## Anheuser-Busch InBev Eyes Middle-Tier Push Post-Consent Decree
Anheuser-Busch InBev plans to ramp up its middle-tier strategy after its consent decree expires midway through 2026, potentially pressuring independent distributors in the ‘red network’ to sell out (VinePair, January 2026). ABI has regained momentum following three years of challenges post-Bud Light controversy, resuming aggressive market moves (VinePair, January 2026). Meanwhile, **Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite** trailed the market in off-premise dollars and volume through November 2025, per Circana scan data from grocery, mass retail, and convenience stores (VinePair, January 2026).
## Craft Beer Faces Closures but Seeks Bedrock in 2026
Craft brewing enters its second straight year of more closures than openings, with nearly 9,800 firms remaining per Brewers Association counts, though sales and volume declines may outpace the category in 2025 (VinePair, January 2026). **Rogue Ales’ collapse** signals the end of an era for pioneers, highlighting broader shifts in the craft segment (The Beer Connoisseur, January 2026). The Brewers Association released **2026 Beer Style Guidelines** on January 13, adding Rice Lager as a new category and updating Belgian styles (Brewers Association, January 13, 2026).
## Non-Alcoholic Beer Poised for Explosive Growth
Athletic Brewing’s chief predicts an **explosion of NA beer occasions** over the next decade (Beer Business Daily, January 15, 2026). The Brewers Association notes strong growth trends in non-alc beer, with craft playing a key role and further expansion expected in 2026 (Brewers Association, January 2026). Low and no-ABV options surge as nearly half of Americans aim to drink less in 2026 (Tastewise, January 2026).
## Lager Renaissance and Premium Value Define Bar Menus
The **lager renaissance matures** in 2026, focusing on premium-ization and diversification of crisp, refreshing styles, driven by consumer demand for quality and value (Backbar Academy, January 2026). Bars see a ‘Great Re-Balancing’ toward sessionable beers amid economic pressures, with premium macro-lagers gatewaying craft explorations (Backbar Academy, January 2026). Value means ‘worth the price,’ not cheap, as consumers split between high-quality options and reject mediocre craft pints (Backbar Academy, January 2026).
## Craft Trends: Hyper-Localization and Hybrids Lead
**Hyper-localization** gains traction as neighborhood breweries source from local farms for hops, fruits, and herbs to match regional tastes (Tastewise, January 2026). Trends include fruited sours, smoothie beers, hybrid styles, and sustainable solutions, with craft holding over 13% U.S. market share in 2024 per Brewers Association (Tastewise, January 2026). Breweries explore AI-powered insights for targeted marketing amid consolidation and tech adoption (Tastewise, January 2026).
## Distributor Shifts and Leadership Changes
Reyes Beverage Group is in active discussions with RNDC in seven markets (Beer Business Daily, January 13, 2026). Dolf van den Brink steps down as **Heineken CEO** (Beer Business Daily, January 12, 2026). Constellation Brands reports beer distribution gains despite volatility in Q3 earnings (Beer Business Daily, January 9, 2026).
## Regional Brewery Updates
In San Diego, **Craft Coast breaks ground** on a new venue next to Modern Times Beer, converting a drive-through into an outdoor patio (San Diego Beer News, January 2026). **Chula Vista Brewery** shutters its Eastlake brewpub for renovations and a new culinary concept, with brewing continuing on-site (San Diego Beer News, January 2026). Bottlecraft North Park reopens with 22 taps and expanded seating (San Diego Beer News, January 2026).