🎉 2023 Craft Production Numbers Are Here

What’s up, beer lovers! Brewbound reporter Zoe Licata dropping by with a quick note. You're about to sip on the Lite Edition of the Brewbound Newsletter – a tasty teaser, indeed. 

But let me spill the beans on a little secret: Our editorial team works hard – almost as hard as bartenders will work over this holiday weekend – to bring you the latest updates in the industry. And here's the kicker: we couldn't do it without our Insiders. They're the unsung heroes behind every news break, providing the fuel that keeps our editorial engine running.

You can be a part of that. With full access to Brewbound.com, plus exclusive insights straight from our team, becoming an Insider isn't just a subscription – it's joining a community of movers, shakers and tastemakers. I hope to see you on the Inside!

Just over half of the Brewers Association’s (BA) top 50 craft breweries recorded production volume declines in 2023, according to data from the May/June issue of the trade group’s New Brewer Magazine. 

Twenty-six breweries from the top 50 recorded volume declines in 2023, a slight decrease from the 29 that reported production declines in 2022. Twenty breweries recorded volume growth, while four were flat year-over-year (YoY). 

Total volume for the top 50 increased +3% YoY, to more than 11.947 million barrels. The collective volume accounted for 51.5% share of total craft volume in 2023, increasing +1.79 points, from 49.3% in 2022. Last year marked the first time the top 50 share fell below 50% since at least 2018. 

Insiders can read all the highlights from the top 50 list here. 

Yesterday, news broke that Lagunitas will cease operations in Chicago in early August and move all production to the craft brewery’s original brewhouse in Petaluma, California. 

The Heineken-owned brewery’s Chicago taproom, located within the brewery, will close permanently, effective immediately. The adjacent warehouse will remain in operation. 

The decision was due to “a need to future-proof the organization amid changing tides in the craft beverage industry,” according to a press release. Moving production to California “will allow for a more efficient and flexible supply chain” and a “greater focus on innovation and the acceleration of more sustainable brewing practices.” 

A total of 86 employees will be affected by the move. Some of those employees will retain remote roles, or will relocate to Petaluma, while others will “receive retention incentives to work through the transition as well as departure packages, including support services and job-placement assistance,” according the release. 

Insiders can read more, including comments from the brewery, the latest scan data and a recap of recent leadership changes.

Alaskan Brewing Company CEO Linda Thomas is stepping down from her role at the Juneau-headquartered craft brewery after three decades. 

Alaskan chief operations officer (COO) Max Rule will take over as CEO, effective June 1. 

Thomas is not completely leaving the nearly 40-year-old company. She will remain on the executive leadership team and serve on the brewery’s board of directors, “working closely with Max during the transition,” according to a press release.

Insiders can read more, including comments from Thomas and recent scan data for the company.

By becoming a Brewbound Insider, you're not just gaining access to premium content – you're also becoming a vital pillar in supporting us as your go-to industry resource. We're on a mission to ensure you're armed with the freshest, most relevant information to steer your business in the right direction. 

Joining us as an Insider isn't just about what you get – it's about what you give back. By supporting us, you're helping to cultivate a resource that's dedicated to supporting you in return. 

Become an Insider today!

Infinite Ingredient founder and executive director Katie Muggli joins the Brewbound Podcast to discuss burnout in the brewing industry, how to recognize it, and what resources are available for both industry leaders and individuals. Recognizing burnout can help industry members physically and mentally, and can help strengthen business's bottom line, according to Muggli. 

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s a perfect time for this discussion, which was recorded on the trade show floor last month during the Craft Brewers Conference in Las Vegas. 

Then, Ashlie Randolph chats with Brewbound managing editor Jess Infante about Lifting Lucy, the company Randolph co-founded that helps provide resources to women and non-binary people of color in the industry. Lifting Lucy helps industry members form deeper connections in beer, including providing financial assistance to travel to, attend and speak at conferences and networking events. 

Randolph is also the global vice president for Pink Boots Society, International and on the advisory board for the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A). 

Later in the episode, Justin and Zoe review the latest headlines, including Gallo’s strategic investment in Montucky Cold Snacks, and Boston Beer Company founder Jim Koch’s comments on the company’s need to repair its “embarrassing” reputation. Plus, the duo plays Another Round or Tabbing Out on resealable bev-alc packaging and candy-inspired beverages. 

Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

The Brewbound team will be taking Monday off for the Memorial Day holiday. The next issue of our daily newsletter will be in your inboxes Tuesday. 

But don’t worry, Insiders will still get our Week in Beer newsletter Saturday, with all the Sean McNulty gifs you know and love. 

We hope you take some time to relax, recharge and drink a couple beers during the unofficial start of summer. Cheers!

The Brewbound Live business conference returns December 11 and 12 in Marina del Rey, California.

Brewbound Live will feature beverage-alcohol industry leaders taking part in business-focused conversations, data presentations, networking and much more across two days at the Marina del Rey Marriott.

Brewbound announced the first speakers for this year’s conference. They include:

• Russian River co-owner Natalie Cilurzo;
• Deschutes Brewery CEO Peter Skrbek;
• National Beer Wholesalers Association chief economist and VP of analytics Lester Jones;
• Draftline Technologies founder and president Jennifer Hauke.

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Register for Brewbound Live 2024.

At Brewbound Live in Marina del Rey, CA on December 11 + 12, beer and beverage-alcohol brands can participate in retailer one-to-ones. Leaders from Whole Foods Market will be available for private, pre-scheduled meetings. Brands will be selected at each retailers’ discretion.

As the world’s leader in natural and organic foods, with a vast network spanning over 500 stores, Whole Foods holds substantial influence in the market. These meetings present a unique opportunity for beer and beverage-alcohol brands aspiring to excel in retail channels focusing on natural and organic products. 

Participating brands can gain invaluable insights and strategic guidance tailored towards facilitating growth within these specialized retail environments.

You must be registered for Brewbound Live to be considered for a retailer meeting. Once you register for the event, you will receive an email with instructions for signing up.

Register for Brewbound Live Winter 2024.