The Brewers Association counts barrels; Quad counted where eyes went in one store. Trade writing names the habits shoppers think they have. None of those is a substitute for the others, but together they sketch what the cooler is asking of packaging in 2026.
Michael Stroener · 2026-05-17
THC drinks are landing in more taprooms and distro plans. For breweries, the hard part is rarely the headline—it is cold-side discipline, package stability, and compliance-first workflows that look a lot like NA and RTD work, with a few extra sharp edges.
Kyle Flaci · 2026-04-22
Analysts at Escarpment Labs noted in March that breweries are shifting from minimalist, abstract labels to 90s-style mascots—bears, ducks, fish. This "visual legibility" strategy is helping brands stand out in increasingly crowded digital and physical retail shelves.
Kyle Flaci · 2026-03-12
While Mexican lagers dominate the mainstream, niche European styles like Marz Community Brewing's Croatian-style Marzujsko are topping March beer reviews. Enthusiasts are pivoting to these rare regional lagers as they graduate from standard craft pilsners.
Kyle Flaci · 2026-03-12
For the first time, commercial beers are being brewed with hops grown in the volcanic soil of Israel's Golan Heights. Brewers are evaluating the unique mineral profile—a major win for the "terroir-driven" beer movement.
Kyle Flaci · 2026-03-12
The market is seeing a "Great IPA Correction" in March 2026. Session Hazies—heavy on tropical aroma but low on alcohol—are replacing high-ABV juice bombs as the preferred daytime taproom pour for Millennial and Gen Z drinkers.
Kyle Flaci · 2026-03-12
National Beer Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, April 7. Here's where to find online deals, DTC brewery promotions, beer subscription offers, and virtual events—plus how to maximize savings from home.
Kyle Flaci · 2026-03-11
Non-alcoholic beer is one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage alcohol space. Here's what the growth numbers show and how craft breweries are responding.
Lucas Gerrity · 2026-01-11
Inflation, tariffs, and supply chain pressure have raised input costs. Consumers are price-sensitive. Here's how breweries are balancing cost pressure with competitive pricing.
Jack Jusko · 2025-12-28
Craft beer distribution is evolving. On-premise, retail, convenience, and direct-to-consumer each have different dynamics. Here's how channel mix is changing.
Kyle Flaci · 2025-11-19
Craft beer no longer competes only with other beer. Ready-to-drink cocktails, hard seltzers, and cannabis-infused beverages are capturing occasions and share of throat. Here's how the competitive landscape has changed.
Jack Jusko · 2025-11-14
Consumer palates are shifting away from novelty and extremes toward approachable, sessionable styles. Here's what the data shows and why lagers and pilsners are gaining ground in a crowded market.
Lucas Gerrity · 2025-11-12
Consumers increasingly want to know where ingredients come from and how products are made. Here's how sustainability and transparency are shaping craft beer.
Lucas Gerrity · 2025-11-08
