News, Articles and Press Releases
Alternative energy options for the craft brewery
Brewers have long been at the forefront of environmental causes and sustainable initiatives. From recycling to energy-efficient equipment, craft breweries have long worked to leave a minimal footprint in a very resource-heavy industry. The recent shock on fuel prices and rising energy costs along with an aging power grid in many states has caused breweries of all sizes to think about alternative energy sources or bringing equipment in-house to keep the lights on and taps flowing.
The 10 best US cities to visit for beer lovers
In many cases, entire trips can focus just on what there is to eat and drink in a particular location—especially if it’s a trip through wine country where you can accomplish both. But thanks to the craft beer boom of the past decade, the U.S. is also now home to an ever-growing number of locales that stand out in their own right. Without the need for vast vineyards or cavernous cellars, breweries have sprung up in practically any area where they can find four walls and a roof, creating an unprecedented era of quality and accessibility for the beverage. And while there’s likely plenty to sample in your neck of the woods, some of the beers in the world can only be found by planning a trip to visit them.
Emergency exit — Mikkeller to cease US brewing operations, close San Diego brewery
Copenhagen-based global beer company Mikkeller has announced it will close its only U.S. brewing facility in San Diego, citing “two years of COVID and the difficult current rising cost environment.” The closure does not include Mikkeller’s Little Italy taproom or its taproom in San Francisco. Mikkeller says it has 50 employees in the U.S., about half of whom will be laid off. Mikkeller San Diego has been open since 2016, and according to the Brewers Association (BA), produced 10,418 barrels of beer in 2021, down from a high of 11,750 in 2019.
Shipping shift — with legislation stalled, niche breweries file lawsuit to push for DTC beer delivery
Small breweries with a niche stylistic focus have undertaken what is likely to be a years-long effort to create more direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping permissions for beer makers, similar to laws that already apply to wine. A victory would mean expanded sales opportunities for breweries and long-term potential to sell to new customers across the country. With a lawsuit filed against the state of Oregon, three Washington State breweries hope to show a courtroom can be more effective than legislators to even the playing field for beer producers.
Top 10 countries that drink the most beer
Beer is a truly international beverage, with lagers, stouts, and ales consumed throughout the world. But which countries drink the most of it? The data, from Kirin Holdings (which oversees Kirin Brewery Company), was published in January of this year and shows the estimated country-by-country beer consumption levels for 2020.
US breweries are for sale—but who’s buying?
With Australia looking to the US for beer style trends, will the latest business trend – breweries putting up the For Sale sign – also take hold here? Kate Bernot of Good Beer Hunting’s Sightlines looks into what’s driving the growing move towards breweries looking to sell in the US, and whether buyers are there…
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
One of the most iconic Oktoberfest events in Colorado returns with a three-day celebration in historic downtown Breckenridge, September 23 – 25, 2022. The 26th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest Presented by Breckenridge Brewery mixes time-honored Oktoberfest traditions with collectible steins and local flavors from Breckenridge Brewery, this year’s premiere beer sponsor.
Lion sells UK craft brewers Fourpure and Magic Rock
Lion has sold its domestic UK-based operations – including the Magic Rock and Fourpure craft brewers – to Odyssey Inns Ltd.
‘The Beast Unleashed’: What can we expect from Monster’s alcohol strategy?
Monster plans to launch its first flavored malt beverage RTD alcohol product at the end of the year, promising a drink that will ‘carve out its own unique space’ in the increasingly crowded sector. And the company signals that this will be more than a one-off, with several other product lines in development.
IRI: inflation and covid mean more drinking at home
At-home drinking is here to stay, according to a new report from IRI Beverage Alcohol Research. With inflation concerns and on-premise challenges, consumers are opting to indulge at home – and these conditions are impacting growth opportunities, putting a premium on innovation, and affecting everything from e-commerce strategy to packaging and premiumization.
This all-female, Japanese-Brazilian brewery is bringing its craft to the United States
This month Japas Cervejaria Co-Founders Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno will travel the United States together for the first time on a whirlwind east-to-west coast trip that includes pop-up events, beer collaborations, and distributor meetings. This all-female, Nipo-Brazilian trio hopes to share its passion, craft, and culture with the United States and beyond.
Running on fumes — co2 shortages, higher prices add to breweries’ rising costs
Ongoing disruptions to breweries’ supply of carbon dioxide have made national news on the heels of a decision by Massachusetts-based Night Shift Brewing to outsource most beer production in part because it was unable to source the gas needed to carbonate its beer. Combined with higher costs breweries are already paying for items like aluminum, malt, and packaging materials, the burden of having less CO2, paying more for it, or not being able to carbonate and sell as much beer as planned represents a crisis for breweries’ profit margins.
How can the US increase beverage can recycling?
Less than half of beverage cans in the US are currently recycled: but US can manufacturers want to see 80% recycled by 2040 and 90% by 2050. So how can these goals be reached?
11 micro-brewery and taproom marketing ideas for 2022
Breweries and taprooms are all the rage right now. With so many breweries and taprooms opening up, it’s not always easy to find a unique marketing strategy that will grab consumer attention.
What 4 beer companies see in consumer drinking habits amid high inflation
As consumers face higher costs for nearly everything they buy, there have been reports of shoppers trading down to cheaper brands in different food and beverage categories, including beer. But not all beer makers are seeing a wholesale switch to economy brands.
Craft breweries are facing tough decisions amid a nationwide carbon dioxide shortage
Breweries have already been facing higher costs for raw materials like aluminum and barley as a result of inflation. Craft breweries across America have been on the front lines of businesses facing higher material costs because of inflation. Now, many are confronting a shortage of a key ingredient: carbon dioxide, the gas that gives beer its crisp, effervescent taste. And one brewer has already said it plans to shut down a key manufacturing plant and lay off workers as a result.
‘Enforcing nutrition’: Malaysia formally updates zero alcohol beverage rules amid a spate of labeling updates
The Malaysian government has formally gazetted new restrictions on the labeling of zero alcohol beverages and updated specific ingredient contents and nutrition claims for all food and beverages.
Dust Bowl Brewing wins Brewery of the Year at California State Fair
Dust Bowl Brewing Company was recently named “Brewery of the Year” by the prestigious California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition. The contest is one of the craft industry’s most recognized, longest-running beer competitions.
Our Mutual Friend Brewing shares their August 2022 beer release lineup
Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company (OMF) will release a variety of new beers in August, including a 12-ounce option for Lava Loop, an Imperial Mexican Chocolate Stout, and a refreshing spritz beer collaboration with American Solera Brewery.
Wiseacre Brewing expands distribution to Texas
WISEACRE Brewing Company today announces its plans to launch statewide distribution throughout Texas in August 2022. Thanks to a new distribution partnership with Austin-based Dynamo Distributing, three of WISEACRE’s year-round beers, Bow Echo Hazy IPA, Gotta Get Up to Get Down Coffee Milk Stout, and the Great American Beer Festival Bronze Medal-winning Tiny Bomb Pilsner, as well as a rotating seasonal beer lineup (which currently features Oktoberfest), will be available at throughout Texas, including close to 200 H-E-B locations in the four major metro areas of the state.