Someone forgot to tell the news that we were busy with Brewbound Live this week. 

In addition to our Brewbound Live content, today’s Brewbound Insider Newsletter and Brewbound.com the latest industry updates. 

Brewbound Insiders are reading about:

• Sycamore Brewing co-founder Justin Brigham’s divestiture in the company following his arrest;
• Ball’s 80% stake in Benepack’s European can manufacturing businesses;
• And the beer trade group members who were named top lobbyists in 2025.

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

Become a Brewbound Insider today!

Or, be in the know on all food and beverage news from Brewbound, BevNET and NOSH with Insider All Access.

Ikasu Brewing (Los Angeles, CA) bestest 7 other finalists to win the 17th edition of the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam.

Finalists included Little Friends Brewing, Roseade Wine Spritzer, Kick Fizz Fabric, Darling Drinks, Sake High!, and Bondi Beer. Ikasu, which combines Japanese flavors with craft beer, was selected after a competition round on Wednesday, during which entrepreneurs delivered 4-minute pitches about their brands.

Kitano said: “My goal is to introduce Japanese culinary culture to beer. That’s unique, but more importantly, it’s pretty good.”

Insiders can read more about Ikasu and the pitch slam.

Sycamore Brewing (Charlotte, NC) co-founder Justin Brigham was arrested on charges of statutory rape of a child by an adult, first degree burlgary and indecent liberties with a child by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, December 11.

In response to the charges, Brigham will divest of his shares in the company, Sycamore owner and co-founder Sarah Taylor, who is Brigham’s wife, announced on the brewery’s Instagram page.

Insiders can read more.

Beverage packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation will acquire an 80% stake in Benepack’s European can manufacturing businesses, including 2 production facilities in Belgium and Hungary, the company announced Wednesday.

The roughly $216 million (€184 million) deal expands Ball’s footprint in Europe, marking its 1st manufacturing location in both countries. Existing Benepack shareholders will retain a 20% minority stake in the facilities. The deal is subject to regulatory approval with expectations to close in Q1 2026.

Insiders can read more here.

Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) will sell 1 brewery and shutter another 2, the company announced today.

The Goodman Group, a property developer with $6.8 billion in assets under its management, will acquire A-B’s brewery in Newark, NJ, with a plan to redevelop it. A-B will shutter its facilities in Merrimack, NH, and Fairfield, CA, early next year. The changes follow A-B’s efforts to upgrade its U.S. manufacturing network.

Insiders can read more here.

And just like that, we're on to next year ...

Brewbound Live will return to LA in 2026 (December 9 & 10).

Brewbound Live offers a space to pause, connect with peers who understand the pressures of the industry, and realign strategy. This 2-day, editorially curated event brings together brewers, distributors, investors and suppliers for unfiltered conversations, practical takeaways and relationship-building that drives real business outcomes.

Join 2 days of candid discussions, one-to-one meetings with retailers and distributors, data-driven insights and peer exchange — all designed to help you sharpen your business strategy, strengthen partnerships and stay ahead of where the category is heading.

Early registration is now open. Register now to save!

After 2 days of industry insights, data presentations, 1-to-1 distributor and retailer meetings, hours of networking and plenty of beverages, we have officially wrapped Brewbound Live 2025. 

Thank you to all of our speakers for helping us create engaging content; to our sponsors for supporting the event; to all our attendees for sharing your time; and to all of our amazing colleagues for making this whole thing run seamlessly.

If you missed any of the stage content, make sure to check out video replays, coming soon to Brewbound.com. Additionally, all Brewbound Live attendees have access to all the presentation decks, accessible in the attendee portal. 

Plus, check out the site next week for our Brewbound Awards and Rising Stars video playlist, featuring interviews with all of this year’s award winners. Missed the announcement? Watch it here.

We'll see you all next year (December 9 & 10)! 

Craving more? 👉 See what Insider members get access to.

Have feedback? 📝 Take the Survey Now >>

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). 

We'll be back in your inbox next week.