Today, you’re getting a free taste of what it’s like to be a Brewbound Insider – no paid subscription required – with free access to the latest NIQ weekly scans report. 

Brewbound Insiders (and YOU) are getting all the numbers, including how each category performed over Cinco de Mayo, and which beer and prepared cocktail brands found growth despite accelerating bev-alc declines. 

Check it out below:

Bev-alc declines accelerated earlier this month, despite the Cinco de Mayo holiday, according to the latest weekly report from market research firm NIQ.

Total bev-alc dollar sales in NIQ-tracked off-premise channels declined 6% YoY in the L4W ending May 9, while volume declined 7%. 

For the 2nd consecutive report, every bev-alc category recorded YoY declines in the L4W. 

NIQ wrote: “This period’s total alcohol performance underscores ongoing instability across the industry and the continued reliance on prepared cocktails to help offset broader alcohol underperformance. Wine remains the primary drag on trends, while spirits show slight seasonal improvement but remain negative. Beer’s recent softening signals fading resilience as the category mix weakens heading into peak seasonal demand.”

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In addition to the above NIQ report, Brewbound Insiders are getting full details on other headlines on Brewbound.com, including:

• Messi, No Más: Game Over for Soccer Star and Mark Anthony’s Hydration Brand

• RNDC to Lay Off 146 in Oregon Ahead of Potential Columbia Deal

• Numerator: Beer Leads Planned MDW Bev-Alc Buys

Plus, other news across the bev-alc world, dished in today’s Brewbound Insider Newsletter, including glimmers that Anchor’s resurrection may be upon us, and a new addition to Constellation’s board of directors.

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

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BevNET Live NYC is just 3 weeks away, and registration is moving at record pace. Hundreds of beverage founders, investors, retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders are already signed on for June 10 & 11. Join them!

Expect 2 high-energy days built to spark ideas, connections and growth, including:

• Beverage School for startups; 

• 1:1 meetings with retailers and investors;

• Dedicated networking breaks & Happy Hour conversations;

• And new product discovery through the BevNET Live sample fridges — a firsthand look at the brands, flavors, formats and trends shaping what’s next in beverage.

Time is running out to register

As middle-tier M&A dominos fall this summer, NBWA president and CEO Craig Purser joins the latest Brewbound Podcast to discuss the tectonic shifts in the distribution landscape following RNDC’s fire sale.

Purser is part of a double shot of interviews this week, including Aeronaut director of programming Deepa Chungi, who shares how the MA craft brewery created a booming events business.

First, Purser offers insights into the impact of distributor consolidation; how the power structure has been reshaped with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits picking up Anheuser-Busch InBev’s distro rights in major markets; and what the intoxicating hemp beverage industry needs to do to get lawmakers onboard. 

Then, Chungi explores the keys for small breweries looking to add private and public events to their businesses, and why events such as “Pitch a Friend” and Dungeons & Dragons game nights have packed Aeronaut’s taproom. 

Plus, the Brewbound team discusses the demise of Schlitz, the closure of Minneapolis’ Bauhaus Brew Labs and a helluva partnership for Mike’s Dirty Lemonade.

Listen here

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Want to share news or tips? ✉️ Submit a press release or reach out to news@brewbound.com.

Interested in other beverage coverage? 👀 Check out the BevNET Daily Briefing covering the broader beverage industry, including energy drinks, cannabis and other non-alcoholic beverages. Want to stick to the hard stuff? Subscribe to our Spirits Newsletter (published every 2 weeks). 

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