Daily Beer Press Review: Key Industry Updates
Constellation Brands Delivers Strong Q3 as Beer Stabilizes
Constellation Brands exceeded third-quarter expectations, providing optimism amid U.S. beverage alcohol challenges. Beer sales fell by 1% in the quarter, an improvement from the prior 7% drop. (The Drinks Business, 2026)
Shares rose 3% after the results, despite a 37% decline in 2025. Demand for Modelo Especial and Corona weakened due to President Trump’s 50% tariffs on aluminum, which comprises 41% of Constellation’s Mexican beer packaging. (The Drinks Business, 2026)
Commodity brands like Pacifico, Victoria, Corona Sunbrew, and Corona Familiar saw upturns as household budgets tightened. Chief executive Bill Newlands noted beer business dollar and volume share gains in tracked channels. (The Drinks Business, 2026)
The company forecasts annual earnings per share between $9.72 and $10.02, reaffirming organic net sales decline of 4-6%, with beer down 2-4%. (The Drinks Business, 2026)
Heineken 0.0 Drives Alcohol-Free Beer Innovation
Heineken 0.0 commands an 18% share of the global 0.0 beer category and is available in 117 markets. Sales grew 10% in FY2024. (Beverage Daily, 2026)
The brand has reshaped perceptions, with 81% of respondents believing it’s fine to decline alcohol without explanation, and 67% viewing it as inappropriate to ask why someone isn’t drinking. (Beverage Daily, 2026)
Alcohol-free beer now represents 2% of the global beer market, up 9% in volume in 2024, with an 8% CAGR from 2019-2024. Heineken positions 0.0 as cool and accepted, changing social stigma. (Beverage Daily, 2026)
South African Beer Sector Faces Excise Hike Pressure
The beer industry warns that an above-inflation excise hike in the upcoming budget could strain small brewers and jeopardize thousands of jobs. (IOL, 2026)
Craft Beer Trends Emphasize Value, Lagers, and Low-ABV
Craft beer trends for 2026 highlight hyper-localization, low and no-ABV options, hybrid styles, and sustainable practices. Nearly half of Americans aim to drink less, boosting low-ABV demand. (Tastewise, 2026)
The “Great Re-Balancing” sees consumers prioritizing quality, drinkability, and value over novelty. Premium lagers diversify, with data showing two in three opting for less quantity but more quality. (Backbar Academy, 2026)
Lagers mature with premiumization, while hyper-local small breweries grow despite regional craft struggles. Brewers Association projects U.S. craft beer at 4.1% CAGR. (Protis Global, 2026; Brewers Association, 2025)
Style Guidelines and Regional Highlights
Brewers Association released 2026 Beer Style Guidelines, adding Rice Lager and updating Belgian and German styles. (Brewers Association, 2026)
In Oregon, Tualatin Valley’s Tap Season kicks off with Ale-Paca IPA, a collaborative West Coast IPA from over 25 breweries. (New School Beer, 2026)
Global beer market, valued at $804.65B in 2025, projects to $998.98B by 2030 via premium products and innovation. (Beer Connoisseur, 2026)