Editor’s note: The below news items were initially reported in the Insider version of the Brewbound Newsletter between June 25-27. Become an Insider today to get earlier access to what’s going on in the industry.
Trinity Brewhouse Sold
Trinity Brewhouse (Providence, Rhode Island), one of the state’s oldest brewpub, will change hands later this summer. The owners of local restaurant The Patio on Broadway plan to acquire it from founder Josh Miller.
Miller wrote on social media: “I am grateful to see the Trinity Brewhouse legacy live on in the hands of fellow Rhode Islanders who plan to preserve both the name and the spirit of the brewpub.”
Trinity Brewhouse opened in 1994 and produced 653 barrels in 2024, according to Brewers Association (BA) data.
BA Emphasizes ‘Guiding Principles’ for Intoxicating Hemp Beverages
The Brewers Association (BA) has released 10 “guiding principles” for cannabis and intoxicating hemp amidst a volatile regulatory landscape.
The BA wrote: “The past decade has given rise to an extremely confusing situation where intoxicating products made from cannabis or hemp (as defined in the 2018 federal Farm Bill) have become prevalent in the market, yet often lack, in fact or in practice, regulatory oversight necessary for such socially sensitive products.
“The Brewers Association views the current status quo as chaotic and unsustainable and urges federal and state lawmakers to enact legislation establishing clear and transparent regulatory structures that protect the public while offering a responsible pathway for commerce in cannabis and hemp products.”
The BA’s principles include:
- A “comprehensive and robust federal and state regulatory framework;”
- “Distinctions among products to discourage overconsumption;”
- Labeling “in a way that empowers consumers to know the source and important attributes of the product” and more.
Dive deeper into each of the 10 principles on the BA website.
Garage Beer Taps National Accounts Manager
Garage Beer is building out its national accounts team with the addition of Joshua Heck as national account manager for the West. Heck joins the Kelce brothers-backed lager brand from Blake’s Beverage Co., where he was key account manager.
Heck wrote on LinkedIn: “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to join such a fast-moving, passionate team that’s bringing some serious energy (and FUN) back to the beer world.”
Blue Moon Teams Up with Comedian Colin Jost
The first Blue Moon ads starring Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost began rolling out Tuesday on TV, streaming services and social media.
The 2 spots star Jost, along with talking oranges and a director determined to keep the SNL star out of the shot, which works with the craft brand’s new tagline “Nothing Outshines a Blue Moon.”
Both ads are part of Molson Coors’ effort to turnaround Blue Moon’s trends and emphasize the orange slice ritual, tapping Jost as both a pitchman and a writer. They’ll be broadcast during major sporting events, including Wimbledon, MLB’s Home Run Derby and the start of the college football season.
Blue Moon is the 24th largest beer category brand family in Circana off-premise retailers year-to-date (YTD) through May 18. The brand family’s dollar sales have topped $100.87 million (-7.4% YTD) while volume has declined 11.5%.
Blue Moon Belgian White remains the top-selling craft beer, with sales exceeding $86 million (-8.2% dollars, -12.4% volume YTD).
Maru-Hi Variety Pack
Suntory Holdings is expanding the Maru-Hi sparkling cocktail line with the addition of three flavors – Strawberry, Pineapple and Kiwi – which will join its original citrus flavor (all 5% ABV) in a variety 12-pack.
The pack will launch in CA later this month via Reyes, with HI expected to follow in July.
Maru-Hi is Suntory’s take on the chu-hi cocktail, popularized in Tokyo’s Izakaya bar scene.
Suntory unveiled its Maru-Hi launch plans during the 2024 Brewbound Live business conference. Watch Suntory leaders discuss their brand plans and goal of becoming the No. 1 RTD company in the world.