😎 Wholesalers Stock Up for the Summer

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Beer buyers’ optimism for beer continued this month, according to the latest Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) from the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA). 

The BPI for total beer in May was 63, an +11 point increase from May 2023. A reading above 50 indicates ordering expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

Insiders can read the BPI for all other beer segments here, as well as comments from NBWA chief economist Lester Jones.

Last week, the Brewers Association (BA) released its annual craft brewery production data for 2023. 

ICYMI, we ran through top 50 craft performances on Friday (some nice long weekend reading). 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).

But we’re not done yet. Look out for coverage of regional craft beyond the top 50, as well as microbreweries, taprooms and brewpubs. 

Last week started and ended with data.

It began with the latest installment of 3 Up, 3 Down, with 3 Tier Beverages. The quarterly feature dove into Q2 NIQ data, through April 20, which included craft light lager growth, regional hard tea trends, a slowing of spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs), and more. 

BevNET spirits editor Ferron Salniker also dove into highlights from NIQ off-premise data through May 4, including some easing of volume declines. 

And the week was end-capped by the release of 2023 craft production data. Total volume for the top 50 increased +3% YoY, to more than 11.947 million barrels, accounting for 51.5% share of total craft volume in 2023, increasing from 49.3% in 2022. Last year marked the first time the top 50 share fell below 50% since at least 2018. 

Dive into all the top 50 trends here. 

In other craft news:

• Newly promoted Sierra Nevada CCO Ellie Preslar dished on the company’s priorities, including its non-alc offerings;
• Saint Arnold founder Brock Wagner discussed the brewery’s 30th anniversary and how it beat a “stuffy old brewery” reputation;
• Alaskan Brewing CEO Linda Thomas is departing the company after 30 years, with COO Max Rule taking over on June 1.

Getting bigger: Sapporo-Stone detailed its $60 million expansion plan, now that the two companies are “fully integrated.”

Getting smaller: Heineken-owned Lagunitas is moving its Chicago brewing operations to its original brewhouse in Petaluma, California, and has shut down its Chicago taproom. 

In big beer news, Teamsters voted to ratify a contract with Molson Coors at the company’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, ending a more than three-month-long strike. Molson Coors chief supply officer Brian Erhardt told distributors the deal is “fair and equitable for both our employees and the company.” 

And Pabst Brewing is leaning into flavored malt beverages, with several expansions planned for its beyond beer innovations in 2024. CEO Paul Chibe dished on the details to Brewbound editor Justin Kendall. 

Speaking of beyond beer …

• Uncle Nearest Acquires Square One Organic Spirits
• Certification Program Addresses ‘Underdeveloped’ Non-Alc, THC Drink Segments

Make sure you also check out the latest episode of the Brewbound Podcast, featuring On Location conversations with Infinite Ingredient founder and executive director Katie Muggli and Lifting Lucy co-founder Ashlie Randolph. 

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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.