Fragmented demand means there's not just one beer industry anymore

Jul 3, 2024
It started with the rise of craft beer in the 2010s and has continued with flavored hard seltzers and canned cocktails.
"Beverage alcohol consumers are starting to spread their dollars across alcohol types and categories more than they have in the past," says Matt Gacioch, staff economist with the Brewers Association.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Sober times for China's wine sellers

Apr 17, 2024
Having once enjoyed vibrant growth, China's wine industry is being held back by trade barriers, changing tastes and a flagging economy.
A shelf of wines from France, Argentina and New Zealand in a Shanghai retail shop. Wine imports have declined, and exporters are frustrated.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

The enduring legacy of the French 75 cocktail

Apr 10, 2024
A deep dive into the drink's fascinating history and lasting appeal with author John Maxwell Hamilton.
The French 75 renews its image as people and businesses appropriate the historic name. John Maxwell Hamilton wrote the book on it.
Aamulya/Getty Images

As young consumers drink less, brands and bars offer more and better alternatives

Mar 5, 2024
Gen Z and millenial consumers are less interested in alcohol. And it's not a bad time to be sober or sober curious.
The market for non-alcoholic alternatives has seen consistent double-digit growth over the last five years and exceeded half a billion dollars in 2023, NielsenIQ found.
Vincenzo Pinto/AFP via Getty Images

No more clubbing? Some UK clubs close amid quieting nightlife

Mar 5, 2024
The United Kingdom's biggest nightclub operator has closed 17 venues, blaming slow midweek business.
The interior of the Pryzm nightclub in Leeds in September 2020. The club has since permanently closed.
Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

For a Wyoming family, opening a distillery was about facing "uncertain financial times" head on

Dec 26, 2023
"There was a romantic ideal about being in control of your own destiny," says Backwards Distilling co-founder Amber Pollock.
Amber Pollock behind the bar at the distillery's tasting room in Casper, Wyoming.
Courtesy Pollock

Beer? Pour me a grey one

Aug 15, 2023
A brewery in drought-plagued California experiments with making beer using purified grey water. The CEO says he’d serve it at a party.
Chris Garrett at Devil's Canyon Brewing hopes his beer can change perceptions about drinking recycled wastewater.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Anchor Brewing Company shuts down after 127 years

Jul 13, 2023
The brewery says inflation and increased competition are both to blame. But also? We’re just drinking less beer.
Anchor calls itself America's first craft brewery, and has been around for more than 125 years.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

What can the beer market tell us about the economy?

Mar 17, 2023
A beer industry group's data shows a steep decline for the craft segment in February as consumers spent more consciously.
While seltzer sales saw an uptick last year, craft beer sales declined.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Confident in the economy or not, American consumers are going out

Feb 28, 2023
Sales at restaurants and bars were up around 25 percent from last year. Part of that is likely due to pent-up demand.
Kooper's Tavern is one of many bars and restaurants in Fells Point, a historic neighborhood in Baltimore.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace