Constellation Brands’ Beer Depletions +8.7%, Shipments +17%; Board Approves Sands Family’s Plan to Reduce Voting Control

Constellation Brands’ Beer Depletions +8.7%, Shipments +17%; Board Approves Sands Family’s Plan to Reduce Voting Control

Constellation’s beer depletions increased +8.7%, while shipments grew +17.3%, to 99.5 million case equivalents during the first quarter of its 2023 fiscal year, the company reported today. Net sales increased +21%, to more than $1.898 billion, with gross profit of more than $1 billion (+14%). The beer business’ operating income also increased +13%, to $762.8 million.

Melvin Brewing Seeks ‘Strategic Partner,’ Explores Possible Sale of Company

Melvin Brewing Seeks ‘Strategic Partner,’ Explores Possible Sale of Company

Another craft brewery is exploring a potential sale of the company. Melvin Brewing announced today it is seeking “a strategic partner” to “support and assist with current growth initiatives,” a process that could lead to the sale of the Alpine, Wyoming-based craft brewery.

Boston Beer’s Bevy Long Drink Ends its Short Run

Boston Beer’s Bevy Long Drink Ends its Short Run

The life of Bevy Long Drink, Boston Beer’s malt-based foray into the Finnish long drink segment, won’t be very long after all. The company has discontinued the brand, which it launched in 20 test markets late last year and expanded nationwide earlier this year.

Summit Distribution Rights in Minnesota Move to Capitol Post Breakthru-J.J. Taylor Deal

Summit Distribution Rights in Minnesota Move to Capitol Post Breakthru-J.J. Taylor Deal

In the wake of Breakthru Beverage’s acquisition of J.J. Taylor’s beer business in Minnesota, Summit Brewing Company’s portfolio has moved to A-B house Capitol Beverage Sales in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, with pieces of territory doled out to College City (A-B) and Dahlheimer Beverage, a Molson Coors house.

Greg Koch Muses on Life After Stone in Farewell Post

Greg Koch Muses on Life After Stone in Farewell Post

In a nearly 2,500-word missive that opened with quotes from Metallica and Roman poet Heraclitus, Stone Brewing co-founder Greg Koch – one of the craft beer industry’s staunchest advocates for independence – reflected on what the sale of his company to Japanese brewing giant Sapporo means for his future… without ever typing the word “Sapporo.”

Industry Veterans InvestBev Look for Spirits for the Masses

Industry Veterans InvestBev Look for Spirits for the Masses

Brian Rosen doesn’t want to invest in your vodka flavored with sriracha or lemon peel and cumin. The lifelong beverage entrepreneur and advisor is channeling his experience into growing spirit brands that instead have wide appeal, and he’s adding strategic capital through InvestBev, an investment firm focused on adult-beverage brands, raw distillate, beverage technology and cannabis.