📉 RTDs Slow, Imports Still 'Beacon' of Growth

Brewbound Insiders are diving into bev-alc volume data, thanks to a new report from Bump Williams Consulting (BWC). Once red-hot growth segments are beginning to slow, including flavored malt beverages and spirits-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails.  

Insiders are also checking out these newsletter-exclusive pieces:

• The final sale price of Anchor Brewing’s real estate;
• A lawsuit against Weathered Souls Brewing from the landlord of its now-shuttered Charlotte location;
• Florida’s Big Storm Brewing’s plans to close on location as it faces eviction;
• And a packaging refresh at a popular Seattle-based brewery.

Insiders also have access to the Brewbound Newsletter Archive, including previous newsletter-exclusive Insider content.

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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

The once-booming flavored malt beverage (FMB) segment is “showing some concerning declarations over recent weeks,” Bump Williams Consulting (BWC) founder Bump Williams noted in a recent report.

FMB volume gains dropped by half – from +2.2%, to +1.1% – from the four-week period to the one-week period ending May 18, according to NIQ retail measurement data cited by BWC. The segment recorded +11% and +8.2% volume growth in the latest 52 weeks (L52W) and 26 weeks (L26W) through May 18, respectively, and is showing signs of “saturation,” according to BWC.

Williams wrote: “Big 2023 launches are unable to cycle and the influx of new hasn’t been enough to more than make up for declines among the established players, at least not yet anyway.” 

Insiders can read more about how beer’s volume stacks up compared to wine and spirits, the recent deceleration of spirits-based ready-to-drink canned cocktails, and how the beer category has performed since its off-premise explosion in 2020.

The Brewbound team recaps the latest major headlines, starting with the billionaire founder of Chobani acquiring Anchor Brewing. Justin, Jess and Zoe share whether they foresaw this scenario playing out.

Following the Anchor talk, they dig into the rumors of a potential acquisition of Boston Beer by Suntory. 

The news wraps with a conversation on Monster Brewing’s shutdown of the Deep Ellum brewery and taproom in Texas. 

The show also features a 3-pack of interviews with:

• Monday Night Brewing co-founder and CEO Jeff Heck on operating multi-state taprooms;
• Dan Imdieke and Jason Pratt, the new owners of Cicerone, on their future plans for the certification program;
• And Rob Day on the importance of marketing, especially in a maturing craft beer market. 

Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

Brewbound is excited to announce three additional speakers for the Brewbound Live business conference December 11 and 12 in Marina del Rey, California. 

The two-day conference will bring together leaders from all three tiers for business-focused conversations on driving the bev-alc industry forward, data presentations, networking and brand building at the Marina del Rey Marriott. 

Joining the speaker roster are:

• Arthur Moye, owner and CEO of Full Circle Brewing;
• Kaleigh Theriault, director of thought leadership, beverage alcohol vertical, NIQ;
• Brian “BK” Krueger, VP of business development and portfolio strategies, Bump Williams Consulting.

They join previously announced speakers include: 

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

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested in speaking? Follow this link to see our speaker guidelines. 

In addition to the mainstage programming and networking parties, Brewbound Live will feature opportunities for one-to-one conversations between brewers and bev-alc brands and retail buyers from chains such as Whole Foods Market. Registered attendees will be considered for meetings with buyers, as space is limited. Find out more details here.

Brewbound Live tickets are available now.