Beer

IPLs have the potential to bridge the gap between beer’s two main categories.

India Pale Lagers carve out a niche in craft beer

By Beth Newhart

A marriage between India Pale Ales (IPAs) and lager beer, India Pale Lagers (IPLs) have been a small sub-category of craft beer for the past 10-15 years. Often described as ‘strong, hoppy’ lagers, recent IPL launches are fighting for shelf space in the...

California's marijuana marketplace generated an estimated $2.5bn in sales in 2018.

Two Roots Brewing Co. expands cannabis drinks to California

By Beth Newhart

Cannabis-infused beer alternatives from Two Roots Brewing Co. are coming to California dispensaries. The Two Roots brand debuted THC and CBD options last summer in Nevada, brewed as alcohol-stripped craft beer.

Health and wellness trends mean consumers are moving away from high calorie, sugary drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Alcohol-free Heineken 0.0 lands in the US

By Beth Newhart

After initially launching in early 2017, Heineken’s first non-alcoholic beer has expanded to more than 30 global markets and is now officially coming to the US. Though not as popular a trend as it is in Europe, the low-ABV and no-alcohol US beer and wine...

TTB employees have been directed not to report to work and prohibited from volunteering work during the shutdown. Pic: ©GettyImages/chabybucko

US government shutdown stalls craft beer innovation

By Beth Newhart

After the government shut down on December 22 due to disputes around President Trump’s border wall funding, the effects have been felt throughout the country. Without federal programs in place, the beer and wine industries are facing trouble with new...

Pic:getty/bethhall

The year in beer: US celebrates 2018 craft brewing highlights

By Rachel Arthur

With the number of US breweries breaking the 7,000 milestone in October this year, it’s been a big year for small beer. The Brewers Association, the trade association for small and independent US craft brewers, looks back on the 2018 highlights for the...

MillerCoors wanted to terminate its brewing partnership with Pabst for 'financial reasons.' Pic:istock

Pabst Blue Ribbon and Schlitz saved by MillerCoors settlement

By Beth Newhart

After months of legal drama and a two-week trial between Pabst Brewing Co. and MillerCoors, the two beer giants settled a lawsuit last week. Pabst had alleged that MillerCoors, who brews and packages most of Pabst’s products, was attempting to put it...

Pic:getty/eddiehernandezphotography

Guest article

The evolution of the 'craft' of brewing

By Poonam Yadav, Allied Analytics LLP

The proficient homebrewing, craftbrewing and beer enthusiast community continue to drive beer's creative destiny, writes Poonam Yadav of Allied Analytics LLP in this guest article.

BiaCraft, Saigon.

How ambitious craft brands are jostling for Saigon success

By Richard Whitehead

In just three years, a craft scene has exploded in Vietnam’s beer capital. We talk to some of the craft brewers and entrepreneurs driving the sector forward with Vietnamese ingredients and local twists.

Barley yields could decrease by 17% in the most severe weather scenarios. Pic:getty/westend61

Climate change could cause beer shortages and double prices

By Rachel Arthur

Global beer consumption could decline by 16% - wiping out the equivalent volume of annual US beer consumption - and the average price of beer would double, in the event of the most severe climate events being realised, according to a new study published...

Pic: getty:/eddiehernandezphotography

‘The craft beer revolution has spread across the continent’

European craft brewers unite to form The Independent Brewers of Europe

By Rachel Arthur

Craft brewing organisations from nine European countries are working towards the formation of the Independent Brewers of Europe, an organisation which will promote and advance the mutual interests of their members with European institutions and the media....

Pic:getty/GausNataliya

sustainability spotlight

Consumers are prepared to pay more for sustainable beer, says study

By Rachel Arthur

The majority of beer consumers in the US are willing to pay more for beer produced with sustainable practices, according to a study from Indiana University. ‘The takeaway for the brewing industry is that it is financially feasible to introduce energy-saving...

MillerCoors will soon launch Saint Archer Gold, a craft light lager from San Diego-based brewer Saint Archer. Pic: ©GettyImages/agrobacter

US mass beers threatened by craft lagers

By Beth Newhart

Traditional mass US beers face a new challenge from a growing category of craft, premium and light lagers: brands like Michelob Ultra and Corona lead the pack of alternative light lagers and pilsners that have swung back into favor among US consumers.

Dunkin' will continue focusing on menu innovation, including more in-store and RTD beverages launches.

“Our goal is to transform Dunkin' into a beverage-led, on-the-go brand.”

Just call them Dunkin’: DD drops the ‘donuts’ and focuses on drinks

By Beth Newhart

In a week of major changes, Dunkin’ Donuts confirmed it’s dropping the ‘Donuts’ from its name, launches its first canned RTD beverage and announces a limited edition coffee beer in collaboration with Harpoon Brewery.

What beer goes with best with your barbie? The answer may be changing from lager to something else... pic:getty/kolbz

Big brewers find ways to profit from the growing culture of drinking less, drinking better

Though smaller than ever, Australia’s beer market has ‘never been more profitable’

By Richard Whitehead

The iconic image of the larrikin lager drinker cracking open an endless succession of cold ones couldn’t be more wrong, going by long-standing trends in the Australian beer industry, which is seeing consumption slump to a four-decade low.

Lion Dairy and Drinks' portfolio includes flavored milk and iced coffee. Stock picture:getty/theeradechsanin

Kirin considers sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks

By Rachel Arthur

Japanese beer and beverage giant Kirin has announced a strategic review for Lion Dairy and Drinks - a producer and distributor of dairy products and beverages in Oceania – with the sale of the unit one of the options.

Cascade's brewery has operated in Tasmania since 1832. Pic: Carlton & United Breweries.

News in brief

Cascade stops using plastic six-pack rings

By Rachel Arthur

Australian beer brand Cascade is discontinuing the use of plastic six-pack rings on its cans; with other Carlton & United Breweries brands to follow over the next 12 months.

Migration has increased globally, and with it, beer options have expanded. Pic: ©GettyImages/rez-art

China now drinks more Budweiser than the US

By Beth Newhart

Domestic beer consumption in the US has fallen over the last two decades while China’s interest in American beer has spiked. Budweiser sales finally flipped in China’s favor in the first half of 2018 and the trend is expected to continue.