BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie is officially exiting the Scottish craft brewer, according to multiple reports. Dickie’s departure comes amid growing turmoil for BrewDog in the UK as the company struggles to return to profitability, and follows fellow co-founder James Watt’s departure as CEO. Brewbound managing editor Jessica Infante recaps the latest at BrewDog.

In the full edition of the Brewbound Newsletter and on Brewbound.com, Insiders are reading about: 

• NIQ and CGA’s advice amid moderation trends;
• Beyond beer trends through early August;
• Stateside’s big Philly sponsorship deal;
• Highland Brewing’s $13K donation to hospitality workers;
• Weathered Souls’ co-founder Marcus Baskerville’s next move;
• And pumpkin’s seasonal creep. 

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BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie has departed the Scottish brewery, several news outlets have reported. An unnamed worker characterized Dickie’s departure to The National as “out of the blue.”

Dickie wrote in an email to staff obtained by The National: “This business has been my life for the last 18 years and I have enjoyed (almost) every minute. I have been inspired by and loved working with and learning from so many interesting people who have worked in our business over the years from all over the world."

This is the most recent in a string of c-suite departures in the past year-plus. James Watt, who co-founded the brewery with Dickie in 2007, resigned from his role as CEO in May 2024. Watt’s later years leading the brewery were marred by allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female employees and other elements of workplace toxicity revealed in a 2022 BBC documentary.

Insiders can read more about BrewDog’s global presence and catch up on changes BrewDog USA has made in recent months. 

If last week’s Gallup survey suggesting Americans are drinking less has you ready to hit the panic button, maybe back away.

Although there are declines in consumers' expressed drinking behaviors, market research firm NIQ notes several opportunity areas for suppliers, retailers and on-premise operators. 

Insiders can read more from NIQ, including stats on the number of households purchasing alcoholic beverages at off-premise retailers, how much the average bev-alc buying households spend annually and how adult non-alc offerings are helping create occasions.

Craving more data? BevNET spirits editor Ferron Salniker dove into beyond beer trends and recent analysis of NIQ data from Goldman Sachs Equity Research. 

Bev-alc sales continued to decline in the 2-week period (L2W) ending August 9, although some segments are still enjoying a slight summer boost, according to the report.

Insiders can dive deeper into the numbers here. 

Rupee Beer founders Van and Sumit Sharma believe they’re ready to meet Indian cuisine’s moment. 

On the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast, the brothers share their journey of launching the Indian American beer brand during the COVID-19 pandemic as an add-on purchase at their family’s restaurant. Today, Rupee has expanded distribution to 18 states – most recently California – and the Sharmas are readying for an “explosion” of Indian restaurants entering the U.S market. 

Van Sharma said: “Anywhere global flavor, spice, those things hang out, that’s where we’re operating these days. Legacy brands out there definitely paved the way, but we’re doing something a little bit different, which also involves a little bit more of the local, craft American space as well.”

Plus, Justin, Jess and Zoe catch up on the latest headlines, including why it’s not time to panic despite the Gallup survey’s recent results on Americans drinking habits. They give a legal update on Uncle Nearest and the recipe agreement dispute between Schilling Cider and Incline. They also recap recent bev-alc experiences, from a growing dislike for black cherry flavors, to a sweaty trip to the Iowa State Fair

Listen here.

Brewbound Live takes place in Marina del Rey, CA on December 10+11, and the official Marriott hotel block is now available. Staying on-site means you’re just steps away from panel discussions, beer tastings, and connection-building with top industry leaders.

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