ProBrewer

From the smallest of breweries that only sell beer at the brewery or brewpub to larger breweries with multi-state distribution, packaging is a critically important component in offering a quality product to the consumer. Whether it is cans, bottles, kegs or draft at the brewpub, there are many details to ensure that you have the proper equipment, packaging design and handling methods.

As Dry January looms, some breweries and bars might be welcoming more sober guests than they are used to. Data from the Beer Institute shows that N/A beer is growing, 23% in 2025 alone. Surveyed drinkers reported that they would likely stay longer at a bar or restaurant with a wider N/A selection.

Non-alcoholic beer continues to be the fastest growing segment in the beer industry and this month’s ProBrewer Expert Topic looks at how craft brewers can enter the category and successfully develop, brew and sell a non-alcoholic beer brand. Non-alcoholic beer has many unique qualities both from a brewing perspective and on the sales, marketing and distribution side as well.

Moderation has become an increasingly important part of the modern drinkers’ lifestyle. With December often bringing with it excessive levels of indulgence, January has become a de facto blank slate, providing the perfect opportunity for some to slow down for a while. But that doesn’t mean patrons don’t want to socialize in public. Hospitality should see it as an opportunity.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) wrapped up its annual convention as beer wholesalers from across the country gathered in Las Vegas this week for the association’s 88th annual Convention & Trade Show. The convention featured the association’s biggest-ever tradeshow floor with over 250 booths.

Three craft breweries in Iowa are joining forces to consolidate operations into one production facility. SingleSpeed Brewing Company announced that Backpocket Brewing and Peace Tree Brewing will relocate all brewing production to the SingleSpeed’s brewery in Waterloo. The combined operation, expected to open in early 2026 will be called “The Brewery @ WonderBread.” The brewery was once a Wonder Bread factory.

Baltimore’s Clipper City Brewing Company and Heavy Seas Beer, Maryland’s largest craft brewery, announced that it will be joining B3 Beverage Co., the East Coast craft beverage platform which currently includes Yards Brewing Co., Two Roads Brewing and Bald Birds Brewing Company. Heavy Seas will operate as a subsidiary within the B3 group, allowing the brand to increase efficiencies through shared production, distribution, and procurement with the other breweries under the B3 umbrella.

The Brewers Association (BA) announced the 2025 medal winners at this year’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition ceremony held as usual at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. A total of 273 breweries and cideries took home 347 medals in this year’s competition. This is the 39th edition of the annual event.

Following a strong year for U.S. distilled spirits exports in 2024, exports of American spirits dropped by 9% year-over-year in the second quarter, driven by ongoing trade tensions, according to a new report released today by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). The American Distilled Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report showed declines were particularly steep in exports to key markets including the European Union (EU), Canada, United Kingdom (UK) and Japan.

One of the fastest growing segments for craft brewers in Ohio has just been eliminated as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order banning food and beverage products that contain psychoactive compounds, including those containing low levels of hemp. All products must be pulled from shelves by Tuesday, October 14, 2025.