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Craft beer industry news.

Deloitte: Perceived Value, Not Just Price, Is Shaping Alcohol Purchase Decisions

Deloitte: Perceived Value, Not Just Price, Is Shaping Alcohol Purchase Decisions

by Jessica Infante

The alleged drains on beverage-alcohol in recent years have been well-documented: health and wellness, legal cannabis, consumers’ propensity for the couch instead of the bar, Generation’s Z disinterest, GLP-1 drugs. But one other driver – consumers’ perceived value for price – may not be mentioned as much as the others, and suppliers can learn from… Read more »

Distribution Recap: RNDC Exit Shakes Up Spirits Partnerships; RTDs Expand

Distribution Recap: RNDC Exit Shakes Up Spirits Partnerships; RTDs Expand

by Ferron Salniker

As RNDC continues to sell its operations across the country, this month’s distribution moves see independent and major brands scattering to new partnerships. Meanwhile, a wave of ready-to-drink (RTD) brands are pushing into new markets from Wisconsin to Southern California.

RTD Cocktails Outperform as Total Bev-Alc Declines Moderate Slightly

RTD Cocktails Outperform as Total Bev-Alc Declines Moderate Slightly

by Ferron Salniker

Total bev-alc dollar sales continued to decline in the latest two weeks, as even the standout growth category ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails saw sales dip, according to the latest analysis of NIQ data from Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Circana: Sales Weaken for Most Top 25 Vendors in L4W; Sierra Nevada, Athletic Buck Trends

Circana: Sales Weaken for Most Top 25 Vendors in L4W; Sierra Nevada, Athletic Buck Trends

by Jessica Infante

Trends worsened through mid-April for the majority of the 25 largest beer category vendors at off-premise retailers, according to market research firm Circana. Total beer recorded dollar sales gains of 0.9%, while volume, measured in case sales, declined 0.7%, year-to-date (YTD) through April 19 at multi-outlet grocery, mass retail and convenience stores (MULO+C). In the last four weeks (L4W), those metrics decelerated to +0.1% in dollar sales and -1.4% in volume.

Jim Koch: Premiumization Still Possible, 4th Category Boston Beer’s ‘Niche’

Jim Koch: Premiumization Still Possible, 4th Category Boston Beer’s ‘Niche’

by Justin Kendall

Boston Beer Company founder and CEO Jim Koch believes “premiumization is still out there and possible” for bev-alc producers. Koch shared the sentiment Tuesday during a fireside chat with Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog while touting the “magic” of ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings and the potential for Lytt, Boston Beer’s new 15% ABV BuzzBallz challenger.

Sazerac Expands RTD Portfolio with Equity Stake In SIPMARGS

Sazerac Expands RTD Portfolio with Equity Stake In SIPMARGS

by Ferron Salniker

Sazerac will acquire an equity interest in SIPMARGS, the ready-to-drink (RTD) sparkling margarita brand backed by social media personality Alix Earle and Palm Tree Crew, the company announced today. It will also enter into an exclusive distribution relationship with the brand.

Merican Light Beer Adds Distribution in North Carolina, Tennessee

Merican Light Beer Adds Distribution in North Carolina, Tennessee

by Justin Kendall

Another former Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) exec is making a play with a nascent light lager. Israel Dominguez, who worked in numerous sales and marketing roles at A-B over nearly a decade, is leading operations of Merican Light Beer, which launched in California in 2024 and is rolling out now in North Carolina.