🧐 Oregon Puts Bev-Alc Under the Microscope

Oregon has put together a task force to explore alcohol pricing, taxes and funding for addiction services. Task force members agree that more resources are needed for substance abuse treatment and prevention in the state, but they disagree on where funding should come from. 

Brewbound reporter Zoe Licata dives deep into what’s happened so far, and where things go from here. 

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• Learning more about Sanitas Brewing’s new location, opening later this week;
• And getting a look at Great Lakes’ first light lager brand.

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Deschutes Founder/Owner Gary Fish said “For the last 35 years, Black Butte Porter has been the best-selling porter in the nation and Briess has been key to that success”.  We couldn’t agree more. Click to hear Deschutes’ story. Learn more

There are two months left before the Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services must submit recommendations to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek concerning ways the state can work to curb substance abuse, which may include tax increases on alcohol.

The task force, consisting of 11 voting members, was created through House Bill 3610 in the 2023 legislative session to study alcohol addiction and prevention, Oregon’s distribution of resources for treatment, existing funding for programs, the “cost of alcohol addiction to the state,” and the “benefits and drawbacks of imposing taxes on beer and wine.” 

Task force members agree that more resources need to be allocated to substance abuse treatment and prevention in the state, but disagree on where funding should come from. 

Insiders can read more of Brewbound reporter Zoe Licata’s deep dive into the task force’s meetings, how the state agency is using existing funding and what comes next.

I’m Jessica Infante, managing editor at Brewbound, and I’m thrilled to invite you to become an Insider. If you’re looking to gain a competitive edge in the beer and beverage-alcohol industry, becoming a Brewbound Insider is the best way to be at the forefront of the field and get all the information you need to know to succeed in today’s dynamic marketplace.

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The Bud Light boycott isn’t just a lapping event for Anheuser-Busch InBev. Molson Coors will report its second quarter results Tuesday morning. Industry watchers and analysts will be checking just how sticky 2023’s gains ended up being. 

Also expect a fresh Brewbound Podcast in your feed midweek, likely talking earnings.

Beverage makers have new pressure to decarbonize their supply chain, requiring innovation. To lower costs and decarbonize supply, tea, coffee, lemonade, soft drink, and alcoholic beverage makers have switched to Sugaright’s liquid cane sugar. Learn more about our sugar & new fermentability study. Learn more

Following earnings reports from several bev-alc companies – Boston Beer Company, Tilray Brands, Heineken N.V. and Diageo – to close out July, earnings season is in full swing in the beer industry. 

Industry watchers have been waiting for Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Q2 earnings report, as the company laps the conservative-led boycott of Bud Light, which ramped up in April 2023. A-B brass told analysts that they’re seeing “stabilization” of the Bud Light brand, with investments expected to kick in the second half of the year with the kickoff of the NFL season.

Beer was also a hot topic on Ball Corporation’s Q2 call, with CEO and chair Daniel Fisher saying Q2 volumes in North America and EMEA “exceeded our internal expectations.” Fisher, as he’s done on previous calls, continued to press macro light beer companies to lower prices to drive volume, which would benefit the world’s largest aluminum can manufacturer.

“Different behavioral patterns will have to kick in at some point,” Fisher said. 

Also last week …

Consulting firm Tamarron shared the results of its annual distributor survey, in which Molson Coors took top marks. The survey also offered insights into which key areas suppliers can improve and how brewers can “break through the clutter and become a preferred partner.” It’s a good pulse check on distributor wants.

If you missed it, catch up on the latest Circana off-premise scan data:

• Circana: Michelob, Corona Extra Move Up in Top 10; Declines Accelerate for A-B, CANarchy, ABV, Tilray and More
• Circana: Craft Dollar Sales -4.8%, Volume -6.4% in L4W; Grocery Providing Largest Growth for Top 30 Craft

In other craft news:

• Ohio-Based Urban Artifact Brewing Files DTC Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania
• Griffin Claw Enters Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to Restructure Following Ownership Disputes
• BeatBox and Flow Water Extend Manufacturing Deal

The latest A Round With Q&A features Norwalk Brew House founder Ray Ricky Rivera discussing plans for opening the company’s first brick-and-mortar space, crafting a brand identity and the company’s collaboration with an Olympian. 

Want a recap with more GIFs? We have you covered there too.

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The Brewbound Live Pitch Slam returns to the Brewbound Live business conference on December 11 + 12 in Marina del Rey, California. The annual competition provides an opportunity for startups in beer and beverage-alcohol to pitch their product, generate industry awareness, and open the door for new partnerships.

How It Works:

Emerging beer category brands will provide attendees a look into the future of the industry. The competition kicks off on Day 1 of Brewbound Live with 12 semifinalists presenting rapid fire pitches to a panel of expert judges. Six brands will advance to the final round, taking place on Day 2. The judges will then decide who takes home the winning title and a Brewbound advertising package valued at $10,000.

Who’s Watching:

Brewbound Live attendees watch in-person while industry experts tune into the free livestream on Brewbound.com. Pitching in the competition allows you to reach thousands of investors, retailers, suppliers, service providers, and fellow brewery leaders looking to see what’s next in the world of beer. Past winners include Sunboy, Funkytown Brewery, Lunar Hard Seltzer, Crowns & Hops, Willie’s Superbrew, Novo Brazil, Border X Brewing, and Wynwood Brewing Company. Check out a past competition to see what it takes to win.

Beyond the Pitch:

Following their on-stage presentations at the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, participants have the opportunity to form connections with industry decision makers. The competition opens the door for deeper, more meaningful conversations that extend beyond introductions.

How to Apply:

Startups producing beer, non-alc beer, cider, hard seltzer, hard kombucha, hard tea, hard coffee, and other malt/wine-based alcoholic beverages are invited to apply now. There is no cost to participate in the competition. The application deadline is September 30.

Apply to Participate in the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam >>

To extend your presence beyond attending, view our Brewbound Live sponsorship opportunities.