As Modelo Especial solidifies its spot as top-selling beer brand in scans, total Modelo brand family growing even faster, +20% to 10.3 share of total beer. Some of that's shot in the arm from incremental Modelo Oro, now #67 biggest beer brand YTD with $57 mil sales. But Modelo Cheladas continue to soar in scans, with each of top-4 variants growing strong double-digits and collectively at 1.1 share of total beer $$ in Circana MULC.

A new tenant is filling Founders' former Detroit taproom. Michigan-based Eastern Market Brewing found a home in Motor City, "setting its sights on further expansion," per Detroit Free Press. Recall, Founders abruptly shut down the taproom in early May. But Eastern Market signed a 5-yr lease for the 14K sq-ft space, including 5-bbl brewhouse and brewing equipment.

Two San Antonio brewers are officially merging, as longstanding Alamo Beer agreed to buy upstart VIVA Beer. Alamo is among the city's oldest and largest craft cos and has been contract brewing VIVA's beers for over a yr, SA Current notes. "In the last few months, it became apparent it would be better to merge," said Alamo founder and CEO Eugene Simor, so co bought the brand and "VIVA is now part of Alamo." Eugene added that he's been "really impressed with how quickly VIVA has grown" via its self-distribution model and "how the beer has resonated with San Antonio," per announcement.

Tho it shut down "indefinitely" and claimed it wouldn't reopen, turns out Three Floyds is planning to bring back its flagship and only brewpub in hometown of Munster, IN. Co approached the town about a project to reopen the brewpub and add outdoor space, Munster Town Manager Dustin Anderson told NWI Times. But the project is still being considered and 3 Floyds plans to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission on Oct 10.

Small brewer legislative requests for new privileges or carve outs slowed dramatically over the past few yrs as everyone focused on dealing with and recovering from pandemic impacts. No longer, tho. Activity picked up a bit in 2023, with some proposals set for further debate in 2024. That includes a franchise carve out bill in Ohio and a bill to allow self-distribution and make other tweaks for small brewers in Georgia. Both bills resurrect familiar tensions between small brewer and wholesaler advocates and since both states have 2-yr legislative sessions, public debate hitting local press recently could be just the beginning.

Chicago-based Revolution Brewing is the latest craft co to get in the nonalc game, hopping aboard the hop water train with its first ever NA brand, Super Zero. "As a recognized leader in hop exploration," IL's largest BA-defined craft brewer is "taking the next step to reach out to consumers looking for a non-alcoholic option," co noted in announcement of its new sparkling hop water. Super Zero 6pks are now available at retailers, launched "just in time" for Sober October. And Super Zero "will take center stage at Revolution for the entirety" of Dry Jan, co added. It's available across co's distribution network as well as DTC via co's website. Revolution finished 2022 down 5% at just under 70K bbls, per Brewers Assn stats.

Allagash will debut its "first-ever" true rotating seasonal lineup, unveiling its new "House Series" in announcement this wk. Stemming from its existing fall seasonal Haunted House brand, the brewer will build on that theme with new Surf House and Ski House variations. All 3 will be sold in 6pks and 12pks of 12oz cans, available thruout Allagash's footprint.

Segment trends are stable, but still soft in off-premise scan data. Craft $$ dipped 0.7% both yr-to-date and for 4 wks thru Sep 10 in Circana multi-outlet + convenience data. Shed 0.4 share of beer category sales to 10.1 YTD. Softer in foodstores, where craft $$ down 3.3%, volume off 7% thru 9/10, tho a bit better for 4 wks. Imports solidly ahead of craft now, at 20.5 share of foodstore $$ vs 19.1. But like overall beer segment, craft doin' better in convenience, $$ +4.8% YTD, tho not quite as fast for 4 wks. Still shed a little share there too, -0.07 to 6.3.

AB is "reshaping" its craft portfolio while continuing to "lead by style" and to keep energy behind Kona Big Wave as co's craft "megabrand," High End prexy Andy Thomas shared at EAM meeting, sources told CBN. In addition to Kona Big Wave's big push, Goose Island Beer Hug imperial IPAs and Golden Road Mango Cart will be focus brands for co's craft portfolio.