More changes among Boston Beer's exec team came in late this afternoon. Its chief people officer Carolyn O'Boyle is "stepping down after more than five years" in that role, to be replaced by nearly 25-yr HR vet at Boston Beer, Laura Boynton, who was approved by the board today. Caroyln's "departure is not related to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies, or practices," co noted. She's officially leaving on Nov 7, 2025 to assist with transition. Laura first joined Boston Beer in 2001 serving in "numerous human resources roles" including "most recently as Sr. Director of HR Business Partners," since Aug 2024. She now reports directly to both ceo Jim Koch and recently promoted coo Philip Hodges.

In ever-swirling storm of hemp-related lawsuits, the rising pressure hemp puts on legal cannabis bizzes finally struck members in each tier of the alc bev biz in Virginia. Suit filed in VA state ct Monday by owners of dispensaries working under state's medical cannabis program claims that sellers of intoxicating hemp products in violation of state law unlawfully cut into their biz. Suit targets a single hemp bev brand, claiming a conspiracy among entire supply chain: brand-owner Coastalo; producer Urban Artifact, an OH-based craft brewer; in-state distrib Specialty Bev, a Sheehan Family Co; retailer Total Wine; and delivery co Doordash.

Before Rockaway Soda there was Owney's Run. Now Bridget Firtle, the creator of both, has reclaimed Owney's from its strategic buyer Proximo Spirits, another Zico-like example of founder reclaiming distinctive brand that found itself lost in shuffle of big co portfolio. "Most founders dream of exits - I dreamt of buyback," per statement in announcement yesterday. Implications for Rockaway Soda, the canned refresher she launched in 2020? "Staying the course," she told us. Owney's relaunch in 2026 means "hopefully some nice synergies between the two on the horizon!" A former hedge fund investor, Firtle launched Owney's in 2012 and forged tie to Proximo just 5 years later as nation's rum renaissance was picking up steam, moving to full exit in 2020.

Influencer Casey Means, who espouses benefits of raw milk while questioning safety of children's vaccines, has been scheduled to appear before Senate tomorrow seeking confirmation as nation's next Surgeon General. She's planning to testify about her plans to put "Americans back on the road toward wholeness and health," per prepared testimony that ABC News said it's obtained. She will testify about her plans to encourage Americans to "join in a great national healing," focusing on "healing and prevention" rather than "overmedicalization," ABC reported. "Her academic achievements, together with her life's work, are absolutely outstanding," President Trump wrote in nominating her a few mos ago. "Dr Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History." In advanced state of pregnancy with first child, she'll testify virtually.

PepsiCo may be under fire from corporate raider, but it's still all chips & grins for snacks-&-soda giant. Mustering shocking insight that just 21% of consumers can name any PepsiCo brands beyond Pepsi itself, soda giant has inaugurated a new logo that surrounds a capital-letter P with more "approachable, inclusive" scripted corporate name, a smile image and colorful logo meant to reflect premise that co offers "Foods. Drinks. Smiles." Color scheme seems intended to flag Pepsi's gradual migration away from ultraprocessed ingredients. "Our color palette draws from the real world — the rich soils that nourish our foods, our refreshing drinks and the vibrant hues that reflect our commitment to people and the planet," per announcement. "The new custom typeface, featuring lowercase letters, conveys a sense of approachability that mirrors the bold, consumer-centric spirit of our brands." PEP said new look will be phased in across markets, channels and "touchpoints" from packaging to workplaces and signage. As noted, tho Pepsi has grown to portfolio of 500 brands since Pepsi-Cola and Lay's were put together under PepsiCo umbrella some 60+ years ago, few consumers seem to recognize that.

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 we've heard as we're going to press. 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 Lunchly tie-in. Still, many of its distribution partners, reeling from alcohol declines and departure of promising NA brands like Alani Nu and Ghost, have stuck with brand. We have no further details on number of people affected, tho they'll be paid thru year-end. At recent NACS c-store show in Chicago, employees asked for update uniformly said they were forbidden to talk to media.

Oatmilk pioneer Oatly turned in durable Q3 this morning, lauding its ability to finally deliver profitable growth after 3-yr revamping of corporate strategy under new mgmt team. Outlook still is clouded by uncertainties ranging from search for lasting solution in China market to down US market where brand is rebuilding after being drastically downsized in Starbucks chain. "It is early, but '26 is starting to look like a cleaner year," wrote Jeffries' Kaumil Gajrawala.

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.