Beer Marketer's Insights
PepsiCo's alc bev endeavors have been fairly quiet in the US since folding its Blue Cloud Distribution biz. But it's taking another trademark into the alc bev space thru FIFCO USA and expanding upon its Lipton Hard franchise in 2026. Meet Bubly wine refreshers, a "premium dry rosé wine sparkling water," clocking in at just 4.5% ABV and 100 calories per 12oz slim can, brand director Lisa Texido shared during FIFCO USA distrib mtg today. Pulling from PepsiCo's Bubly sparkling water brand launched in 2018, Bubly wine refreshers will launch in two flavors, strawberry peach and blackberry lemon, available in individual 4pks and variety 8pks for starters. Co's starting with FIFCO USA's 12 priority mkts, NY, PA, NJ, in the northeast, OH, MI, IL, WI in Midwest, VA, SC, GA, and FL in the southeast, and TX. But Bubly wine refreshers will be available in many other states where it gets chain authorizations too.
Michelob Ultra is gaining share in all 50 states YTD, said ceo Michel Doukeris on ABI conference call this morn. Michel gave new details on Ultra share to show it still has lotsa room to run. Ultra has a 16 share in its highest share state, Michel said, compared to an 8 share nationally. At same time, it's still under 6 share in 20 states. That's a "significant opportunity," said Michel. Meanwhile, Michelob Ultra Zero is already 2d largest NA brand, he added. Michelob Ultra itself is #1 beer brand by volume both on-premise and off, "selling 50% more in the on-premise than the next closest competitor and gaining 6,000 taps," said AB.
Don't Miss the Beer Insights Seminar; Coming Right Up Nov 9-10 at the New York Athletic Club in NYC
The 31st annual Beer Insights Seminar is coming right up Nov 9-10 at the historic New York Athletic Club in New York City, "the most celebrated Athletic Club in the USA." We've got a unique program for this premiere event and seats are filling up fast! You won't wanna miss it: Sign up today to reserve your spot alongside a first-rate group of beer industry leaders.
For 3 decades, Heineken has been the proud beer sponsor of soccer's UEFA Champions League. But with its current agreement due to expire in 2027, ABI appears set to swoop in and steal the spotlight, and ready to pay the big bucks at that.
AB Revs Down 0.8%, STRs Down 2.5%, Shipments Off 2.7% in Q3; Cutwater $$ Up Triple Digits
AB outperformed a very soft industry and gained share for the 3d qtr in a row. But its sales-to-retailers and shipments were still down 2.5% and 2.7% respectively in Q3. And each down 3% for 9 mos. Revs down 0.8% in qtr and 1.2% for 9 mos. EBITDA eked out a 0.4% gain in US in Q3, "driven by productivity initiatives," said ABI, "even as we continued to increase our marketing investments to fuel momentum." EBITDA up 1.1% for 9 mos, "with a margin improvement of 80 bps," added ABI. AB rev per bbl up 1.8% in Q3 and for 9 mos.
The 31st annual Beer Insights Seminar is coming right up Nov 9-10 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City, and seats are filling up fast! Don't miss your chance to attend this premiere event: sign up today to reserve your spot alongside a first-rate group of beer industry leaders.
Boston Beer's Emerald Hour "cocktail inspired" THC gummies are now available at dispensaries across Ontario and Alberta, co shared this wk. The first gummy rollout is "Peach & White Grape," which contains 5mg of THC and "packaged in discreet purse - and pocket-friendly two-pack containers," per announcement. They are 100% vegan. "Emerald Hour gummies are made for the discerning cannabis consumer. Infused with live rosin and solventless diamonds, they deliver a full-spectrum cannabis experience in pocket-friendly, sustainable packaging," said Paul Weaver, Toronto-based head of cannabis for Boston Beer. Recall, the gummies expand on Boston Beer's Emerald Hour cannabis cocktail line that launched in Canada this past Jan. Co noted drinks are now available in over 600 dispensaries across Canada.
High Rise THC Bevs Doubled Distribution w/ 10 New States & Counting; #4 THC Bev by $$, #2 Growth
Charleston-based hemp THC bevco High Rise is on the move, adding lotsa distribution and picking up top-tier growth within the category this yr, co shared with INSIGHTS. High Rise added 10 states so far this yr, bringing it to 20 total with "more in the works," spokesperson noted. Combo of expansion mkts and new 10mg THC lineup that debuted earlier this yr drove High Rise to "the #4 THC beverage brand in total dollars and the #2 brand in total revenue growth" in tracked grocery and c-store channels over the last 52 wks thru Aug 10, co noted citing SPINS total MULC data. Latest addition to the lineup is 10mg raspberry THC seltzer, available in 4pk 12oz cans and via its new "High Horizon Collection" variety 8pk, alongside pineapple, blood orange and blueberry flavors. Each 10mg seltzer also includes 5mg CBD "for a smooth, balanced buzz at any experience level," release notes. All High Rise bevs are made with "real fruit, organic cane sugar and no artificial flavors," clocking in at 5mg and 10mg levels.
Court Battle Brewing for Bira 91, Which Counts Kirin as Largest Shareholder; Possible Bankruptcy?
An ownership battle is underway for one of India's highest-profile craft beer companies, whose biggest shareholder happens to be Kirin Holdings. Amid increased financial struggles for Bira 91's parent co B9 Beverages, Kirin (which has invested tens of millions and held a 20.1% share as of Jun) and the company's largest lender, Anicut Capital, took control of its wholly-owned subsidiary The Beer Cafe. But the move is being challenged in India's courts by B9 founder Ankur Jain.
Congo Brands, which after splitting with 3-D Energy and selling off Alani Nu has been focused only on declining Prime hydration and energy brand, appears to have dissolved its entire field sales div, from what our sibling pub Beverage Business INSIGHTS has heard at press time. Move comes as brand has been losing ground at retail, including losing spot in Kroger hydration set, despite efforts to upgrade formula and generate buzz via Lunchables tie-in. Still, many of its distribution partners have stuck with brand amid alc bevs' recent declines and departure of promising NA brands like Alani Nu and Ghost. Prime volume continued its skid in latest scans, with volume off 46.2% on 6.4% avg price cut for 4 wks thru Oct 18, per NielsenIQ data reported by Goldman Sachs. Over 52 wks, Prime sales down to $250 mil.