Editor’s note: The below news items were initially reported in the Insider version of the Brewbound Newsletter between July 16-July 18. Become an Insider today to get earlier access to what’s going on in the industry.
Modelo Especial Dwarfs the CA Beer Market
Constellation Brands’ Modelo Especial’s dollar sales in California are larger than its next 3 competitors in the Golden State combined YTD through July 4, according to data from Fintech, presented in a webinar by NBWA chief economist and VP of analytics Lester Jones and Fintech VP of distributor strategy Eric Kiser.
Modelo reached $253 million in dollar sales, followed by No. 2 Molson Coors’ Coors Light ($90 million), No. 3 Constellation’s Pacifico ($81 million) and No. 4 Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Michelob Ultra ($72 million). Note: Percentages above are driven by an influx of new data to Fintech’s system and are not indicative of YoY performance.
Look for future Brewbound coverage of the webinar, which detailed the beer category’s first half of 2025, next week.
33% of Consumers Would Spend Less on Alcohol Amid Inflationary Pressures
One-third of consumers said they would cut back on alcohol spending before other grocery categories, should prices increase, according to a global survey conducted by insights firm BlueYonder.
Nearly 90% of respondents said they’re “concerned about inflation’s impact on grocery prices.”
Other mitigation tactics across overall grocery shopping include buying fewer items (65%), shopping at discount or wholesale stores (42%), shopping discounts and promotions (36%) and opting for private label products (34%).
Sierra Nevada Pils in 8.4 oz. Cans
Sierra Nevada’s European-inspired PILS brand is receiving a package launch in 8.4 oz. can 8-packs following a draft-only launch in April.
PILS in the mini “proper pilsner cans” will hit “select markets” in August. A nationwide launch is planned for early 2026. The packs will car ry a $12.99 suggested retail price.
“The size is rooted in the European tradition of a premium pilsner drinking experience, where it is common to serve pilsner beers as a small pour to maintain ideal temperature and flavor from first sip to last,” the company wrote in a press release.
Sierra Nevada chief commercial officer Ellie Preslar and chief brewing officer Brian Grossman discussed PILS on the Brewbound Podcast earlier this year. Listen here.
Athletic Signs Multi-Year Partnership Extension with Arsenal F.C.
Dedicated NA brewery Athletic has extended and expanded its partnership with professional soccer club Arsenal F.C.
Through the multi-year deal, Athletic will remain the “official NA beer partner” of the team, and expand the brewer’s presence “across Arsenal’s digital, in-stadium and supporter engagement platforms.”
Athletic and Arsenal first signed on with each other in 2024, adding cans of Athletic’s Run Wild IPA to the offerings at Arsenal’s home field, Emirates Stadium. With the expanded partnership, fans will now also be able to purchase cans of Athletic Lite. Additionally, Run Wild will be available on draft in Club Level.
A “limited-edition, co-branded brew” is expected to launch in the future.