U.S. brewers shipped 3.8% less beer in October 2025 than October 2024, according to the latest report from the Beer Institute, which confirmed that September’s +1% results would not be repeated. That makes for 9 down months of the 10 on record this year – brutal. 

Insiders are digging into more data, including state-level results and a brief look at imports.

In addition to that story, Brewbound Insiders are also checking out these news items on Brewbound.com and in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter:

• Flavorman’s predictions for 2026 beverage and flavor trends;
• K. Spoetzl’s new non-alcoholic version of its flagship Shiner Bock;
• And Monster’s commitment to Coca-Cola.

Plus, it’s the 92nd anniversary of Repeal Day, marking the end of Prohibition. 

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

Become a Brewbound Insider today!

Or, be in the know on all food and beverage news from Brewbound, BevNET and NOSH with Insider All Access.

Consumers aren’t choosing lighter drinks to compromise — they’re choosing them to trade up. VIVID owns that shift with full-flavor, low ABV ciders built for the modern palate and a premium lifestyle. This holiday, “Merry and Bright” isn’t just a vibe — it’s the new roadmap for better-for-you beverage growth. Learn more

Hopes for continued beer volume gains following September’s positive trends were dashed with the latest report from the Beer Institute (BI).

Domestic tax paid shipments returned to the red in October, declining 3.8%, to 11 million barrels of beer. That amounts to 434,193 fewer barrels shipped compared to October 2024, according to the BI, which cited estimates from the TTB. 

In September, domestic beer mounted its first volume gain of 2025, increasing 1%, to 12.2 million barrels, which followed a dismal 10.2% decline in August. 

Insiders can read more about state-level shipments and imports, which the Department of Commerce has not yet resumed reporting following the government shutdown.

Brewbound Live (Dec. 10 & 11) kicks off next Wednesday in LA, and momentum is building quickly. Hundreds of operators, brewery teams, distributors, retailers, and investors are already registered, and 1:1 meeting slots are filling up.

If you're planning to attend, now’s the time to secure your spot and start preparing for the conversations that matter. 

We're just 5 days away from Brewbound Live and time is running out to register.

Monster Beverage Corp. and The Coca-Cola Company have eliminated “undue friction” in their distribution relationship. Free from those frictions, Monster is now ready to leverage the partnership to expand its beverage category reach and fuel global growth, leadership shared this week.

Monster executives speaking at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference Wednesday in NYC discussed the evolution of the company’s distribution partnership and plans for the year ahead.

Insiders can read more here.

Consumers are ready to indulge in 2026, as long as brands make it easy to do, according to Flavorman’s annual beverage trends report. 

The beverage development firm shared its 2026 Beverage Trends Forecast last week – accompanied by a humorous news sketch – which included predictions for top flavors, ingredients and marketing trends for the year ahead. The company’s picks are based on “extensive client project data, insights from industry partners, year-over-year consumer behavior patterns and historical trend analysis,” according to a press release. 

Insiders can dive deeper into the report, including expected health and wellness trends, and consumers’ desires for connection and convenience.

The Lost Abbey’s Tomme Arthur’s current tagline is “We’re surviving, not thriving.”

“We’d love to turn that into thriving,” he added on the latest episode of the Brewbound Podcast. 

“We’re trying to get to next year. That’s the standard answer. Next year will be our 20th year in business. So it’s a pretty big milestone in terms of continuity or continuation. So [we’re] definitely looking forward. What we’re trying to do is really establish the right size and scale for the brewery.”

In the interview, Arthur shared his view of The Lost Abbey’s business moves in an effort to “grow down,” while also hitting on a major challenge facing CA brewers coming up on the expiration of their leases as landlords seek market rate increases in rent. 

Before the interview, Jess, Zoe and Justin break down Rogue’s bankruptcy filing and Torch & Crown’s SoHo taproom closure. They also share one thing they’re looking forward to at Brewbound Live next week.

Listen here.  

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

Have feedback? 📝 Take the Survey Now >>

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). 

We'll be back in your inbox Monday.