Legislative, Government Affairs & Legal Updates

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Featured Legislative, Government Affairs & Legal Updates Content

Craft Navigating a ‘Perfect Storm’ of Waning Consumer Demand, Distributor Disinterest and Dried-Up Draft Sales

Craft Navigating a ‘Perfect Storm’ of Waning Consumer Demand, Distributor Disinterest and Dried-Up Draft Sales

Craft beer has entered “no to negative growth territory,” Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson said during a year-end webinar last week. “We were in double-digit growth as recently as 2014, 2015, and then we moved into kind of a more developed, slow, single-digit growth rate,” Watson said. “COVID hit, and we had the worst year in craft history in 2020 with a partial bounce back in 2021.

Additional Content

Report: FTC Preparing Lawsuit Against Southern Glazer’s

Report: FTC Preparing Lawsuit Against Southern Glazer’s

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing a lawsuit against Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the nation’s largest alcohol distributor, over its pricing practices, according to a Politico report published yesterday.

BA Focusing on Legislation to Widen Market Access for Craft Brewers

BA Focusing on Legislation to Widen Market Access for Craft Brewers

The Brewers Association (BA) is prioritizing legislative efforts that widen craft brewers’ market access as the segment faces a challenging sales environment and narrowing distribution routes, BA general counsel Marc Sorini said during a presentation at the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) last month in Las Vegas.

No-Li Files Lawsuit Against Tilray Over Use of ‘Big Juicy’

No-Li Files Lawsuit Against Tilray Over Use of ‘Big Juicy’

Spokane, Washington-based No-Li Brewhouse has filed a lawsuit against Tilray Brands alleging that the beer and cannabis platform has infringed on its trademark for “Big Juicy” beers, according to Law360.

Beer Purchasers’ Index: April Posts Highest Total Beer Reading Since 2021

Beer Purchasers’ Index: April Posts Highest Total Beer Reading Since 2021

It appears that beer distributors are optimistic about the beer category’s upcoming spring/summer performance. The category posted a Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) reading of 62 for the month of April, marking the highest BPI reading, and first reading above 60, since December 2021,

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

Uncle Nearest Distillery founder and CEO Fawn Weaver disregarded the advice of the spirits industry’s old heads on the way to building a billion-dollar brand, she shared during her fireside chat with Crowns and Hops Brewing co-founder and CEO Beny Ashburn on the opening day of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas.

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

Ahead of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), which officially kicks off today (Monday, April 22), Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bob Pease shared his thoughts on the largest gathering of craft brewers, the turbulent times the trade group’s members are facing, the organization’s own changes and conversations he and Dr. J Jackson-Beckham have taken part in regards to the 2023 event.

Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List

Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List

Before you head to Las Vegas for the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference, we’ve put together a primer of Brewers Association (BA) stories (and one video) from the past six months to help you prepare. Consider this the CliffsNotes version.