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IRI: Average Case of Beer Price Increases $1.32; Growth of New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger Series Continues

IRI: Average Case of Beer Price Increases $1.32; Growth of New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger Series Continues

The average price for a case of beer sold in off-premise retail chains has increased $1.32, to $26.47 year-to-date through April 18, compared to the same period last year, according to data shared by market research firm IRI. Segments with the biggest price bumps in 2021 include cider (+$1.76 per case, to $43.27), flavored malt beverages (+$1.28 per case, to $35.55) and imports (+$1 per case, to $33.36).

New Jersey Launches ‘Shot and a Beer’ to Promote Vaccines; Los Angeles County Removes Brewery Curfew

New Jersey Launches ‘Shot and a Beer’ to Promote Vaccines; Los Angeles County Removes Brewery Curfew

Legal drinking age New Jerseyans who get their first dose of one of the available vaccines can show their vaccination card at one of 13 participating breweries across the state for a complimentary beer. The Brewers Guild of New Jersey collaborated with the state on the “Shot and a Beer” program, part of the larger “Operation Jersey Summer,” which aims to vaccinate 4.7 million New Jerseyans by June 30.

What You Need To Know To Build A Successful RTD Brand

What You Need To Know To Build A Successful RTD Brand

With projections predicting continued segment growth for RTDs, anyone looking to enter the space will face a competitive landscape. But by studying brands who have either launched during the pandemic or have weathered the storm without faltering, there are plenty of opportunities for new premixed canned cocktails to thrive.

Legislative Update: ‘Free the Growler’ Effort Falls Short in Minnesota, For Now; Texas Expected to Extend Restaurant Alcohol To-Go Sales

Legislative Update: ‘Free the Growler’ Effort Falls Short in Minnesota, For Now; Texas Expected to Extend Restaurant Alcohol To-Go Sales

Minnesota brewers’ efforts to remove a ban on growler and beer to-go sales for larger craft breweries have fallen short; meanwhile, legislation that would allow Texas restaurants to continue to sell beer, wine and mixed drinks with takeout orders is now in the hands of Gov. Greg Abbott; and more news from the states.

Molson Coors’ Net Sales Decline 9.7% in Q1; US Shipments Decline 9.5%

Molson Coors’ Net Sales Decline 9.7% in Q1; US Shipments Decline 9.5%

Molson Coors Beverage Company CEO Gavin Hattersley admitted that the first quarter of 2021 “was not the quarter we expected to have,” during a conference call for investors and analysts Thursday. The combined effects of a cyber security attack taking down many of its internal systems, a winter storm suspending operations at its Texas brewery and prolonged on-premise shutdowns in Europe added up to a 9.7% decline in Q1 net sales, to $1.89 billion.

Suzie’s Brewery and Anheuser-Busch InBev Settle Organic Hard Seltzer Lawsuit

Suzie’s Brewery and Anheuser-Busch InBev Settle Organic Hard Seltzer Lawsuit

Suzie’s Brewery, maker of Suzie’s Organic Hard Seltzer, and Anheuser-Busch InBev agreed earlier this week to settle the Oregon company’s lawsuit against the world’s largest beer manufacturer for allegedly engaging in deceptive advertising practices for its Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer brand.

Matagrano Files Breach of Contract Lawsuit Against Sierra Nevada, Following Termination

Matagrano Files Breach of Contract Lawsuit Against Sierra Nevada, Following Termination

Matagrano, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. alleging the Chico-headquartered craft brewery breached the companies’ contract when it terminated its relationship with the South San Francisco-based wholesaler on April 2. In a lawsuit filed in Superior Court of the state of California on April 23, 20 years to the day after Sierra Nevada signed on with Matagrano for distribution, the wholesaler alleged that “as a result of defendant’s breach of the distributorship agreement, Matagrano has been damaged in an amount not yet ascertained, but which exceeds $8 million.”

Mark Anthony Brands Seeks Injunction Against Bang Energy’s MIXX Hard Seltzer

Mark Anthony Brands Seeks Injunction Against Bang Energy’s MIXX Hard Seltzer

White Claw Hard Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Lemonade maker Mark Anthony Brands has filed a lawsuit against Vital Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bang Energy LLC alleging copyright infringement in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York. In the lawsuit filed April 26, Mark Anthony argues that the defendants’ MIXX flavored malt beverages infringe on its MXD Cocktail Company flavored malt beverages and may cause consumer confusion.