Join the action-packed Day 1 livestream starting at 8:00 AM PT! Watch the Pitch Slam Semifinals and dive into expert insights on draft beer opportunities, intoxicating hemp, thriving in tough markets, and more. Plus, celebrate the industry’s best with the Brewbound 2024 Awards!

Don’t miss out—view the full agenda here and tune in!

A second straight year of production declines appears likely, with the full-year craft volume number likely to be “weaker than the midyear estimate” of down -2%, the Brewers Association (BA) shared in the trade organization’s 2024 Year in Beer recap.

If those trends hold, 2024 will join 2023 (-1% volume decline) as the only two years in which independent breweries’ volume has declined in the modern era outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Bart Watson, VP of strategy and membership, said in a press release: “Craft has been going through a painful period of rationalization as demand growth has slowed and retailers and distributors look to simplify their offerings or add options for flavor and variety outside of the craft category. 

“That said, breweries have reacted to these changes by focusing on distribution, continuing to innovate in their taprooms and brewpubs, creating groups and partnerships, and offering a wider range of beverages in their portfolios.”

Watson added that the “new normal” for distributed craft brands “is no longer growth but fighting for shelf space, rethinking footprints and portfolios and looking at non-alcoholic and categories outside of beer as opportunities for growth.”

Insiders can go deeper into the report, including three hot market trends and a 2025 preview.

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Global spirits giant Suntory Holdings revealed today the creation of a new business unit, Suntory RTD Company North America, focused on malt-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings with the first release expected to hit U.S. retailers in mid-January 2025.

Suntory RTD Company North America president Satoru Shimizu and chief growth officer Christian McMahan laid out plans for the platform and the roll out of Maru-Hi, a 5% ABV flavored malt beverage (FMB) inspired by Japan’s chu-hi sparkling cocktail, during the Brewbound Live business conference today in Marina del Rey, California. 

Citrus-flavored Maru-Hi will be available in California retailers statewide via the Reyes Beer Division next month.

The formation of the malt-focused business unit and Maru-Hi launch are part of Suntory’s larger ambition to be the No. 1 global RTD company by 2030, a market that is projected to reach $50 billion in the next five years. Suntory is already the top RTD company in Japan, the No. 2 RTD market in the world, second only to the U.S.  

Insiders can read more about the phased approach to rolling out Maru-Hi, leadership’s thoughts on M&A and how nimble the new business unit will be moving forward.

The proposed $24.6 billion Kroger/Albertsons mega-merger was temporarily blocked yesterday by a federal judge, who ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suing to block the deal.

Today, Albertsons announced it has exercised its right to terminate the merger agreement and in a second, separate press release, shared that it has filed a breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court against Kroger. The official complaint is currently under seal. 

U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson granted the motion for a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, agreeing with the FTC’s argument that Kroger and Albertsons’ plan to divest hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesalers is not enough to create fair competition in the grocery industry.

Insiders can read more about the most recent development in this two-year-old proposed deal and how it affected both companies’ stock prices.

Brewbound unveiled the trade publication’s 2024 industry Award Winners and Rising Stars today during the 2024 Brewbound Live business conference in Marina del Rey, California. 

The Brewbound Awards serve as an appreciation of industry members, trend setters, breakout brands, change agents and up-and-coming entrepreneurs, celebrating their achievements in the last year.

Winners of the 11th annual Brewbound Awards include: 

Craft Brewery of the Year: Coronado Brewing Company

Large Brewery of the Year: Narragansett Beer 

Beyond Beer Company of the Year: Surfside

Person of the Year: Leah Wong Ashburn, president of Highland Brewing

Cause of the Year: The Michael James Jackson Foundation For Brewing & Distilling 

Beer Champion of the Year: The Brewers Guild of New Jersey 

New Product of the Year: Brooklyn Brewery’s Fonio Rising 

Rising Stars

• Carbliss
• Montclair Brewery
• New Trail Brewing
• Pinthouse Pizza 
• Prost Brewing
• The Finnish Long Drink
• Topa Topa
• Urban South

Read more about this year’s winners.

Six finalists emerged from a field of 11 contestants to secure a spot in tomorrow’s final round of the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam.

Thursday’s final will feature:

• Match Point Brewing
• Meli
• SoCal Vibes Co
• Beer Girl
• Starbase Brewing
• Hurray’s Girl Beer

Make more informed decisions with exclusive industry reports and insights. We partner with leading data providers to cover a variety of critical topics impacting beer and beverage-alcohol brands. Check out this recent report in partnership with CGA for an on-premise beer and beyond beer update.

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