Distributor sentiments for beer category strength shifted from cautious to “neutral” in November, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) in the trade group’s latest Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) report.

Total beverage-alcohol sales have declined -7.7% year-over-year (YoY) for the week ending November 17, according to market research firm Circana.

Constellation EVP and beer division president Jim Sabia shed light on the company’s 2025 strategies last week during Beer Marketer’s Insights’ annual fall seminar in New York City. Here are some of the highlights from the conversation.

President-elect Donald Trump promised to impose 25% tariffs on all imported goods from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10% tariff on products from China beginning January 20, his first day in office.

Intoxicating hemp beverages have become a hot topic among suppliers, wholesalers and retailers in search of the next big thing. The 2024 Brewbound Live business conference will bring together leaders and early movers in the burgeoning but volatile space, which some believe is poised to become its own category.

Spirits giant Sazerac manages approximately 500 brands across beer, wine and spirits, yet president and CEO Jake Wenz insists the company is still “focused.”

Sapporo-Stone Brewing will cease the exporting of Stone beers in January 2025, a spokesperson for the company confirmed. Stone exports its products to 50 countries via a network of international distributors, according to its website.

Well, we tried, Massachusetts … but apparently you just can’t be trusted with $2 off a MILLER LITE before 6 p.m., as the state has removed happy hour legislation from a $4B economic development package set for a final vote soon. Liability and insurance factors were cited, which, having seen Boston St. Patrick’s Day footage over the years … I’m not gonna argue with.

After 18 months of learning about the U.S. bev-alc market, California-based hard kombucha brand Mate Maker is ready to expand its portfolio and its distribution, and wants consumers to come along for the ride.

21Seeds co-founder Kat Hantas discusses how going after moms was a key to success, why they took an unusual route-to-market for tequila, and what brands should be prepared for if they’re acquired. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

The Brewers Association (BA) has restructured its leadership team and eliminated six positions, the trade organization representing small and independent craft breweries announced Thursday afternoon.

Dennis Peek, the CEO of Heineken-owned Lagunitas Brewing Company, will end his term leading the craft brewery at the end of 2024, the company announced Thursday. Peek ascended to the top job at the Petaluma, California-headquartered brewery in February 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the on-premise channel and upended the craft beer industry.

The full agenda for the 2024 Brewbound Live business conference is now available, featuring more than 30 speakers from beverage-alcohol suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, data providers and advisory firms.

More than three decades after launching with amber ales, Kirin-owned New Belgium Brewing’s and Bell’s Brewery’s portfolios look a little different, in very intentional moves to stay relevant with the rapidly changing bev-alc market, according to CEO Shaun Belongie.