Category: Beverage Industry News
- Business of Beer 775
- Commentary 159
- Crisis Response 190
News BA Addresses Safety of Non-Alcoholic Draft Beer
The rising popularity of non-alcoholic beer has prompted many brewers to consider entering the category. But concerns have risen recently over the prospect that non-pasteurized beer without the natural protection of alcohol may be subject to the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and a significant health risk to consumers.
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News Smuttynose Owners Buy Wachusett Brewing
Finestkind Brewing, owners of Smuttynose Brewing Company in Newe Hampshire has purchased fellow New Hampshire brewery Wachusett Brewing. The latest craft-on-craft acquisition will help Smuttynose expand its portfolio and reach into additional markets.
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News Party! New Jersey Law Finally Allows Self-Distribution and Special Events
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law Senate Bill 4265, the long-awaited legislation to give more privileges to craft breweries, cideries, meaderies and distilleries. The legislation finally gives craft producers many of the privileges that are allowed in almost all other states.
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News Carlsberg Buys 20% Stake in Mikkeller
Global brewing giant Carlsberg has purchased 20% of fellow Danish craft brewery Mikkeller, known for its distinctive marketing campaigns and sometimes controversial business approach. The deal will allow Mikkeller founder Mikkel Bjergsø to maintain controlling interest and remain as CEO.
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News Featured Interview: Bravus Brewing – First Non-Alcoholic Brewery in US
When Phillip Brandes started the first non-alcoholic brewery in North America in 2015, little did he know that this tiny segment would soon become the fastest growing category in beer. Phillip, who uses a proprietary method to make beer with less than 0.05% abv, is now discovering the advantages – and the challenges, of selling non-alc beer.
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News Kestemont Brewery is Newest Belgium Lambic Brewer
The Kestemont Brewery in Dilbeek, Belgium, has become a new member of the High Council for Artisanal Lambic Beers (HORAL). The council now has a total of 11 Belgium breweries which collectively account for 80% of traditional lambic production.
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News Tilray Finds Strong Growth in Craft Beer – Plans Additional Acquisitions
Struggling to compete in a complex and floundering cannabis industry, Tilray Brands has found relief in the beer industry with second quarter 2023 earnings showing net revenue from its alcohol business up 117%. After a string of recent craft brewery acquisitions, Tilray is now the fifth-largest craft brewer in the U.S.
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News Decline Continues – Domestic Shipments Down 6.8% in November
The Beer Institute published its November 2023 estimate of tax paid shipments by domestic brewers today which carried no surprises. Estimated shipments were 10,950,000 barrels, a decrease of 6.8% compared to November 2022 removals of 11,751,874.
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News Asahi Buys Wisconsin’s Octopi Brewing for Asahi Dry Production
As craft beer sales decline and excess brewing capacity increases, importers continue to look for domestic facilities to make beer in the US. Asahi Europe & International (AEI) has announced that they will purchase Octopi Brewing, a contract brewer based in Waunakee, WI to make Asahi Super Dry for the US market.
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News Industry Pioneer and Summit Brewing Founder Mark Stutrud to Retire
Summit Brewing Co. founder and godfather of the Minnesota craft brewing scene Mark Stutrud will be retiring as company CEO. He will continue to stay involved with the 37 year-old brewery as brand ambassador as Chief Strategy Officer, Brandon Bland takes over as CEO.
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News 2023 Hop Report Released – Production Up 2% From Last Year but Value Down 9%
Hop production for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington in 2023 totaled 104 million pounds, up 2% from the 2022 crop of 102 million pounds. Despite production being up, the total number of acres of harvested hops actually decreased by 10%. Although total acreage was down, growers had a better yield this year at 1,915 pounds per acre, up 221 pounds from a year ago.
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News Growth in Low and No-Alcohol Beverages Continues to Grow – Worth $1.8B in US
Growth for low and no-alcohol beverages continues to impress, with latest figures indicating that growth for the two categories grew by 5% globally in 2023 and is expected to grow another 15% in the US through 2027. The no-alcohol market in the US is now worth over $1.8 billion.
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News Anchor Steam IP and Brewery Up for Grabs Soon – Former Employees Still Hoping to Buy
One big question lingering since the closure of Anchor Brewing Company is where the intellectual property rights to Anchor Brewing and Anchor Steam beer would land. That is still unknown, but the bidding for both the IP and the brewery may be around the corner.
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News Craft on Craft Continues – Dorchester and Aeronaut Brewing Combine
A pair of Boston area breweries, Dorchester Brewing Company and Aeronaut Brewing Company have joined forces. Dorchester’s Matt Malloy will take charge of the combined company with plans to add as many as three other regional brewers into the new entity.
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News Craft Beer Marketing Awards Now Open for Submissions for 2024 Awards
The Craft Beer Marketing Awards is now accepting submissions for its 2024 awards. The awards are handed out for the best marketing achievements in the global craft beverage industry. Anyone involved in creative marketing and advertising for craft beverage brands such as artists, marketing staff and ad agencies are all welcome to submit their work.
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News Goose Island Clybourn Brewpub to Close
The 35-year-old Goose Island brewpub on Clybourn Street in Chicago, which inspired the craft brewing scene in the region has closed. The brewpub, which opened in 1988 was a common stop for brewing professionals when visiting the Chicago area, along with a visit with father-son founders John and Greg Hall.
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News BA – 2023 to be First Year of Declining Craft Beer Production
The Brewers Association has said that all signs point to production being down in 2023 — a first (excluding a unique 2020) for BA-defined independent brewers. The association also noted that despite the growing headwinds, there were more brewery openings than closings this year.
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