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Now operating in its third century, Providence, Rhode Island-headquartered Narragansett Brewing is proof that it’s possible to stay afloat on the industry’s changing tides and remain resonant with drinkers.

Dollar sales of the 134-year-old brand have increased +8.3% year-over-year (YoY) in the 52-week period ending November 2 at off-premise retailers tracked by NIQ, according to data provided by 3 Tier Beverages. Volume, measured in case sales, is up +5.5% YoY in the latest 4-week period. And that doesn’t include the on-premise channel, where Narragansett has a robust draft business.

Last year, Narragansett’s volume increased +10%, to nearly 110,000 barrels, according to data from the Brewers Association (BA).

Narragansett has had several owners since its founding in 1890. CEO Mark Hellendrung led a group of investors to acquire the brand in 2005, after several decades in the proverbial wilderness. Since then, the brand has come roaring back to life, and began brewing beer in Rhode Island again in 2020.

In the latest edition of A Round With – an exclusive Q&A series with industry leaders for Brewbound Insiders – we caught up with Lee Lord, head brewer at Narragansett’s innovation brewery and taproom in Providence. 

Here is a snippet of our conversation with Lee:

What have you learned from engaging directly with consumers?

Lee: How contagious passion is and how important connecting with folks is. People are so eager to share their memories and favorite stories of drinking Narragansett and how much the brand means to them. From World Series wins, to pulling all nighters in grad school to basement punk shows. I've gained a much deeper understanding and admiration for how much Narragansett Beer means to people and how the importance of beer is as much about the human experience and anchoring things in a time and place as it is the liquid in the glass.      

Insiders can read more from Lee, including how it feels to helm a beloved brand and her dream collaboration. 

Boston Beer Company will increase investment across its entire portfolio in 2025, the company shared with its distributor partners in nearly 30 in-person meetings held across the country  over the last two months. 

The investment will be made in both traditional and digital media, in addition to “new dynamic partnerships,” the company shared in a recap. 

Boston Beer chief sales officer Mike Crowley told wholesalers that the company has held its share of total beer and is the No. 2 company in beyond beer. He added that over the last five years, the company’s volume is riding a +10% CAGR. 

Insiders can go deeper into Boston Beer’s 2025 plans for Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Sun Cruiser, Hard MTN Dew, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head and Angry Orchard.

This week the Brewbound Podcast crossed the 200th episode milestone. Insider’s Week in Beer newsletter writer Sean McNulty joins to celebrate.

The Brewbound team recaps the latest headlines, including the Lord Hobo-Lone Pine merger, the Beer Institute’s Annual Membership Meeting, layoffs at Molson Coors’ remaining craft production facilities and Monster’s Q3 financial results. 

Plus, the gang plays Another Round or Tabbing Out, recalls Episode 100 (we think) and time capsules recent life moments for the next podcast milestone. 

It’s a fast-moving show, with an unexpected Real Housewives detour.

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform.

In the ever-evolving beer and beverage-alcohol industry, staying informed is key to success. As a Brewbound Insider, you'll gain access to the latest data reports, breaking news, and industry insights that empower you to drive product innovation, optimize your marketing strategies, and effectively reach your target audience. Stay ahead, make smarter decisions, and fuel your business growth with Insider access.

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In recent months, macro commodity conditions have been volatile, impacting the beer and beverage industry. 

Grain prices, especially for barley, wheat, and corn, fluctuate due to global supply shifts and weather. Although recent North American harvests have lowered barley costs, future acreage reductions could temper this benefit.

Energy prices, particularly for diesel, are stable yet expected to rise moderately in 2025, which could increase shipping costs. While crude oil production is high, tariffs and geopolitical pressures keep aluminum prices susceptible to volatility.

In the latest Brewbound Insider-exclusive data report, Agrowgate, a supply-chain-focused market research firm, dives into the state of these supply markets and more, including paper, aluminum, transportation, hops and glass. 

Read the full report here.

Retailers, wholesalers and analysts have preached focus as a key to winning in 2025 and beyond. 

During the 2024 Brewbound Live business conference, leaders from Whole Foods Market, Deschutes Brewery and Bump Williams Consulting will define what a focused strategy looks like, why retailers are asking suppliers to sharpen their plans and portfolios, and how laser-focused lineups are generating sales results. 

Joining the conversation will be:

• Peter Skrbek, CEO, Deschutes Brewery;
• Mary Guiver, principal category merchant for beer, Whole Foods Market;
• Brian “BK” Krueger, VP of business development and portfolio strategies, Bump Williams Consulting. 

Brewbound Live takes place December 11 and 12 at the Marina del Rey Marriott in California. Tickets are available now. 

The conference will bring together leaders from all three tiers for business-focused conversations on driving the bev-alc industry forward, data presentations, networking and brand building. 

Check out the speaker roster.

In addition to the mainstage programming and networking parties, Brewbound Live will feature opportunities for one-to-one conversations with retail buyers from chains (Whole Foods and ExtraMile Convenience Stores) and distributors (Breakthru Beverage California, Reyes Beer Division and California Beverage Solution – Stone Distributing, Markstein Sales and Heimark Distributing). Registered attendees will be considered for meetings with buyers, as space is limited. Find out more details here.

Brewbound Live sponsors include John I. Haas, Abstrax Hops, Suntory, Yeti, NIQ, Crafted ERP, Strike Visuals, Fast Track Packaging, Foundry, BeatBox, Firestone Walker and JuneShine.