Trade News

→ Welcome new craft beer Flying Embers Hard Kombucha, available in Lemon Orchard, Grapefruit Thyme, Ancient Berry and Ginger & Oak. The product is sugar free, gluten free, vegan and certified organic. Flying Embers is named after the devastating 2017 Thomas wildfires in California, when the brewers almost lost everything. They relocated to Ventura, California where they call themselves “makers of botanical brews with functional benefits.”

→ C4 Original Energy Drink, America’s #1 pre-workout drink, is in the house! It comes from Cellucor and is described as “explosive energy” with a formula for advanced energy, endurance, focus and pumps. It is available in a variety of flavors.

→ Odd 13, craft beer from Lafayette, Colorado (near Denver) launched in Ohio in October. Co-owners Kristin Scott (originally from the Cincinnati area) and husband Ryan, met at Bowling Green State University. The brews are handled in Ohio at Heidelberg’s Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati (Ohio Valley) facilities.

→ USA Today recently ran a story announcing the limited-edition Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter, available only through February. It is the first collaboration for Yuengling in its 190-year history and the first licensed product agreement for Hershey’s. Both companies are located in Pennsylvania.

→ Three national organizations representing different segments of the beer industry are working together on a new marketing campaign with a celebratory message: “Beers to That.” The message will be communicated through digital advertising, experiential marketing point-of-sale and outdoor media. It is funded by the Beer Institute (large-scale “macro” brewers), the Brewers Association (independent and craft brewers) and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).

→ WinePair recently reported on a Nielsen survey which confirmed that consumers are drinking less beer but spending more on it and caring more about it. The Top 10 growth brands by dollar sales include five hard seltzers, all from White Claw and Truly, along with light beers Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold and Corona Premier. The survey also revealed that consumers are willing to pay up to a $5 premium for local brands compared to some of the national or non-local selections. IPAs continue to be the top-selling craft variety, growing at a 10% rate.

→ The Winking Lizard, Ohio’s top on-premise chain with 23 locations, shared with Beer Business Daily that they are putting Bud Light on tap after a 10-year hiatus due to the “bar call” – customers asking for Bud Light draft. Dave Lane, Director of Operations, also said the restaurant/sports bar is looking to Modelo and seltzer to boost beer sales, which have been down in all three categories: draft, domestic and craft/import. Liquor is taking a larger share of the bar business over beer, and draft beer outsells package beer two to one.