Sam Adams Introduces Record-Strength Utopias Beer
Boston-based brewer Sam Adams has launched its 2025 release of Utopias, a bold extreme beer packed with 30% alcohol by volume (ABV), surpassing previous versions capped between 24% and 28% ABV. The beer blends vintages aged up to 30 years, finished in casks including Irish Whiskey, Amarone, and Scotch, creating intricate flavors of caramel, oak, dried fruit, and subtle smoke. Due to regulatory restrictions, Utopias cannot be sold in 15 U.S. states such as New Hampshire, Vermont, North Carolina, and Georgia where legal beer ABV limits range from 14% to 15%. The 24.5-ounce bottle retails at $240, with recommendations to serve only one to two ounces as a sipper. Reviews highlight its intense taste profile with complex notes and warming burn (CBS News, 2025).
Global Craft Beer Market Forecast to Nearly Double by 2032
The global craft beer sector is on a strong upward trajectory, projected to reach $111.3 billion in 2025 and expand to $214 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. Growth is fueled by increasing demand for unique flavors, small-batch production, and experiential taproom culture. North America leads market maturity, with the U.S. and Canada showing solid craft beer integration into mainstream consumption. Mexico’s urban markets contribute growing enthusiasm for innovative brews. Collaboration between brewers and hospitality, coupled with digital distribution innovations, are key growth drivers (Metastat Insights, 2025).
Molson Coors Restructures Amid Market Challenges
Molson Coors Beverage Company announced plans to cut over 400 salaried jobs by year-end, equivalent to about 9% of its Americas workforce amid challenging macroeconomic conditions, including weaker consumer spending and aluminum tariff pressures. The company’s restructuring follows the appointment of new CEO Rahul Goyal, who emphasized urgency and bold decisions to regain growth. Molson Coors’ portfolio includes major brands like Coors Light and Miller Lite, and the company aims to pivot focus beyond traditional beer segments to stay competitive in a shifting market landscape (AmericanCraftBeer.com, 2025).
AB InBev Reports Profit Decline Amid Sales Volume Drop
Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a net profit of $1.05 billion for Q3 2025, down from $2.07 billion year-over-year, driven largely by a 3.7% organic volume decline. The decrease was notably impacted by an 11.3% volume drop in China and adverse weather in Brazil. Despite volume challenges, AB InBev’s adjusted EBITDA grew 3.3% in the quarter. The company remains optimistic about midterm targets for normalized earnings growth and continues strategic initiatives including a recent €1.2 billion sponsorship deal with the UEFA Champions League, expanding brand presence in sports marketing (Dow Jones Newswires, 2025; InsideWorldFootball, 2025).
Consumer and Market Trends in the Craft Beer Landscape
Recent reports highlight evolving consumer preferences with a focus on health-conscious choices, premiumization, and value. About 25% of consumers seek to moderate alcohol consumption, creating demand for low ABV and non-alcoholic options. Premium experiences remain a growth segment, yet value for money is pivotal for nearly half of on-premise patrons. Food and drink pairings also gain traction as a marketing tool for craft brewers to engage consumers in competitive hospitality environments (CraftBrewingBusiness.com, 2025).
Emerging trends suggest intensified interest in hybrid beverages, including cannabis-infused drinks that bridge craft beer and cannabis industries, especially in U.S. states with evolving regulations. These innovations could reshape product offerings and shelf space allocation in 2025 and beyond (Hop Culture, 2025).
Industry Campaigns Promoting Inclusion in Brewing
The International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) announced its 2026 theme ‘Unite Belonging,’ aiming to foster inclusivity and community within the beer industry. This campaign reflects broader social movements within craft brewing culture, emphasizing authentic spaces for underrepresented groups and collaborative brewing efforts globally (The Drinks Business, 2025).
Image credit: Sam Adams Utopias beer bottle and craft brewing scenes.