.
Check out these news items initially reported in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter between September 24-26.
Growth is slowing down for spirits-based RTDs, but gains in the on-premise and emerging flavor categories hint at opportunities, according to bev-alc consulting and data firm 3 Tier Beverages.
Mid-Atlantic brewpub chain Iron Hill Brewery abruptly closed its 16 remaining locations overnight, weeks after it shuttered three in a move that a spokesperson at the time said was “to position Iron Hill for long-term success.”
Ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) remain one of the hottest segments in bev-alc, seemingly avoiding the quick rise and fall of the former new kid in town, hard seltzer (for now). Even the previously formidable flavored malt beverage (FMB) segment is starting to see the impact of consumers moving away to the more premium, typically spirits-based offerings.
AleSmith is celebrating its 30th anniversary with momentum behind new products – in and out of beer – and a growing contract brewing business. In this episode of the Brewbound Podcast, AleSmith president Brandon Richards shares how the San Diego craft brewery has evolved to meet drinkers’ needs with new products while fortifying its business by brewing for others.
Hemp-derived THC seltzer brand Delta Beverages recently unveiled a new visual identity and a marketing campaign that seek to “humanize” the brand while eliminating the stigma often associated with cannabis use.
Aslin Beer Co., the country’s third-largest taproom brewer by volume, and Torch & Crown Brewing have merged to form the Driven Collective. The platform will combine Alexandria, Virginia-headquartered Aslin’s production capacity and Torch & Crown’s distribution arm in New York City to “unlock smarter growth, fuel creativity and prove that craft still has room to run,” according to a press release.
