Industry Insights
Top Takeaways From Brewbound Live - Winter 2022
Read what brewing industry trends beverage producers talked about during Brewbound Live Winter 2022.
December 5, 2022
The beverage industry came together for Brewbound Live Winter 2022 to connect on topics like producing non-traditional beverages, creating brand families, working with competitive market data, and more.
Below you'll find some of the most interesting industry takeaways from our conversations with beverage producers and leaders throughout the event.
Top Takeaways From Brewbound Live Winter 2022
Carrie Yunker, EVP of Bells Brewery, shared one simple question that lead the organization through the retirement of its legendary founder, Larry Bell, and the sale of the company to New Belgium Brewing’s parent company, Lion Little World Beverages: "What do you think?" In Carrie's opinion, it’s pivotal to get multiple perspectives to help solve your own business challenges.
According to Brewers Association's Chief Economist, Bart Watson, on-premise bars and restaurants are reporting that sales volumes are returning to pre-pandemic percentages. Bart also encourages beverage producers, distributors, and retailers to not worry too much about the impact inflation will have on consumption. Historically inflation doesn't slow down sales of alcohol. He added that purchasing power is still strong with beverage consumers.
"Beyond beer" or the "4th category" of beverages is bringing new drinkers into the fold. 71% of people have consumed all 4 categories (beer, wine, liquor and 4th category) in the last 6 months. Consumers are not seeking a category or style, but seeking flavor. They don’t care where it’s coming from," said Brian “BK” Krueger, Vice President, Business Development & Portfolio Strategy, Bump Williams.
Distributors and producers regularly keyed in on how important their relationship is to both of their success. The more producers engage with every level of the distributor - including locally - the more successful both can be. Both parties need to work hard to stay organized and in sync about marketing, sales, promotional, and innovation initiatives.
According to Mario Carrasco, Co-Founder & Principal, ThinkNow, Gen Z uses the ‘About Us’ page of a company more than any other generation to see if a company is holding strong to their claims about diverse leadership and teams, staying true to their mission, walking the talk.
We look forward to connecting at - and sharing insights from - the next beverage industry event!