Episode 13
Weekly Beverage Alcohol Recap | December 12, 2025
Published on:
14th December, 2025
Big deal / “Beyond Beer”
- AB InBev moves to buy 85% of BeatBox (up to $490M, close expected Q1 2026), reinforcing RTD/FAB consolidation.
Beer remains soft, but share battles intensify
- Beer shipments down YoY; analysts see stabilization in pockets but continued declines overall.
- Category winners focus on execution, price/mix, and channel strength.
Spirits: trade-down + RTD boom
- Premium pressure shows up in tier data; meanwhile prepared cocktails/RTDs surge with standout brand growth.
Wine: supply correction + major WA ownership change
- Wyckoff Farms buys Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; broader U.S. wine still working through excess inventory and reduced crush expectations.
Channel shifts
- Value retail (Dollar General expansion) and grocery-policy debates point to distribution battlegrounds heading into 2026.
Regulatory watch
- Hemp-derived intoxicants face tighter scrutiny and a ticking clock toward Nov 2026, with competing proposals to define national standards.
