Health and wellness, convenience trends drive beverage innovation
December 11, 2015
Creating a new beverage presents myriad challenges. According to Chicago-based Mintel’s Global New Products Database, 3,142 new beverages were released in the United States from January to October 2015.
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), Alexandria, Va., hosted its 78th annual convention and tradeshow Oct. 11-14 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., announced an agreement to acquire San Diego-based Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. One of the fastest growing craft beer companies in the United States, Ballast Point beer portfolio contains more than 40 different varieties, including its Sculpin IPA and Grapefruit Sculpin IPA, the company says. The partnership with Ballast Point will enable Constellation Brands to compete in the craft beer segment, further strengthening its position in the highest end of the U.S. beer market, it adds.
Three cities in Maryland recently named October “Shore Craft Beer and Hard Cider Month.” One of them in Ocean City, also hosted a Shore Craft Beer Festival, which took place Oct. 24 and featured local brewers, according to the Caroline Times Record.
Winter brew salutes World War II Battleship USS Massachusetts
November 10, 2015
Providence, R.I.-based Narragansett Beer announced the release of Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale, a sessionable ale that pays homage to the USS Massachusetts. The release commemorates the 50th anniversary of maritime museum Battleship Cove and Narragansett’s own efforts to save the impenetrable warship many years ago, the company says.