Long-time Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson has been tapped as the trade group’s next president and CEO. Outgoing leader Bob Pease announced his departure last summer after 32 years leading the association for small and independent brewers. Watson joined the BA in 2013 and has established himself as an indispensable voice in the craft beer world. Insiders are reading all about the decision. 

Insiders are also:

• Learning about what the “Bubble Bill” means for cider producers;
• Checking out Sierra Nevada’s new picturesque partnership;
• Getting details about a popular RTD maker’s newest investment;
• And exploring Tree House’s newest taproom and first beyond New England. 

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The Brewers Association (BA) has named Bart Watson as the trade group’s next president and CEO. 

Watson will succeed Bob Pease, who is retiring from the organization, effective January 3. Watson’s first day in the new role will be January 6. 

Watson said in the announcement: “I am honored to be chosen to lead the Brewers Association, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by the leaders before me.

“Craft has been going through a difficult period and I am committed to finding ways to help our members navigate those challenges. Our members are incredibly innovative and adaptable entrepreneurs, and I’m ready to work with them and for them to support their businesses and bring excitement back to the category.”

The BA board of directors confirmed his appointment at a December 12 board meeting.

Insiders can read more about the BA’s recent moves, as well as comments from BA board chair Leah Cheston.

Patco Brands has made a strategic investment in Farfield, California-based Frank-Lin Distillers Products, the companies announced Monday.

The deal was closed and funded as of December 4. It will allow Patco Brands, the manufacturer of one of the leading wine-based ready-to-drink products and other private label brands, to further vertically integrate as a full-service beverage company, according to Russell Stanley, COO at Patco Brands.

Insiders can go deeper into the deal, including Rancho La Gloria trends. 

Brewbound revealed the winners of its 2024 awards during the Brewbound Live business conference this week in Marina del Rey, California.

This week’s Brewbound Podcast features interviews with three of those award winners:

• The 2024 Craft Brewery of the Year, Coronado Brewing Company;
• The 2024 Large Brewery of the Year, Narragansett Beer;
• And the 2024 Beyond Beer Company of the Year, Surfside.

Coronado co-founder Rick Chapman discusses how Weekend Vibes IPA was the catalyst for spurring the San Diego brewery’s growth.

Narragansett Beer owner Mark Hellendrung shares how the Rhode Island legacy brand reversed fortunes and is now producing over 100,000 barrels. 

And Surfside co-founder and CEO Clem Pappas breaks down the growth of the canned cocktail brand, which was the fastest growing spirits brand in the U.S. in 2024.

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform.