Cans now make up 44% of all packaged craft beer sales according to an annual packaging study done by Bart Watson, economist at the Brewers Association. The study compared the sales of cans versus bottles in different pack configurations, including 4-pack, 6-pack, 12-pack and loose. See the full study here.
Posting ABV of Cocktails at Bars Gains Popularity
Craft breweries made it popular. Beer-centric taphouses picked up on it. Wineries and wine bars have played with it for many years. But cocktails? We are talking about posting the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of an alcoholic beverage at the on-premise point of purchase. Now that “craft cocktails” have gained popularity, along with consumers interest in… Read More…
CBC Rescheduled for Sept. 9-12 in Denver
The 38th edition of the Craft Brewers Conference and Brew Expo America has been rescheduled as an in-person event to be held in Denver on September 9-12, 2021. The annual conference and trade show was originally scheduled to take place in San Diego, March 29-April 1, 2021, but was cancelled due to the pandemic. … Read More…
Tips on Making Alcoholic Ice Cream
As the pandemic forces brewers to innovate to stay afloat, a growing trend among craft brewers is to utilize alcohol in ice cream and freezer pops, which can be sold in the retail freezer or direct to consumer at the brewery. As this practice gains popularity, more states are approving the manufacture and sale of… Read More…
Pioneering Portland Brewing to Close
Portland Brewing Company, founded in 1986 and one of the founding fathers of Portland’s early brewing scene has announced that they will close. “It has been an amazing journey helping to shape the Portland craft beer scene! Over 34 years, we have made lots of interesting and creative beers that showcase the heart and… Read More…
One View – Top Five Craft Beer Trends in 2021
Long-time industry beer writer Jay Brooks shares his crystal ball view of the top 5 trends in craft beer for the new year. Spoiler alert; Jay’s top 5 trends include more low and non-alcohol beers, craft malt and….no surprise….more hard seltzers. Details and all 5 of the top trends here.
2020 Data Shows Devastation in the On-Premise
Nielsen CGA data, which tracks sales volume in the on-premise restaurant and bar sectors has released their data for last year. No surprise, the results show the devastating impact of the covid pandemic. The year-to-date through January 4th results include the pre-covid period of January through mid-March, 2021. Of the 40 states included in… Read More…
BA Launches Mentorship Program to Increase Diversity in the Industry
According to a statement issued today, the Brewers Association has launched a new Mentorship Program to increase the diversity of the workforce, leadership, and ownership of craft breweries by providing structured mentoring and advocacy to those who may be experiencing barriers to access or advancement in the industry. “The Brewers Association envisions a craft… Read More…
After 10-Year Effort – MA Finally Gets Franchise Reform
After a 10-year effort to pass franchise reform in Massachusetts, the Mass Brewers Guild and the Massachusetts Wholesalers Association have finally forged a compromise. Senate Bill 2841 was passed by Massachusetts lawmakers in a final vote yesterday. The bill creates a new “qualified brewer” definition which will allow any brewery that produces fewer than… Read More…
Federal Legislation Provides Array of Loans and Grants for Small Businesses
The COVID-19 relief bill, signed on Dec. 27th as a part of a broader legislative package, will provide a variety of relief elements for craft brewers including an additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and grants, Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs and Loan, Employee Retention Tax Credit and others. The… Read More…