NIQ: THC Beverages Hit $239M in Mainstream Retail as Half of Adults Interested in Trying
THC beverages reached $239 million in the 52 weeks ending April 4 2026, up 135% versus the prior year, and despite a looming ban, there’s thirst for more.
Beyond Beer
Read the latest beyond beer news relating to companies involved with RTD cocktails, hard cider, hard seltzer, hard kombucha, spirits, cannabis, and non-alcoholic products. Take a comprehensive look at developments in these evolving sectors, offering valuable insights into the innovations, trends, and market forces shaping the world of beer and beyond.
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Jim Koch: Boston Beer ‘Over the Hump’ and Important to Distributors & Retailers; Sun Cruiser Gains; No Twisted Tea Reset
Boston Beer Company has “gotten over the hump as a supplier” and become an “important” part of its wholesalers’ and retailers’ businesses, founder, chairman and CEO Jim Koch told analysts during the company’s Q1 2026 earnings report Thursday evening.
Stateside’s Super Lyte Depletes 120K Cases in 5 Weeks, Targets 1.5M This Year
Super Lyte, a vodka-infused, sports-drink inspired refresher, from the makers of Surfside, has depleted 120,000 cases in its first five weeks in the market, with a forecast to hit 1.5 million cases this year.
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Schilling Cider & Brooklyn Cider House Leaders Elected to American Cider Association Board
Members of the American Cider Association (ACA) elected two new and four returning representatives to the trade group’s board of directors last month.
Margarita RTDs Outpacing Hard Tea
The ready-to-drink (RTD) margarita is outpacing some of the industry’s hottest new RTD segments, with high ABV and spirit-based versions picking up steam, according to a new report from Bump Williams.
NIQ Weekly Scans: RTDs Remain Only Major Category to Record YoY Growth Thru February
One consistent trend through the first two months of 2026 has been the strength of ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs).
NIQ: Adult Non-Alc Needs to ‘Move Beyond Flavor Extensions’
Non-alcoholic (NA) wine, beer and spirits still account for less than 1% of total alcohol category sales – leaving a runway for brands that innovate with popular functional ingredients, according to a new report from market research firm NIQ.
As Ohio Intoxicating Hemp Beverage Ban Looms, Lawsuit Seeks to Block Shutdown
Several producers and a distributor filed an emergency lawsuit in Ohio last week in an effort to block Gov. Mike DeWine’s attempt to abruptly shut down the state’s intoxicating hemp beverage industry.
Half Acre, Maplewood Merge to Form Chicago Beverage Platform That Won’t Become ‘a Collection of Brands’
Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Company and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery have merged into what the brands’ leaders are calling “a long-term commitment to Chicago as a great beverage city.”
JuneShine Brands to Outsource All Production, Shut Down Own Facility; 30 Employees Affected
JuneShine Brands is shifting production of all its brands to third-party producers, the San Diego-based company announced today.
George Clooney & Partners Take Aim at NA Beer With Crazy Mountain; Beer Vet Steve Fechheimer Shares Details
George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman’s non-alcoholic (NA) beer brand has been among the beer business’ worst-kept secrets. The Casamigos founders teased getting into beer’s fast-growing space last October. However, whispers about their involvement started long before.
Weavers Challenge Uncle Nearest Receiver’s Credibility Ahead of Court Ruling
Uncle Nearest founders Fawn and Keith Weaver have made their final courtroom arguments to take back ownership of the troubled bourbon company after it defaulted on more than $100 million in loans and went into receivership.
Report: Phusion Projects Weighs Sale of Four Loko, Valued Around $400M
Phusion Projects is exploring a potential sale of its infamous Four Loko brand, which could carry a $400 million value, Reuters reported.
Press Clips: Bev-Alc’s ‘Rich’ Future, Big Beer People Moves, a D.C. Hermit-Crabbing & More
Check out news items were initially reported in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter March 2-4, including headlines from Boston Beer Company, Constellation Brands, NIQ and more.
Pabst, Brown-Forman FMB Partnership to End in July
Brown-Forman and Pabst Brewing Company are ending their production, sales, marketing and distribution partnership for FMBs such as the whiskey brand’s Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails after five years.
A-B Closes $490 Million Deal for 85% Stake in BeatBox
Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) has closed its previously announced acquisition of BeatBox Beverages, the companies shared today.
Uncle Nearest Brand Faces Declines as Court Weighs Ending or Expanding Receivership
After a judge placed Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey under receivership for defaulting on nearly $108 million in loans, founder Fawn Weaver continues her courtroom fight to take back the troubled bourbon company.