New Belgium Learns From Focused 2025; Mini Rippers in 25K Outlets; LightStrike Finds C-Store Groove

New Belgium Learns From Focused 2025; Mini Rippers in 25K Outlets; LightStrike Finds C-Store Groove

New Belgium Brewing Company turned down the innovation firehose to a drip – for the most part – to start 2025. Yes, the company did add “Mini Rippers,” 7.5 oz. 8-pack cans of Voodoo Ranger Juice Force and Tropic Force (both 9.5% ABV). And it rolled out LightStrike, a 5% ABV non-carbonated hard refresher line, aimed at Millennials and Generation Z consumers.

Tilray’s Breckenridge Distillery Launches NA Spirits

Tilray’s Breckenridge Distillery Launches NA Spirits

Canadian cannabis giant and U.S. craft beer platform Tilray Brands is at it again. The company’s Colorado-based Breckenridge Distillery announced Thursday the launch of Mock One, a collection of non-alcoholic (NA) spirits.

Know Your Strengths and Kill Your Zombies: How Calicraft Finds Growth in Beer (and Beyond)

Know Your Strengths and Kill Your Zombies: How Calicraft Finds Growth in Beer (and Beyond)

Calicraft Brewing is on pace to grow 80% in 2025, after 30% growth in 2024. The Walnut Creek, California-based craft brewery has been able to buck national craft trends by cleaning up production, making key hires and refocusing its portfolio. Now, the company plans to expand that growth into ready-to-drink cocktails, launching in 2026.

How Dillon’s is Combatting Gin Naysayers With ‘Bartender Quality’ Canned Craft Cocktails

How Dillon’s is Combatting Gin Naysayers With ‘Bartender Quality’ Canned Craft Cocktails

When Geoff Dillon founded Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers in 2012, he wanted to make whiskey and other bottled craft spirits, inspired by the natural surroundings of the distillery’s backyard in Niagara (Ontario, Canada). Thirteen years later, Dillon’s gin- and vodka-based 5% ABV canned cocktails (RTDs) are what’s leading the way.

Press Clips: Modelo’s California Dominance; Consumers’ Inflationary Concerns

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.

NIQ: Bev-Alc Sales -3% Halfway Through 2025; Summer ‘Falling Short for Beer’

NIQ: Bev-Alc Sales -3% Halfway Through 2025; Summer ‘Falling Short for Beer’

Beverage-alcohol sales are down 3% year-to-date (YTD) in off-premise channels, market research firm NIQ shared in its “Halftime Report.” Beer, wine and spirits dollar sales topped $53 billion as of July 5, the firm reported. Declines occurred across all off-premise measured channels.

European Non-Alc Players UNDONE, Thomas Henry Plan to Disrupt U.S. Market

European Non-Alc Players UNDONE, Thomas Henry Plan to Disrupt U.S. Market

Two of Europe’s popular adult non-alc (ANA) brands – UNDONE, a global pioneer in non-alc aperitifs, wines and spirits, and Thomas Henry, a premium mixer company – have landed on U.S. shores, each with a unique value proposition and a lengthy track record.