Beyond Beer

Distributors expect the hard seltzer segment to end the year with 155% growth and come close to doubling in 2021 with much of the growth coming from leading brands, White Claw (Mark Anthony Brands) and Truly Hard Seltzer (Boston Beer Company), according to a report from Goldman Sachs Equity Research arm.

Just two weeks after closing on the acquisition of Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Company, Canadian cannabis company Aphria has reached an agreement to merge with Tilray, forming the world’s largest cannabis company valued at $3.8 billion.

Just in time for “Dry January,” Brooklyn Brewery will launch the next offering within its fast-growing non-alcoholic beer line Special Effects. The New York craft brewery today officially announced the addition of an IPA to the Special Effects portfolio to go along with Hoppy Amber.

With two months left in 2020, beer category sales at off-premise retailers remain elevated, as on-premise establishments continue to grapple with capacity restrictions and, in some states and cities, on-site service shutdowns. Year-to-date through November 1, beer category dollar sales are up 15.5%, to $37.4 billion, at off-premise multi-outlet grocery stores, mass retailers and convenience stores, according to market research firm IRI.

Mark Anthony Brands — the maker of White Claw and Mike’s Hard Lemonade — plans to build a $400 million production facility in Columbia, South Carolina, according to a press release posted on Tuesday to South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s website.

With the proposed acquisition of Atlanta-headquartered SweetWater Brewing Company yesterday, Canadian cannabis company Aphria believes it’s on the path to becoming a vice industry powerhouse.

Hard seltzer segment leader Mark Anthony Brands today announced plans to launch White Claw Hard Seltzer Iced Tea “in response to tens of thousands of passionate consumer requests for new flavors.”

John Hickenlooper — a Democrat, former Colorado governor and co-founder of Denver-based Wynkoop Brewing — will become the first craft brewer to win a seat in the U.S. Senate after defeating incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner (R.-Colo.) on Tuesday. “Clearly people are saying it’s time to turn the page, it’s time for a different approach,” Hickenlooper… Read more »

Forget product, price, promotion, and all that. For Molson Coors Beverage Company, 2020 has been defined by three words that start with the letter P: persistence, perseverance and progress, CEO Gavin Hattersley said during the company’s third quarter earnings call today.

Alcohol e-commerce platform Saucey and Los Angeles-area cannabis delivery business Emjay have combined to form Pacific Consolidated Holdings, the company announced today.

After posting strong double-digit growth in shipments, depletions and revenues on the back of Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea in the third quarter, Boston Beer Company stock (SAM) topped the $1,000 mark for the first time ever, up from $371.12 at the start of 2020. As of press time (2 p.m. ET October 23), shares were trading at more than $1,066 (+15% and more than $145 than the previous day).

Non-alcoholic brand Heineken 0.0 is pushing toward 2 million cases this year, Heineken USA chief marketing officer Jonnie Cahill shared during last week’s national sales meeting.

Hard seltzers, a Michelob Ultra challenger and a strong push for cans were among the key takeaways from Heineken USA’s national sales meeting held virtually Thursday across three regions.