Relaxation and stress relief are leading reasons consumers choose intoxicating hemp beverages, according to NIQ, MRI-Simmons and Dry Atlas. Off-premise sales rose 74% to $289 million, although growth has slowed amid uncertainty over a potential federal ban.

Breakthru Beverage withdrew from a proposed acquisition of RNDC’s Kentucky and Indiana operations after due diligence, and is now integrating displaced suppliers while investing in emerging formats and alcohol alternatives. The distributor expects growth but remains cautious about M&A and…

Stateside Brands says its vodka-based Super Lyte has sold 2.3 million cases since launching in March and is projected to reach 4 million cases by year-end, quadrupling the previous spirits-based RTD launch-year record.

Coors Distributing Company filed two lawsuits in Colorado seeking to prevent Constellation Brands and Mark Anthony Brands from ending their decades-long distribution agreements. CDC alleges the terminations violate state franchise law and contractual arbitration requirements.

The three Orange County craft beer brands will retain their identities while sharing production, distribution, sales, marketing and operational resources under The Bruery Group. The transaction is expected to close later this year; terms were not disclosed.

Six of the 10 largest beer vendors posted year-over-year dollar sales declines in Circana-tracked channels during the four weeks ending September 6. New Belgium and Sazerac bucked the broader weakness with accelerated growth of 12.8% and 7.8%, respectively.

Circana data showed off-premise beverage-alcohol dollar sales fell 1.3% year over year in the week ending September 20, with beer down 2.5%. Spirits grew 3.6%, while most leading beer and ready-to-drink brands lost momentum following Labor Day.

A federal judge dismissed Patco Brands’ cybersquatting and unfair-competition counterclaims against BuzzBallz, concluding a three-year legal dispute between the rival ready-to-drink cocktail brands.

Tröegs Independent Brewing has released Original Gin and Orange Amaro at its Hershey brewery store as it expands beyond beer. The brewer is also developing cocktail bitters and plans wider distribution of its spirits-based ready-to-drink products, though no timeline has been set.

CMO Dave Knospe told New Belgium distributors that beer suppliers can find growth despite industry headwinds by evolving their brands, portfolios and formats around current consumer preferences.

Coors Distributing Company says it is considering legal and commercial action after Mark Anthony Brands and Constellation Brands moved to end their distribution agreements, alleging the terminations violate Colorado beer franchise law.

Backswing Brewing closed after more than a decade, while Outerbelt Brewing plans to shut next month, ending operations for Homestead Beer Co. and Heart State Brewing. Separately, Michelob Ultra signed a multiyear NHL sponsorship deal.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes alleges Botanic Tonics violated state consumer fraud law by marketing Feel Free kratom and kava shots as energy drinks without adequately disclosing addiction risks.

CEO Shaun Belongie outlined a simplified strategy centered on Voodoo Ranger, Kirin Ichiban and Bell’s Two Hearted IPA. New Belgium reported year-to-date gains of 5.7% in off-premise dollar sales and 3.9% in volume through September 12.

U.S. beverage-alcohol dollar sales fell 2.1% and volume declined 3.8% year over year in the four weeks ending September 12. Beer’s declines moderated, while prepared cocktails returned to 2% dollar growth despite lower volume.

Sun King Brewery will move all Florida production to Bradenton-based Sun Lab Brewing, close its Sarasota brewery and taproom, and open a licensed taproom on Siesta Key later this fall.

Nominations are open for BevNET CPG Media’s 2026 Brewbound, Spirits, beverage and packaged food awards. Deadlines fall on October 30 or November 20, with winners announced online or at industry events in December.

Mintel says consumer moderation is driving demand for smaller formats, mid-strength spirits, global varieties, nostalgic flavors and more sensory drinking experiences, while broader alcohol declines are expected to continue.

The Brewers Association merged its pub and taproom brewer voting classes and opened board elections through October 21. Nine candidates are seeking three seats across the combined class and the packaging brewer class.

New Belgium Brewing will open its Daleville Liquid Center to the public, serving core beers, Voodoo Ranger IPAs and small-batch offerings at its Virginia production facility.

Twenty-seven front-of-house workers at Boston Beer Company’s Samuel Adams Boston Brewery and Taproom voted to join UFCW Local 328. Contract negotiations with Boston Beer are the next step.

Diageo appointed Joanne Wilson as its next CFO. Sun Cruiser secured a New York sports partnership, Other Half expanded distribution in Northern New Jersey, and North Coast and Athletic Brewing announced new beers.

Functional beverage maker Recess appointed Matthew Sztab as chief commercial officer and Graham Goeppert as SVP of digital commerce and media as it expands retail distribution, marketing and product innovation.

Circana-tracked off-premise beverage alcohol sales fell 2.4% year over year by dollars and 3.7% by volume in the four weeks ending September 6. Nonalcoholic beer continued growing, particularly in convenience stores, while most beer segments declined.

Gopuff will join Instacart Marketplace, fulfill orders through its own delivery network and use Instacart’s Carrot Ads technology to serve promotions in its U.S. app.

Mark Anthony Brands will move its portfolio, including White Claw, from Coors Distributing Company to RBG Spirits and Wine of Colorado. The change expands its relationship with Reyes Beverage Group and follows Constellation Brands’ planned departure from the Molson Coors-owned distributor.

Straightaway Cocktails is using its new Portland International Airport bar to test drinks, gather sales data and build customer loyalty through sampling and direct brand experiences.