The majority of distributors (70%) are seeing better growth for beer this spring, respondents told financial services firm Jefferies in a survey published today.

Sierra Nevada VP of sales Ellie Preslar and chief commercial officer Joe Whitney discussed the company’s growth via its Little Things family, media budget increases for Pale Ale, entering the non-alc segment with Hop Splash sparkling water and other innovations. After hinting at the possibility of taking non-alcoholic craft beer maker Athletic Brewing public during Brewbound Live last year, co-founder and CEO Bill Shufelt said an initial public offering (IPO) could materialize in the next 12-18 months.

On-premise sales velocity increased +3% in the week ending May 7, following a -1% decline in the week ending April 30, according to a report from the market research firm CGA.

Two months after launching its Disorderly TeaHouse sparkling tea at retail, Lagunitas Brewing Company is rolling out a variety pack with a new flavor — Peach Slice — that begins shipping this week with plans to hit retail shelves in early June.

Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing and San Diego’s Stone Brewing have agreed to end their trademark infringement lawsuit over the phrase “Keep It Juicy,” according to a May 13 court filing.

Spencer Brewery, the only Trappist brewery in the U.S., is closing its doors.

Vermont lawmakers have advanced a bill to lower taxes on and grant wider market access to spirits-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails.

Sonoma County-based Golden State Cider founders Jolie Devoto and Hunter Wade have sold the 10-year-old business to Christopher and Ariel Jackson, according to The Press Democrat.

Heineken-owned Lagunitas Brewing Company has closed on the sale of its 50% stake in Santa Rosa, California-based Moonlight Brewing Company to Patrick Rue, the founder of Orange County’s The Bruery and owner of Erosion Wine Co. in St. Helena, California.

Athletic Achieves B-Corp Status Non-alcoholic beer maker Athletic Brewing Company has achieved Certified B Corporation status, which the organization says means a “business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.” “Being able to identify as a B… Read more »

Delivery service Instacart announced late yesterday that it has confidentially filed a draft registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to go public. The announcement comes after the company slashed its valuation and other companies are postponing their own IPOs.

The trademark battle between Stone Brewing and Charlotte-based Sycamore Brewing continues as the country’s ninth largest craft brewer filed a counterclaim alleging that Sycamore has “stolen” the “Keep It Juicy” trademark it claims Stone has no right to use.

Before consuming a can of hard cider from Downeast Cider House, you have to commit a cardinal sin in beer: shake the can.

The price of beer — like most goods — is on the rise. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for beer increased +5% in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday.