Alcohol Industry Expands Horizons as Beer Sales Decline
Beverage companies are diversifying their product lines by blending alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings in response to shifting consumer tastes, declining beer sales, and external pressures like potential tariffs. As traditional beer and wine sales struggle, brands are expanding into new categories like canned cocktails and energy drinks, while also embracing non-alcoholic beverages to meet growing demand. The craft beer sector has plateaued, but non-alcoholic options are thriving, signaling a significant shift in consumer preferences toward healthier or alcohol-free choices.
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Super Bowl Food Prices Show Market Volatility, Says Wells Fargo
Super Bowl food costs for 2025 are expected to rise slightly by 0.1%, with shoppers spending around $139 for a group of 10. While prices for chicken wings and avocados are up due to inflation and potential tariffs, other items like frozen pizza, chips, and salsa have seen price drops. Despite strong demand for certain products like beef, consumers are increasingly selective with their food purchases, spending less on food overall while prioritizing other expenses like housing and insurance.
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Pabst Partners with Anheuser-Busch for Brewing Deal
Anheuser-Busch has signed a deal to produce Pabst Blue Ribbon beer products, strengthening Pabst’s supply chain and expanding its growth potential. Pabst, which has outsourced production since 1996, is partnering with a major brewer after nearly two decades of working with Molson Coors. The agreement comes as Pabst seeks to maintain its market position, with a portfolio that now includes products beyond beer, such as cannabis seltzer and hard coffee.
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Private Label Sales Reach All-Time High of $271B in 2024
Private label sales reached a record $271 billion in 2024, growing 3.9% from the previous year, outpacing the 1% growth of national brands. Sales were driven by strong performances in categories like refrigerated items, general food, and beverages, with major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger launching new store brands. This continued growth highlights the increasing value, quality, and innovation of private label products, as store brand sales have risen significantly over the past few years.
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How Dogfish Head Leverages Social-First Marketing as Craft Beer Trends Evolve
Dogfish Head launched a new low-calorie, hop-forward 30 Minute Light IPA, celebrating the release with a humorous marketing campaign around Quitter’s Day, encouraging people to embrace their failed New Year’s resolutions. The beer, with just 95 calories and 3.6 carbs per serving, aligns with the growing consumer interest in functional beverages while also tapping into the wellness trend. Dogfish Head’s social-first marketing strategy, which continues despite its merger with Boston Beer Company, allows the brand to engage with consumers in unique ways, such as sponsoring Record Store Day and owning niche moments like Quitter’s Day.
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