Craft is off to a slow start in off-premise retailers through the first two months of 2025. Craft’s declines in dollars (-4.2%) and volume (-5.4%) outpaced the overall beer category’s declines (-2.7% dollars, -4.5% volume). 

Brewbound Insiders are diving into the numbers, as well as:

• Getting details on the latest board appointments for the National Black Brewers Association;
• Finding out more about Crystal Light going hard;
• And reading details of proposed bev-alc tax hikes in Oregon, and City Brewing’s shaky financial situation.

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

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Dollar sales of craft beer declined -4.2% YTD, to more than $596.2 million, through February 23 in off-premise retailers tracked by market research firm Circana. 

Craft volumes YTD were deeper in the red, dropping -5.4% YoY. Those early declines outpaced the overall beer category (-2.7% dollars, -4.5% volume) through the first 2 months of 2025.

Craft’s dollar sales declines were steepest in the grocery channel (-5%, to more than $323 million), while sales in c-stores fared slightly better (-2.4%, to more than $217.9 million). 

Become an Insider to go deeper into the early year trends, including which brands are growing and declining, which brands are popping up in grocery or c-stores and how NA-beer maker Athletic is faring through 2 months.

The National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) has named 2 additional board members, in addition to board president Jon Renthrope. 

Funkytown Brewery co-founder and CEO Rich Bloomfield and Vine Street Brewing co-owner and business development manager Annie McGinnis were named to the board as treasurer and secretary, respectively. Both are joining the NB2A board for the first time. 

Insiders can read more about the NB2A’s new leaders, along with comments from McGinnis and Bloomfield.

Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers are rolling out to 10 states this month.

A collaboration between Kraft Heinz and Harpoon maker Barrel One Collective, the 3.8% ABV vodka-based seltzer has 77 calories per 12 oz. serving, making it “the lowest-calorie ready-to-drink [RTD] cocktail on the market,” according to a press release. The new product also boasts 0 carbs and 0 sugar.

Insiders can read more about the product’s specs, launch markets, target demos and consumer insights that led to its creation.

On this week’s Brewbound Podcast, Ryan Wagner, Guinness head of marketing and national ambassador for the Open Gate Brewery, talks all about the Irish import ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. 

Plus, look for coverage from Jess and Zoe’s trip to the New England Craft Brew Summit in Maine, and continued coverage of Constellation Brands’ Gold Network Summit, including plans for Corona, Pacifico and Victoria. 

World Brewing Alliance CEO Justin Kissinger dishes on the global beer market, non-alcoholic beer trends, the rise of West African ancient grain fonio and emerging markets in the latest episode of the Brewbound Podcast. 

In addition, Kissinger dives into the dietary guidelines that are under review and may be revised. He also shares his favorite places in the world to drink beer.

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform.

The Brewbound team is hitting the road and heading to the Craft Brewers Conference on April 28 – May 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Brewbound trio will be on the ground, covering all the latest news and presentations coming out of the conference, as well as hosting live podcast interviews at the Brewbound booth (#512).

Make sure to stop by our booth #512, where Brewbound will be chatting with brewery founders and owners, beverage entrepreneurs and c-suite leadership across the industry. Whether you’re a business vet or just starting out, we’d love to meet you and hear what’s new.

How to Connect with Us:

• Stop by our booth (#512): We’re excited to set up our Brewbound Podcast studio at BrewExpo America and engage with brewery leaders and industry suppliers. Swing by to meet our team, watch a podcast interview recording, participate in social content, and walk away with a T-shirt.
• Submit your news: Have news or updates from your brewery? Our team is covering the event and would love to hear from you. Submit your news here.
• Contact us to set up a time to chat: Want to schedule time to connect or be part of our coverage? Reach out to us at news@brewbound.com.