There’s still 1 month left of 2025, but bev-alc industry members across the 3 tiers are already looking at 2026 and 2027, and their strategies going into the new year are relatively aligned, according to the latest report from Bump Williams Consulting (BWC). 

BWC compiled the top 10 strategies and priorities for manufacturers, distributors and retailers for the next 2 years. In today’s Brewbound Insider Newsletter and on Brewbound.com, Insiders are diving into what tops the list – including focused inventory, incremental innovation and pricing strategies – and how they compare to what consumers will be looking for in the years ahead.

Insiders are also reading about:

• The results of the BA’s 2026 board election;
• Yuengling’s next Midwestern stops;
• Beer’s bounceback in weekly scans;
• A big donation by Lawson’s Finest;
• The 2026 CBC keynote speaker;
• And Harpoon IPA’s new look.

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Christmas came early for any fans of Bump Williams Consulting’s (BWC) annual growth strategies report. 

In the consulting firm’s final monthly update of 2025, founder Bump Williams shared beverage manufacturer, distributor and retailer growth strategies for 2026 and 2027 – a month earlier than historically released, and with a bonus 4th tier: the consumer. 

What should be an encouraging trend for the industry, this year’s report features a greater deal of alignment across tiers compared to recent years. 

Insiders can dive into the report and the top 10 focus areas across the 4 tiers, including expanded consumer insights, pricing strategies and regional marketing plans.

We’re just 8 days away from Brewbound Live (Dec. 10–11 in L.A.), and the room is quickly filling. 

Nearly every corner of beer and beverage-alcohol will be represented, from iconic craft breweries to fast-growing RTD and NA brands. Join New Belgium, Firestone Walker, Lawson’s Finest, Whole Foods, Breakthru Beverage, Alaskan Brewing Co., Karl Strauss, Garage Beer, TALEA, Blake’s, ExtraMile Convenience, and more. 

If you’ve been thinking about attending, now is the time to lock in your spot.

4 incumbents and 2 new members will join the Brewers Association (BA) board of directors following last month’s election.

New to the board are Sierra Grossman, VP and 2nd generation co-owner of Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA); and Jason Spaulding, CEO of Brewery Vivant (Grand Rapids, MI). 

Returning directors include:

• Jason Lavery, president/founding brewer of Lavery Brewing (Erie, PA);
• Jason Perkins, brewmaster and VP of brewing operations at Allagash Brewing (Portland, ME);
• Melissa Romano, co-owner of Lake Anne Brew House (Reston, VA);
• And Mitch Steele, brewmaster of New Realm Brewing (Atlanta, GA).

Insiders can read more about which members classes the 6 incoming directors represent and see the board’s total makeup. 

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Yuengling is headed to IA and WI in 2026. 

The addition of new states for the U.S.’s oldest brewery was teased with cryptic billboards in both Midwestern states stating “The Drought Ends Soon.” The official news dropped Monday.

Insiders can read more about Yuengling’s network choices and scan trends this year.

Beer bounced back in the latest scans after a “dismal performance” in the prior week, according to Circana and the market research firm’s EVP of BevAl Scott Scanlon. 

Beer recorded more than $822 million in dollar sales in the week ending November 23, declining 1.4% YoY. In the prior week, beer generated its lowest sales total in more than 8 months. Beer volume was down 2.8% YoY in the latest week, compared to -5% in the prior week. 

Insiders can dive further into the data, including beer segment figures (with a hard cider rebound) and top beer brand family performances.

The Brewers Association’s (BA) biennial Salary and Benefits Benchmarking Report is back, with wage and responsibility information representing more than 7,000 employees across the craft brewing industry. 

The BA surveyed 92 small and independent breweries, gathering information on 67 jobs.

We gather highlights from the report, encapsulating both senior- and entry-level positions across marketing, sales, production, distribution and hospitality.

Insiders can dive into the numbers here.

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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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