Stone IPA is riding a wave of Southern California grocery sales to success, as the legacy West Coast IPA finds positive trends for its 12- and 24-packs in the channel. Brewbound Insiders are reading all about Sapporo-Stone’s craft flagship from managing editor Jessica Infante, who dove into the scan data to paint a picture of the combo of grocery and on-premise chain boosts buoying the brand.

In addition to that story, the full version of today’s Brewbound Newsletter also features:

• A Q&A on fractional sales leadership with Aaron Younessi;
• Tilray’s planned closure of Redhook’s Brewlab;
• Amazon’s recent shift of Whole Foods Market’s executive structure;
• Consumers’ expected Father’s Day purchases;
• Updates on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans process;
• And a Teamsters’ strike at Breakthru Beverages Florida.

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

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Large-format packs are putting wind into Stone IPA’s sails.

Stone IPA has recorded double-digit depletions growth at on-premise chains outside its home market in the 6-month period ending March 31, according to VIP data the brewery shared with Brewbound. Stone IPA on-premise depletions grew in every market in the country during the period, but the Pacific region (California, Oregon, Washington) recorded the smallest growth (+5%) off the largest volume base (10,441 case equivalents). 

In the off-premise, Stone IPA has increased volume, measured in case sales, 8.3% at grocery stores in Southern California in the 18-week period ending May 3, according to NIQ data shared by the brewery. These gains are driven by Stone IPA can 12- and 24-packs, which account for 70% of the brand’s volume in the channel. 

Insiders can read more about Stone IPA’s key menu features at off-premise chains and how the brewery’s American Pilsner is performing.

Tilray Brands’ cost-cutting measures continue with closure of the Redhook Brewlab in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Chief corporate affairs officer Berrin Noorta told Brewbound that "Redhook Brewlab is now closed as we look for a new location."

Noorta added: "Redhook remains committed to delivering exceptional craft beer experiences. During this transition period, Redhook beer will continue to be brewed and available, ensuring that our loyal customers can still enjoy their favorite brews without interruption."

Insiders can read more about Tilray's reorganization efforts, including a shakeup of its beverage leadership team.

Amazon Moves Whole Foods Leadership In-House

Almost exactly 8 years since acquiring Whole Foods Market, Amazon is on the verge of restructuring the natural grocery chain’s leadership, according to an internal memo obtained last week by Business Insider. 

Amazon is consolidating the Whole Foods leadership team under Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, with former Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel in the top seat.

Insiders can read more, including insights from a grocery channel expert on what the shift indicates about Amazon’s strategy.

When cash is hard to come by and experts with insights are plenty, Aaron Younessi, owner/operator of Fr-Action Sales Management, makes a case that startups should be leaning into part-time hiring as part of their strategy to scale.

He has worked in the CPG food and beverage industry for more than two decades, helping grow brands including Hella Cocktail Co., IWON Organics, Buff Bake, STEAZ, VOSS and more. 

In 2022, Aaron started Fr-Action Sales Management, which has evolved into a platform he believes brings the necessary perspective and flexibility for modern CPG businesses to thrive. 

We recently chatted with Aaron about how startups can prime themselves for growth through part-time perspectives.

Insiders can read the Q&A, including how founders can gain perspective, which roles he doesn’t recommend tapping fractional help for and other common pitfalls. 

Many dads will likely be celebrating with a 6-pack this weekend, as beer tops the list of planned bev-alc purchases for Father’s Day celebrations.

Numerator found that 62% plan to celebrate the holiday, which falls on June 15. Of those, 91% expect to make related purchases to host gatherings and/or give gifts. For the 21% of Father’s Day revelers planning to purchase bev-alc, 73% say they will buy beer, far outranking wine (38%) and spirits or spirits-based drinks (37%).

Insiders can read more about plans for Father’s Day gifts and see how dads boosted the on-premise in 2024.

How can brewers preserve freshness and extend their beer’s shelf life without breaking the bank?

Upslope Brewing founder Matt Cutter joins the Brewbound Podcast to share why he believes he’s found the answer with BevBoost, a Colorado company that has developed a patented dual-chambered widget that the company says is “food-safe, recyclable insert that holds fresh flavor compounds, functional ingredients, vitamins or even mood-enhancing additives such as THC and CBD, and unleashes them right when a carbonated drink is cracked open.” 

Before the interview, Justin, Jess and Brewbound senior reporter Zoe Licata discuss the latest M&A activity in Colorado, where Wilding Brands has added decade-old Denver brewery Station 26 to its roster and Ska Brewing has been sold to two families in the beer distribution business. 

Plus, in this week’s edition of Another Round or Tabbing Out, Zoe explains why anxiety may not be what’s driving Gen Z to close out their tabs after every order.  

Listen here or on your preferred podcasting platform.