Beer

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When it comes to the beer segment, more consumers are seeking upscale offerings. Andrea Riberi, senior vice president of alcohol beverages with Nielsen, New York, told Beverage Industry in its March issue that super-premium domestic beers, which include brands like MillerCoors’ Blue Moon and Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light Lime and Michelob Ultra, gained 2 percent in case volume last year.

Beverage Industry provides an in-depth look at the performances and trends in non-alcohol and alcohol categories in the last year.

SABMiller plc, London, is scaling up its sustainable development programs with a set of new targets to achieve by 2020. The following initiatives are part of the company’s pledge:

Berghoff Brewing released its latest seasonal offering, the Berghoff Granola Shambler, in extremely limited quantities in the Midwest.

New Belgium Brewing Co. collaborated with Midwest craft brewer 3 Floyds to develop Grätzer ale.

Portland Brewing Co. released its summer seasonal: Portland Brewing Oregon Honey Beer.

Vermont Hard Cider Co. LLC added a new hard cider to its Woodchuck Hard Cider Cellar Series.

As craft brewers continue to churn out new and exciting products, they also are tasked with developing relationships with wholesalers who can support the growth of their brands. Recognizing the popularity of craft beer, many distributors are bolstering their portfolios as they foster partnerships with these entrepreneurs.

In sports, coaches and managers aren’t afraid of some healthy competition. The same can be said for the craft beer market. However, these brewers take healthy competition a step further to camaraderie.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has come a long way from the early days when Ken Grossman, founder of the Chico, Calif.-based craft brewery, first began experimenting with homebrewing. After 34 years in business and countless expansions, the company is on the heels of completing its latest adventure: an East Coast facility.