Rebecca Keiffer Toft’s Post

Ballast Point brewery was sold to Constellation Brands for $1 billion in 2015 … Yet craft beer sales ‘chinks in the armor’ we’re already showing in 2015 — craft beer was over-supplied in a crowded market. Constellation had made a huge mistake. They overpaid for a business in a declining marketplace — Constellation needed to cut their losses. Its distillery business was spun off to a new company, Cutwater Spirits, in 2017 and subsequently purchased by Anheuser-Busch in 2019. Also, in 2019, Kings & Convicts announced it was buying Ballast Point from Constellation. While Constellation took a huge haircut in selling to Chicago-based brewery Kings and Convicts for an “undisclosed price and terms,” a pittance of Constellation paid for Ballast Point a mere four years earlier. Now Kings & Convicts has closed Ballast Point brewery operations and subcontracts out all brewing, canning, packaging and distribution for Ballast Point. Across town in Chicagoland, Heineken was struggling with Lagunitas’s soft-sales and heavy expenses. A month ago, Lagunitas announced they’re closing the massive Chicago brewery, taproom and merch store. There’s more, too (notably CANarchy’s sale), as Monster Brewing is closing production facilities rght and left. And none of this is because of the pandemic. Tastes and habits stated changing 10 years ago. Never expand, or buy, in a declining market. The days of wine and roses are long-past. “Cha-cha-cha-changes, turn and face the stranger changes…” — David Bowie Source: Beerconomy PRO (Coming Soon!) #Beer #CraftBeer #NonAlcoholicBeer #Cider #Microbreweries #Taprooms #Brewpubs #Taverns #ConsumerBehavior #BrandAwareness #EmergingTrends #BusinessIntelligence “The best beers are the ones we drink with friends.” — Beerconomy Cheers🍻! ✦✦✦ Stephen Carter King Chief of Growth and Marketing and Strategy, Beer Market Analyst and CEO of Beerconomy sharing beer market trends, insights, data and forecasts • Thought Catalyst • Advisor • Sherpa • Speaker • Publisher of ‘The Beerconomist’

Thirsty for a cold brew? This NJ brewery made USA Today's 10Best list 🍺 Finding that great pint of beer in New Jersey won’t be too hard. USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards has named the top 10 Best New Breweries across the country. This list involves new breweries - founded in the last three years - and nominated by a panel of beer experts. Everyone has a passion. And the owners of this New Jersey brewery "hopped" to it. Taking the number 5 spot in the list: Birdsmouth Beer - Oceanport. This brewery has six beers on tap, ranging from lagers to hoppy pilsner. “Birds mouth is unique in that they only distribute in New Jersey and only brew lager beer. You'd think this might be pretty risky in the craft beer world, but they have a devoted community following,” according to USAT. The top three breweries that beat out New Jersey 1: First State Brewing Company - Middletown, Delaware2: Kismetic Beer Company - Indianapolis, Indiana3: Altered State Brewing Company - Raleigh, North Carolina https://lnkd.in/eUrNT6tE

Charles Dorsey owns and runs Montgomery Brewing Company, an hour's drive southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota in the farmland town of Montgomery. His brewery operates within the walls of the historical building that housed the original Montgomery Brewing Company. Known as Chuck, he stewards the brewing legacy of the town and the distinction of being among the 1% of craft breweries in the nation that are black-owned.  More than a business, the brewery is a balance between tradition and innovation. In a town that has become a steadfast supporter, Chuck wears the mantle of representing black-owned breweries with pride recognizing the significance of his role in an industry where diversity remains a rarity. Within the narrative of Montgomery Brewing, Chuck revels in the joy that beer, a timeless connector, brings people together. Through every challenge and triumph, he finds a source of fun and fulfillment in uniting individuals over shared experiences and finely crafted brews. As Chuck and his dedicated team enter the ninth year of operation navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the brewing industry, take a read of Action by Volume – Montgomery Brewing Company. In my Substack publication, Photo Stories w/ Anderson English https://lnkd.in/evkFYZhY Chuck answers some questions reflecting on the highs and lows of the journey, the financial challenges, and the universal day-to-day intricacies of brewery ownership. While operating in a rural landscape may pose unique challenges, from expanding distribution to diversifying revenue streams, Chuck also talks about his commitment to normalizing diversity from taproom, to label, to the beer industry itself, adding an extra layer of purpose and challenge to his endeavors.   #actionbyvolume #NB2A #minnesotacraftbrewersguild #brewersassociation

YOUR Orange County Chamber of Commerce, NY was honored to attend the launch party of our two #OCNYChamberMember!! Dana Distributors Expands Portfolio with Exclusive Newburgh Brewing Company Distribution Rights in Five New York Counties Goshen, NY – February 7th 2024, Dana Distributors Inc., a leading beverage distributor known for its extensive selection of quality beers and beverages, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Orange County’s best-selling brewery Newburgh Brewing Company. This new alliance grants Dana Distributors Inc. exclusive distribution rights for Newburgh Brewing Company’s esteemed selection of craft beers across Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, and Sullivan counties in New York. This exciting development marks a significant expansion for Dana Distributors Inc., solidifying its position as a key player in the New York beverage distribution landscape. The partnership aligns with Dana Distributors Inc.’s commitment to providing its customers with a diverse and premium range of beverage options. Newburgh Brewing Company, based in Newburgh, NY, has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative and flavorful craft beers. Known for their commitment to quality and community, Newburgh Brewing Company’s offerings are a perfect addition to Dana Distributors Inc.’s portfolio. Tom Kennedy, General Sales Manager of Dana Distributors Inc., expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to partner with Newburgh Brewing Company and bring their outstanding craft beers to new markets. This collaboration not only enriches our product lineup but also supports our mission to offer the finest beverages to our customers. We look forward to a successful and lasting relationship with Newburgh Brewing Company.” The distribution agreement covers a wide range of Newburgh Brewing Company’s beers, including their flagship Cream Ale, the robust Brown Ale, and the innovative Boss I.P.A.’s. These products are now available in bars, restaurants, and retail outlets across the five counties, providing an exciting new option for craft beer enthusiasts. Paul Halayko, President and Co-Founder of Newburgh Brewing Company, commented, “Dana Distributors Inc.’s reputation for excellence and their deep understanding of the local market as a long-standing family business of Orange County make them the ideal partner for us as we look to expand our reach. We are excited to see our beers make their way into the hands of more New Yorkers through this partnership.” The partnership between Dana Distributors Inc. and Newburgh Brewing Company is set to begin immediately, with distribution activities ramping up to ensure availability across the designated territories. For additional information about Dana Distributors Inc. and the Newburgh Brewing Company product range, please visit www.danadistributors.com and www.newburghbrewing.com . For media inquiries, please contact: Patrick English patrick@danadistributors.com

New Helvetia Brewing Co. is converting into a CO-OP New Helvetia Brewing Co. has always been a community-focused brewery with a deep love for Sacramento. As the craft beer market and overall hospitality industry has become increasingly difficult, we have decided to take on a completely unique and bold transformation into an employee and community-owned CO-OP. Introducing NEW HELVETIA BREWERY COOPERATIVE! We have been publicly vocal about the challenges we face, and we acknowledge that we are not unique in facing those challenges. Hospitality businesses like breweries, restaurants, bars and brick-and-mortar small retail businesses are all facing the same challenges. We have determined that we must evolve or die. The CO-OP model allows us to continue brewing great beer and preserving a vital anchor space on Broadway, but also stabilizes our finances via community investment in the form of membership and ensures the long-term viability of New Helvetia. We would transform into a true community-owned brewery, and YOU will be the new owner. More info: https://lnkd.in/gZex4jmx

Markets mature, and players caught in between growth phases without the right amount of #capital and #distribution face fierce headwinds. I've loved what #craftbrewing has done to change people's perception of #beer , but places like West Michigan (home of some of the best craft breweries and a over abundance of beers) have shown that market's can only bear so much inventory and choice. High hopes that Dark Horse Brewing Co. and THREE FLOYDS BREWING, LLC get through this. https://lnkd.in/eViTeTeM

An interesting read of an industry in its current state. There’s great opportunity with supermarkets pushing into the more niche craft space and even potentially finding untapped consumers. Although I feel that only the more efficient and dynamic craft breweries will be able to reap the benefit of this as the rest of the retail landscape will likely become even harder. “So we are undergoing rationalisation in the supermarket space, and soon the six-packs of hoppy craft will come from maybe two dozen to 30 breweries. Those same providers will deliver one-off 440ml single cans that will offer the buzz and FOMO the embedded craft beer geek seeks. The single 440ml can is a good “high-value” asset for both the supermarket and the brewery.” https://lnkd.in/gWZ6vfbT

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, craft beer was having a moment; It was a period where beer snobbery ruled the day. Until it didn’t. This boom period always seemed destined for failure, or at least a retraction as many markets seemed to have more craft breweries than they could support. Most cities had multiple breweries and taprooms with some having so many that people put together the brewery version of a pub crawl. And it was not uncommon to hear bar patrons discuss the makeup of the beer they were drinking. Until they didn’t. Thank goodness for St. Patrick’s Day. Slàinte☘️! #Beer #CraftBeer #NonCraft #NonAlc #BevAlc #Microbreweries #Taprooms #Brewpubs #ConsumerBehavior #BrandAwareness #EmergingTrends #BusinessIntelligence Source: The Street ✦✦✦ Stephen Carter King Chief of Growth and Marketing and Beerconomist + CEO of Beerconomy & Co., with beer market trends, analyses, insights & news Steve@KingsCrossing.com • Kings Crossing

A copy of our recent press release is posted below. It will give you a bit more insight into Censored Munky Brewing Co. We are now actively looking to increase availability of our current product, Freee Speeech!!!, in restaurants, bars, stores, and all applicable locations across Massachusetts. We are starting there and will be looking to expand elsewhere asap. Any assistance from our network would be much appreciated. The Munky Cometh. Cheers! 🍻 April 2024 CHICOPEE, Mass.— Censored Munky Brewing Company (CensoredMunky.com) announces the launch of its inaugural beer “Freee Speeech!!!”. Based in Chicopee, Censored Munky is in partnership with White Lion Brewing Company out of Springfield to contract brew and distribute the inaugural beer, with forthcoming plans for Censored Munky to have a brewing operation and tasting room in Chicopee, an effort that will employ 3-5 people initially. Two of the founders have over 100 years of family roots in Chicopee. “There was no better place to start our company than in Chicopee, where there is a working-class culture, and our French/Irish family roots are from the area. This all speaks to our passion for great beer, to have fun, and to have lively conversations”, says Rick Roque, area investment banker and Co-Founder. Freee Speeech!!! is an American IPA that has a mild hop profile with hints of tropical fruit and citrus that is smooth and clear. Censored Munky pairs its beer with design concepts to illustrate political satire in this heavily politicized climate. The company intends to launch an assortment of beers to make fun of political parties, elected officials, conspiracies, and anything else the Munky desires. “We made Freee Speeech!!! our flagship beer and first design because of the importance of the First Amendment”, says John Phillips, Chicopee resident, Chief Munky and Co-Founder. “It was a revolutionary concept and freedom that was won in the days of old. It took power away from those who controlled information. We should always strive for truth, dialogue, and laughter”. Tommy Reynolds, Co-Founder, states “Our t-shirts, merchandise, can designs and messaging bring a fresh perspective on the world we live in with humor, wit, sarcasm and satire. By combining visual aids, a paired unique taste, and a thirst for laughter, we aim to bring people together via a shared vision; we realized censorship sucks.” Freee Speeech!!! will be available at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across Massachusetts starting April 20, 2024. It will be on tap at White Lion Brewing Company in both Springfield MA and Amherst MA, and at Masse’s American Bistro in Chicopee MA beginning on April 20th. Make sure to follow us on social media as well as check the website, CensoredMunky.com, for availability updates and announcements. Contact GetBeer@censoredmunky.com for any orders.🍻🚀🇺🇸 Rick Roque John Phillips Thomas S. Reynolds

Sometimes all the stories you've been working on drop all at once! For SevenFifty Daily, I tackle the changing economic reality of craft brewing. After several decades of steady and sometimes stratospheric growth, the craft beer industry has seen declining sales for the past few years, thanks to an overcrowded market, changing drinking behaviors, and competition from canned cocktails, spirits, and other new beverage categories. “Double-digit growth papered over many business issues,” says Bart Watson, the chief economist for the Brewers Association. Last year, off-premise craft beer sales declined nearly one percent while volumes dropped 4.4 percent according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm. And the drumbeat of notable brewery closures sounds louder each week. To better navigate today’s choppy economic waters, breweries are reevaluating production and product mix to stay afloat and better serve a reduced, yet still thirsty consumer base. Creating targeted portfolios through SKU rationalization and recalibrating focus on core ranges, in addition to exploring hard tea and THC beverages, can rightsize operations for the craft brewing industry’s new economic reality. How are you seeing the state o' the industry? #craftbeer