Dear Client:   The on-premise hit its highest value velocity in the past three years for the week ended May 14, 2022, up 8% over the week prior, according to CGA's most recent report through May 21. That growth was driven by a strong Mother's Day (Sunday, May 8) in the on-premise– with value velocity … Continue reading "CGA: On-Premise Velocity Hits Three-Year High"

Dear Client:   We've been covering all the latest in the Sycamore suit against Stone, where the former has secured a preliminary injunction against the California brewer for its use of “Keep it Juicy," a mark that Sycamore says it owns.   As of now, a trial date has been set for the 11th of July. … Continue reading "Who is Sycamore Brewing?"

Dear Client:   Gambrinus-owned Spoetzl Brewery, creator of the Shiner brand, announced today that it is releasing a Mexican-style Cerveza, dubbed "¡Órale!" The expression is a common Mexican interjection that can be used as a greeting, question, affirmation or a call to action, but in Spoetzl's case, it's a rallying cry meaning, "hell yes!"  The … Continue reading "Shiner Slated to Release Mexican-Style Lager on Tailwinds of 2021 Growth"

Dear Client:   Deschutes is making c-store penetration a priority, but their channel strategy differs greatly from the general off-prem chain “playbook.” C-stores, beer’s largest channel, are an increasing priority for craft brewers. To wit, as we wrote earlier this month in our Deschutes update, convenience is a 100,000-case opportunity for the no. 11 craft … Continue reading "Deschutes Secret Weapons: New C-Store Approach, and Boneyard Ethos"

Dear Client:  On Friday, Stone gave notice that it is appealing the injunction issued late last week by the District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The California brewer is appealing to the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, against the order that enjoined it “from using the KEEP IT JUICY … Continue reading "Stone Appeals Sycamore Injunction"

Dear Client:  Non-alc craft brewer Athletic Brewing Co., whose whip-speed growth made the brewer a top 30 craft producer in about four years, is teaming up with L.A. Libations’ Arriba Chelada for a timely collaboration, just ahead of summer and Cinco De Mayo. It’s a non-alcoholic canned michelada, appropriately dubbed “Chelada Nada.”  “The actual liquid … Continue reading "Athletic Launches Non-Alc Michelada, “Chelada Nada,” With LA Libations’ Hot Arriba Chelada"

Dear Client:  Breaking news in the case of Sycamore vs. Stone, where the North Carolina brewer filed against the large California producer for trademark infringement (over "Keep it Juicy") earlier this month. ... Recall, a hearing on Sycamore's motion for injunction against Stone was set for today in North Carolina.  CBD has just learned that … Continue reading "Court Issues Nationwide Injunction in Sycamore’s Favor Against Stone, Pending Surety Bond"

Dear Client:  North Eastern legacy brewery Narragansett has finally reached the light at the end of the COVID tunnel. Chief Mark Hellendrung recently checked in with CBD to let us know that the Rhode Island-based brewery's on-premise business surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 6% last month. "After 24 months and the decline of Omicron, I'm proud … Continue reading "Narragansett Chief on the Brewery’s COVID Comeback"

Dear Client:  Oregon's Rogue Ales & Spirits announced the launch of its Monsters of IPA bundle this month exclusively via the Speakeasy e-commerce platform.  The bundle includes a selection of IPAs named after mythical creatures from Pacific Northwest folklore. It includes a 6-pack of each of the brews, Batsquatch Hazy IPA, Colossal Claude Imperial IPA … Continue reading "Speakeasy Adds More DTC Beer With Recent Rogue Launch"

Dear Client:  Bump Williams Consulting shared its first quarter report for 2022 (YTD through April 4) showing lots of slowdowns throughout the craft category.  Overall craft dollar sales are down nearly 10% for the quarter (across total US xAOC+ Liquor Plus Convenience). For comparison, the overall beer/FMB/cider segment is down 3.1% for the same period. … Continue reading "Bump: Craft Off-Prem Sales Down Almost 10% for Q1 2022"