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Anyone looking for an answer to when craft’s current era of compounding hurdles and declines will come to an end received a reality check Wednesday during Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bart Watson’s state of the industry address, held at the start of Day 2 of the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Indianapolis.
Around 10,000 industry members are expected to make the trip to Indianapolis for the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America (April 28 to May 1). The gathering takes place against a backdrop of growing headwinds for craft breweries and an overhaul of CBC’s host organization, the Brewers Association.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS) has consistently charged independent retailers as much as 12% to 67% more than national and regional chains for the same products, according to newly unsealed redactions in the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) price discrimination case against the distributor.
Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agreed over the weekend on a sweeping rewrite of the U.S. tax code that will include excise tax relief for alcohol producers and importers. The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) survived a conference committee of the House and Senate and will be included in the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The bill will now receive a final congressional vote — the Senate could vote as early as Tuesday — before advancing to President Donald Trump’s desk for approval.
The United States Senate passed a sweeping tax reform bill early Saturday morning that includes a number of changes to the tax code and benefits alcohol producers. With a vote of 51-49 today, the Senate passed H.R. 1, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” which is the largest tax overhaul in 31 years and includes the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA).
For the first time ever, beer excise tax reductions have been included in a comprehensive federal tax reform proposal. On Tuesday night, U.S. Senate Finance Committee chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) released a “Chairman’s Mark” to the Senate GOP’s version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released its latest draft guidance for calorie-posting requirements on Tuesday, offering additional clarification for establishments in which alcoholic beverages are a regular part of menus.
The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild has hired Andrew Lemley as the organization’s new executive director. Lemley comes to the Guild from New Belgium Brewing Company, where he most recently served for the last four years as the Fort Collins-headquartered brewery’s government affairs representative.
A majority of U.S. senate members now support legislation that would reduce excise taxes on all brewers and importers. According to a press release jointly produced by six beverage lobbying groups, including the Beer Institute and the Brewers Association, 51 senators have co-sponsored Senate Bill 236, known as the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA).
Massachusetts beer wholesaler Craft Beer Guild Thursday announced that it would appeal a judge’s order from earlier this week that upheld a $2.6 million fine for breaking state laws prohibiting unfair trade practices and illegal “pay-to-play” activities.
In this week’s edition of Last Call: ZX Ventures acquires Australian craft brewery 4 Pines; the TTB launches another pay-to-play investigation; Amazon expands alcoholic beverage delivery; and more news from the week.
In this week’s Last Call: Utah considers revising 3.2 laws; Golden Road rethinks its proposed Oakland beer garden; ex-New Belgium brewmaster’s Purpose Brewing & Cellars sets grand opening; and more.
In this edition of Press Clips: The TTB begins a pay-to-play investigation in Miami; craft brewers adopt the BA’s independence seal; beer is still the alcoholic drink of choice in U.S.; and more.
The Brewers Association this week announced that it would no longer allow large brewing companies and brewery groups to purchase featured sponsorships at the Great American Beer Fest, held annually in Denver, Colorado.
Craft beer manufacturers are attacking Wisconsin wholesalers over a legislative push to draw stricter boundaries among the three tiers of the state’s alcohol industry.
In the latest Legislative Update: Virginia wants Maryland breweries to move in; Indiana forms a task force to review liquor laws; Oklahoma considers Sunday sales; and much more.
In this week’s edition of Last Call: North Carolina brewers claim Anheuser-Busch receives favoritism from the state’s wholesalers; Fiddlehead opens a new production facility; the Brewers Association announces committee assignments; and more.
