Craft beer outpaced the category in convenience stores with 1.5% dollar sales growth in the 4-week period ending September 7, according to Circana’s latest monthly report. 

The challenged segment also found some silver linings with 4 of the top 30 brands reversing trends from YTD losses to gains in the L4W. Insiders are digging into all the data.

Insiders are reading more in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter, including:

• Heineken’s deal for FIFCO’s business in Central America and Mexico;
• A Mark Anthony vet’s new energy venture;
• Bell’s upcoming $20 million glow up;
• A new spirits portfolio in Reyes’ Florida book;
• Michelob Ultra’s dethroning of Modelo Especial as the nation’s top beer;
• And Wall Street’s reaction to Rahul Goyal’s appointment as Molson Coors CEO. 

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

Become a Brewbound Insider today!

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Craft outperformed the overall beer category in convenience stores to close the summer selling season.

In the L4W ending September 7, dollar sales of craft beer increased 1.5% in c-stores, compared with total beer’s 1.9% decline in the channel, according to the latest monthly report from market research firm Circana. Craft c-store volume, measured in case sales, remained negative for the period (-0.9%), as did craft’s YTD metrics (dollars -0.5%, volume -2.5%).

C-store dollar sales growth is a bit of good news for the challenged segment, while declines in dollars (-6.7% YTD, -7,1% L4W) and volume (-7.9% YTD, -8.5% L4W) in the all-important grocery channel are accelerating. 

Insiders can read more about sales, volume and pricing trends for more craft brands in the top 30, as well as top craft vendors.

Heineken N.V. has struck a deal to acquire Florida Ice and Farm Company S.A. (FIFCO) in Central America and Mexico, the companies announced Monday. 

FIFCO’s U.S. business unit – which includes Labatt USA, Seagram’s Escapes, Genesee Beer, Lipton Hard Iced Tea, Imperial and Magic Hat – is not included in the transaction. 

“FIFCO is exploring strategic alternatives for FIFCO USA,” according to the announcement.

Insiders can read more about the deal.

Call it a late career shift or just a bev-alc professional trying something new, but the former brewmaster for White Claw is launching an energy drink.

Mōcean (pronounced “motion”) is a new venture from Tony Vieira, who spent over 35 years working in various operational roles in the beer industry, including most recently as VP of operations and quality at Mark Anthony Brands. 

Insiders can read more here.

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The application is now open for the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, the leading business pitch competition for emerging beer, beyond beer, and adult beverage brands. The competition will take place during Brewbound Live 2025, held in Marina del Rey, December 10 & 11.

This year, the Pitch Slam gets a high-impact makeover: a new 1-day format, a tighter slate of finalists, and an intentional spotlight on innovation across RTDs, NA, cannabis, and beer categories.

The Brewbound Live Pitch Slam is open to early-stage adult beverage brands across beer, hard seltzer, hard cider, hard kombucha, RTD cocktails, THC-infused beverages and more. Whether you’re pre-launch with a product ready to sample or already in market for less than two years, we’re looking for disruptive brands with innovative concepts and the potential to scale. All applicants should be focused on the U.S. market and capable of providing packaged samples.

Why Apply?

• Stage Time: Pitch in front of hundreds of beverage alcohol industry decision-makers including strategics, distributors, and investors.
• Strategic Visibility: Get your brand in front of top-tier media, buyers, and potential partners, all in one room.
• Expert Feedback: Hear from seasoned judges with deep operational, retail, and investment experience.
• Access: Finalists unlock access to 1:1 meetings, networking, and breakout sessions designed to accelerate growth.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Space is limited. Apply Now >>

This year’s lackluster Labor Day was not exclusive to the off-premise, according to the latest report from CGA, the on-premise arm of market research firm NIQ. 

Sales velocity at bars and restaurants declined 10% on Labor Day (Monday, September 1) compared to the holiday in 2024 (Monday, September 2). Average check value was down 7% YoY, while traffic declined 4%. 

Insiders can dive deeper into recent on-premise data here.

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

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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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