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The Boston Beer Co. Inc., Boston, reported a net revenue increase of 28 percent to $231.6 million in the second quarter of 2014, up $50.3 million from the prior-year period.

New research from Chicago-based Mintel suggests that while craft beer drinkers might enjoy the big, bold flavors of their favorite artisanal brews, they also place a premium on what the beer says about them. For the 25-34 age group, which represents the segment's heaviest consumers, 70 percent say that the brand of beer says a lot about a person, and 66 percent say the style does the same. This strong sense of self has manifested itself in record sales for the craft beer industry, as Mintel estimates sales of craft beer — including craft-style offerings — will reach $20 billion in 2014, more than doubling sales of five years ago.

London-based SABMiller plc reported total beverage volume growth of 3 percent, on an organic basis, in its first quarter of 2014, which ended June 30. In addition, the company’s group net producer revenue (NPR) was up 6 percent, and group NPR per hectoliter was up 3 percent, both on an organic, constant currency basis, in the term.

Taking its Saranac White IPA to the next level, F.X. Matt Brewing Co. added Saranac Clouded Dream to its Saranac High Peaks Collection.

After reformulating its Heineken Light beer by adding Cascade hops, Heineken USA Inc. announced that the brand was named the “Best Tasting Low Calorie Lager” at the 2013 World Beer Championships.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), Alexandria, Va., announced the keynote speakers for its 77^th Annual Convention, which will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

Solemn Oath Brewing announced plans to expand its Naperville, Ill.-based brewery to support its growing craft beer portfolio.

Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif., is launching its first crowd-participation campaign, which it describes as “the campaign for cross-planetary brewing,” on Indiegogo. Through Aug. 16, the campaign invites fans to join Stone Brewing in “a craft beer revolution” by purchasing special collaboration beers, the purchase of which will be used to expedite the construction of the restaurant and garden components of Stone Brewing’s new facilities in Berlin and east of the Mississippi. Each of the new locations will include a production brewery, packaging and distribution operations, farm-to-table restaurant, gardens, and a retail store.

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.