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Last year’s overall craft volume decline was felt more acutely in the Midwest than other regions, according to a recent report from Brewers Association (BA) staff economist Matt Gacioch.

Overall craft volume declined -1% in 2023, the first year output was down other than 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic upended the craft beer industry and constricted many producers’ ability to sell in the on-premise and at-the-brewery channels.

Midwest craft brewers recorded the steepest decline at -6% year-over-year (YoY). The Northeast was the only region to increase volume (+1%).

Brewbound Insiders can read more about state-level trends by class of brewery.

Ready-to-drink (RTD) mimosa and sangria producer Ohza has been acquired by FX Matt, the companies announced today. 

The acquisition brings a wine-based offering to FX Matt’s growing stable of RTD and beyond beer brands, which includes McKenzie’s Hard Cider, ‘Merican Mule spirits-based RTDs and Right Coast Spirits vodka- and tequila-based RTDs.

Insiders can read more about FX Matt’s plans for Ohza's expansion, the company's recent acquisitions and the state of the wine-based RTD segment.

Tilray Brands will launch several hemp-derived Delta-9 THC beverages in “key markets across the U.S.” starting in October, the company announced today. 

The Canadian cannabis firm has formed a new business unit, Tilray Alternative Beverages, for its Delta-9 beverage portfolio, which includes mocktails, seltzers and sparkling drinks made with hemp extracts. 

Insiders can read more about Tilray’s busy 2024, as well as the growing regulations and scrutiny around THC-infused products in states, including California.

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Middle-tier leaders from across the country will give a pulse check on industry trends during the Brewbound Live business conference December 11 and 12 in Marina del Rey, California.

Rebecca Maisel, SVP legal & government affairs, Gulf Distributing; Lauren Doll-Sheeder, managing partner, Doll Distributing; and Jennifer Grant, GM and VP, Markstein Sales, will discuss what is and isn’t working in their markets, which products they’re interested in and how they’re diversifying their portfolios in a rapidly changing beverage business.

They’ll share their views on the future of beer and beyond beer offerings, including how Delta 9 beverages are playing in their markets; what they’re hearing from retailers; how the battle for the cold box is shaking out and how suppliers can best work with their teams.

Tickets for Brewbound Live are available now.

Others speakers announced so far include:

• Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing co-owner;
• Lester Jones, NBWA chief economist and VP of analytics;
• Jennifer Hauke, Draftline Technologies founder;
• Zech Francis, BeatBox Beverages SVP of global marketing;
• Rebecca Dye Yonushonis, New Belgium Brewing CMO;
• Lindsay Kunkle, Foresight Factory director, head of U.S. Consultancy;
• Arthur Moye, owner and CEO of Full Circle Brewing;
• Kaleigh Theriault, director of thought leadership, beverage alcohol vertical, NIQ;
• Brian “BK” Krueger, VP of business development and portfolio strategies, Bump Williams Consulting;
• Peter Skrbek, CEO, Deschutes Brewery.

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.