Independent Brewers Association Appoints Sabrina Kunz as Interim CEO
The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) has named Sabrina Kunz as its interim CEO, following her extensive experience as Head of Industry Development and deep involvement in the wider brewing industry communities of Australia and New Zealand. Kunz emphasized bolstering advocacy efforts, community engagement, and creating a fair market environment for independent brewers. She highlighted challenges such as rising production costs and regulatory hurdles, stressing the need for alcohol tax reform and protections against unfair practices by major retailers. Her leadership aims to support diversified indie brewers and promote consumer awareness of independent beer benefits (Beer & Brewer, 2025).
Rise of Sustainable and Flexible Packaging in Craft Beer
New packaging trends are shaping the craft beer market in 2025, with an accelerated shift from rigid plastics and glass to paper-based options projected to rise by 43%, flexible packaging by 30%, and liquid cartons by 16%. These trends cater to sustainability demands and offer breweries more versatility to market seasonal, collaborative, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beers. Industry experts recommend breweries reconsider materials for recyclability, enhance packaging flexibility for limited editions and small batches, and invest in advanced co-packing and labeling technologies to remain competitive in a crowded market (Craft Brewing Business, 2025).
Nashville Craft Beer Market Undergoes Key Ownership Changes
The Nashville craft beer scene experienced significant consolidation as Bearded Iris was acquired by Memphis-based Wiseacre Brewing Co., and Knoxville’s Xul Beer Co. took over Southern Grist. While Bearded Iris will maintain its brand identity and leadership, it will scale production in Memphis and close its Sylvan Park taproom, consolidating focus on its Germantown location. Southern Grist’s takeover by Xul will allow the Knoxville brewery to expand its presence in Nashville’s competitive market. Both acquisitions underscore the pressures of rapid craft beer expansion amid declining sales, pushing veteran local breweries towards strategic partnerships and market consolidation (Axios, 2025).
Local Breweries Celebrate Successes in Competitive Events
North Carolina’s craft breweries earned high accolades with several gold medal wins at the 2025 North Carolina Brewers Cup, reflecting quality and innovation in the local craft beer scene. These awards highlight ongoing regional competitiveness and the thriving creative spirit among craft brewers in the U.S. Southeast (WLOS, 2025).
Industry Moving Forward Amid Market and Consumer Shifts
Across the sector, breweries continue innovating with new flavors, including collaborations with coffee roasters and distilleries, while embracing technology-driven production methods. Seasonal and experimental beers, such as those reintroduced at Turtle Mountain’s reopened brewhouse, showcase adaptation to consumer demand for variety and local engagement (NM Dark Side Brew Crew, 2025). The ongoing growth of RTD formats and health-focused options also influences brewing and marketing strategies (SanDiegoBeer.News, 2025). These developments indicate a nuanced evolution within the beer industry, balancing tradition and innovation in response to economic pressures and shifting consumer preferences.