📈 Beer Trends Up for Memorial Day

Hey there, beer aficionados! Zoe Licata dropping by with a quick note. As you know, you're currently sipping on the Lite Edition of our Daily Briefing—a tasty teaser, no doubt. But let me spill the beans on a little secret: our editorial team works harder than a beertender during happy hour 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 scoop, providing the fuel that keeps our editorial engine running.

With full access to Brewbound.com, plus exclusive insights straight from our team of reporters, 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!

As our industry evolves, exciting flavors are showing up in everything from beer to hop water to teas and more. Learn about Euphorics™ from Caitlin Rippner, Process Scientist at HAAS. It’s a new, all natural flavor and aroma product made by brewers, for brewers. Learn more

Memorial Day bev-alc shopping “broadly met or exceeded distributor expectations,” according to Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog in the investment management firm’s latest Beverage Bytes survey of distributors and retailers. 

Total beverage sales (non-alcoholic and bev-alc) increased +1.7% versus Memorial Day 2023, thanks to a +1.1% increase in traffic. Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents (64%) said bev-alc sales were the same or stronger than 2023, while nearly half (49%) said they were stronger than expected. Thirty-six percent said trends were weaker than expected. 

Constellation Brands led beer brands in volume growth, with 47% of respondents saying Constellations’ Mexican import brands were up “significantly,” led by Modelo Especial and Pacifico. 

Insiders can dive into the full report, including how other brands performed over Memorial Day, and updates on inventory levels and shelf resets. 

The Brewers Association (BA) separated contract-brewed and alternating proprietorship (alt prop) small breweries for the first time in this year’s compilation of craft production in the May/June issue of New Brewer Magazine. 

The change comes as production costs increase, and facility leases are harder to hold on to, making contract brewing with an existing brewery an appealing choice for craft breweries, particularly newcomers. Larger breweries have also offered contract brewing partnerships in order to fill capacity as their own volumes decline.

Insiders can dive into the numbers here, as well as comments from BA chief economist and VP of strategy Bart Watson and BA senior VP of professional brewing Paul Gatza.

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. 

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2023 craft brewery production data is officially in. Justin, Zoe and weekend newsletter writer Sean McNutly dive into the high-level data points and sift through some of the surprises in the numbers.

They also discuss planned changes for the 2024 edition of the Great American Beer Festival and why they may be a positive for the festival experience. Then, they discuss Heineken ceasing production at the Lagunitas facility in Chicago, consolidating operations in Petaluma, California. Sean also provides a Central Park beer report that features a lot of White Claw.

The episode closes with an interview with Brewjeria co-founder Agustin Ruelas and Norwalk Brew House founder Ray Ricky Rivera on Los Farmworkers, the fifth iteration of a collaboration series that benefits nonprofits supporting migrant workers.

Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

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.