AB InBev's North American CEO Joao Castro Neves warns of beer losing its throne as the largest American alcohol market segment as soon as 2030. This projection is based on statistics showing a dramatic 33% loss of market share in the 21-27 year old demographic between 2006 and 2016. In the former, beer made up 65% of total alcohol consumption, falling to just 43% in 2016.
Texan Legislation May Stifle Craft Beer
House Bill 3287 was enacted in the State of Texas on June 15, 2017 and has caused a significant stir in the craft beer community. Growing breweries, and those considering opening their own businesses, are concerned that the new legislation could scare off potential investment. The reason? The bill requires all Texan based breweries who produce 225,000 barrels (5805718.09 gallons) of beer annually to pay a distributor to deliver their beer, even if it's to a taproom in the same facility.