A lot of the innovation and strategy talks we’ve been sharing recently have focused on beyond beer offerings, such as spirits-based cocktails (or sports drinks) and hemp beverages. 

Duvel USA is helping us bring beer back to front-of-mind. The company shared its always-entertaining distributor meeting presentation with Brewbound, and editor Justin Kendall has the scoop on what’s on tap for the company, including sustained momentum for Space Camper IPA, Duvel, Chouffe and Gnommegang, and continued build out of its franchise brands.

Justin has the details on all of Duvel’s beer plans – with some Quirk Hard Seltzer thrown in the mix.

Check it out

Applications are now open for the Brewbound Live 2026 Pitch Slam, taking place during Brewbound Live, December 9 + 10 in Marina del Rey, California.

Applications close TOMORROW October 16 at 5 p.m. ET.

The competition is open to a broad mix of brands, including beer (alcoholic and NA), hard cider, hard seltzer, hard kombucha, canned cocktails and other canned beer-, wine- and spirits-based beverages. The focus is not simply on what is new, but on how each brand can contribute to growth across beer and the broader beverage-alcohol industry.

This year, we want to specifically hear your answer to: “How will your brand help bring more consumers into beverage-alcohol?” Share how your product will be incremental to the industry, whether by meeting new occasions, speaking to new consumers, tapping into unclaimed territory or otherwise.

Learn more and apply

The Brewbound Team has returned from the NBWA’s Annual Convention, but we made sure to record an on-the-ground recap for Brewbound Podcast listeners before we left Orlando.

Managing editor Jess Infante also gave a vibe check on this year’s renewed GABF, which she stopped at before heading to the Sunshine State.

This week’s feature interview is with Two Robbers founders Vivek and Vikram Nayar, who shared how local sports partnerships have helped the spirits-based RTD brand get in front of new consumers, and how that translates to off-premise sales. 

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform, including Apple and Spotify. 

Mark Anthony Brands navigated the hard seltzer gold rush phase with White Claw coming out on the other side as the segment’s top-selling brand. The company is looking to repeat in the fast-growing hard sports drink segment with a challenger brand: RefreshAde.

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

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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