‘The Other White Wine’: Arkansas Sake Maker Plots Future Growth
Sake is a staple of drinking culture in Japan, but in the U.S. bringing the category to new consumers takes a variety of approaches. Arkansas-based Origami Sake is attempting to make the traditional rice wine more approachable to American drinkers by pairing its premium-positioned products with transparent packaging callouts and a new non-alc variety that caters to moderating consumers.
Insider’s Week in Beer: 🍻 A Sendoff For a Legendary Beer Pitchman
This week’s beer goes out to one of beer’s all-time greatest pitchmen, Mr. Bob Uecker, who died this week at the age of 90 … and they just don’t make ‘em like Bob anymore. He’s of course known for the Major League movies and Mr. Belvedere in the ’80s, and to an older demo as one of the top Tonight Show guests ever (with 100+ appearances). Plus, he also called BREWERS games in Milwaukee for 54 seasons. 🤯
CGA: Last 2 Weeks of December -6%; Trends Flat Through New Year’s
On-premise sales velocity declined -6% for the two-week period ending December 28 and was flat through the New Year’s holiday for the week ending January 4, according to the latest report from CGA, NIQ’s on-premise division.
Notes From D.C.’s Mindful Drinking Fest
The Mindful Drinking Fest returned to Washington, D.C. this past weekend, bringing together over 1,200 attendees and nearly 220 adult non-alcoholic products in a Dry January celebration that has grown 10 times since its first iteration three years ago and 40% since just last year. Brewbound’s sibling publication BevNET stopped in for the second year in a row and saw the energy and acceleration brought by the sober curious crowd firsthand.
Former Dairy Farmers of America Exec to Lead American Cider Association
The American Cider Association (ACA) has named its next CEO. Monica Cohen, a former executive for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), has been appointed CEO of the hard cider trade association, taking over less than a month ahead of the ACA’s largest annual industry event, CiderCon (February 4-7).
Brewbound Podcast: New Belgium CEO Shaun Belongie on Asheville Recovery Efforts, Mini Ripper Cans, Hard Refreshers and Oberon Light
New Belgium CEO Shaun Belongie joins the Brewbound Podcast to discuss the comeback in Asheville, the company’s still-unfolding contingency plans and the road ahead.
Anheuser-Busch, 1st Phorm to Partner for Energy Drink Line
Anheuser-Busch is still gunning for a share of the energy drink segment, announcing today a new partnership with sports nutrition business 1st Phorm to launch a RTD energy line.
Leinenkugel Family Attempts to Buy Chippewa Falls Brewery From Molson Coors; Efforts Rebuffed So Far
Dick and Jake Leinenkugel have gone public with their efforts to buy back their family’s namesake brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, from Molson Coors, which plans to cease operations at the facility on Friday, January 17, and lay off 56 workers.
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CPI: Beer At Home Outpaced Total Industry Every Month in 2024; Leads Away from Home for 8 Consecutive Months
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for beer at home increased +2.5% year-over-year (YoY) in December 2024, before seasonal adjustment, increasing below total inflation, but outpacing the rest of the bev-alc industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Second Report on Alcohol Consumption and Health Draws Industry Trade Groups’ Ire
All major beverage-alcohol industry trade groups have united in opposition of a draft study about alcohol consumption’s effect on health, which was released Tuesday.
Mark Anthony Brands President Dishes on Simplified 2025 Portfolio, Spirits-Based RTD Learnings
Mark Anthony Brands is narrowing its focus in 2025, with a “dramatically” simplified portfolio, Mark Anthony Brands president David Barnett shared Monday during Day 2 of Beer Business Daily’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Summit in Palm Beach, Florida.
Circana: Craft Beer Sales -3%, Volume -4% in 2024; 8 Top 30 Craft Brands Post Growth
Off-premise dollar sales of craft beer declined -3.3%, to more than $4.6 billion, in 2024, according to multi-outlet grocery, mass retail and convenience store data shared by market research firm Circana.
Bump Williams Consulting: Flavor and Crossover Products Lead Growth Across Beer, Wine and Spirits in 2024
Bump Williams Consulting’s (BWC) theme for 2024: “Crossover canned flavor.” The firm analyzed the top 100 brand families across beer, wine and spirits based on year-to-date (YTD) dollar sales in NIQ off-premise scans (ending December 21), and identified the top performers in three categories: momentum, magnitude and innovation.
Spindrift Agrees Sale to PE Firm Gryphon Investors; Dave Burwick Named CEO
Spindrift Beverage Company has reached an agreement for San Francisco-based private investment group Gryphon Investors to acquire a majority stake in the sparkling water brand, and is tapping experienced CPG executive Dave Burwick as its new CEO.