Brewbound Podcast

What does the Treasury Department’s report on competition in the alcohol industry mean for craft brewers? Brewers Association president and CEO Bob Pease shares his thoughts on the report and what comes next. “This is the U.S. Department of the Treasury saying this, man,” Pease said. “It’s not a media outlet. It’s not an association. This is the federal government. We think it’s a fairly big deal and we’re pleased.” Pease discusses M&A activity, category management, direct-to-consumer shipping and more. Plus, Jordan Breslauer from social media listening firm Social Standards breaks down the bev-alc chatter around the Super Bowl. Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics? Email [email protected].

The Brewbound team is joined by Selling Craft Beer’s Sean McNulty to discuss several brewery closures, including Modern Times’ plans to shutter four locations, the rumored deal between Constellation Brands and energy drink maker Monster, and the Treasury’s report on competition in the alcohol industry. The team looks at why we’ve seen several high-profile closures, whether there is any relief on the way and the reasons why this trend isn’t likely to slow down. They also look at the latest rumors on a tie up between Monster and Constellation, the Treasury’s competition report and much more. Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics? Email [email protected].

Convergence is all the rage as big beverage companies (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Monster) dive into bev-alc and lean into becoming “total beverage” producers. Nik Modi, managing director for RBC Capital, and Marty Caballero, editor for BevNet (Brewbound’s sister publication), join the Brewbound podcast to discuss the latest beverage partnerships, what has caused the trend, and if a “complete collapse” of the lines between bev-alc and non-alc is ahead. RBC Capital has been writing about beverage convergence since 2016, and Modi noted he was surprised the large partnerships that are occurring didn’t happen sooner. He credits part of the reason why it’s happening now to companies with large market share in their core beverage categories needing to look elsewhere for growth. “It’s about increasing your use occasions and being more dynamic,” Caballero added. And the blurring lines between beverage categories is just the beginning. “If you were going to ask me what is going to happen in 2032, do I think that we’re going to see combinations of beverage and food companies? Absolutely, no question,” Modi said. “And I think cannabis potentially could bind them.” In this episode, the Brewbound team discusses some of this year’s Super Bowl ads, their fear of robots, and Twisted Tea’s new year-round marketing strategy. Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics? Email [email protected].

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is scrutinizing sports sponsorships struck by bev-alc producers and distributors. How can brewers play in this space without running afoul of the government agency? McDermott Will & Emery’s Alva Mather and Nichole Shustack offer their opinions on the Brewbound Podcast. “There’s a reason the TTB is focused on sponsorship deals at large venues,” Mather, the head of McDermott Will & Emery’s Alcohol Regulatory & Distribution Group, said. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I will tell you from where I sit that is absolutely going to continue to be an area of focus for them.” Shustack, legal counsel with McDermott Will & Emery, added that suppliers and wholesalers really should be wary of “pouring rights.” “So there’s pouring rights and then there’s advertising rights,” she explained. “And where we’re seeing suppliers and wholesalers get tripped up is when those two kind of cross over.” Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics for the new year? Email [email protected].

The cost of making beer is rising faster than the cost to buy beer, so what does that mean for craft brewers? Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson discusses the options available to brewers, plus the state of the supply chain and the need for a replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. As to offsetting those increased input costs, the options on the table for brewers is to either raise prices to consumers or take a hit to their margins. “I do think there is the distinct possibility that we’re going to see sharper than typical in recent years price increases in the coming months as breweries look to defray some of those input costs that they’re seeing,” Watson said. Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics for the new year? Email [email protected].

Rabobank beverage analyst Bourcard Nesin joins the Brewbound Podcast to discuss his report breaking down e-commerce alcohol sales in 2021 and the opportunities that await brewers in the space and tips for how to succeed. The Brewbound team also discusses the latest headlines, including a leadership change at the top for Deschutes Brewery, 2021 off-premise sales, the postponement of Russian River’s Pliny the Younger release and more. Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics for the new year? Email [email protected].

The Brewbound team breaks down Monster’s agreement to acquire the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective for $330 million in cash. Listen to the episode above and on popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Have questions, feedback, or ideas for podcast guests or topics for the new year? Email [email protected].