Beer-articles 683

It appears that beer giant Constellation Brands is bracing for a challenging summer as it faces the repercussions of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from Mexico and Canada. Effective from midnight, these tariffs, set at 25%, threaten to significantly impact the beer industry. This is critical as over 80% of U.S. beer imports derive from Mexico.

No other beer business stands to lose more from this trade situation than Constellation Brands, which produces renowned brands like Corona and Modelo, all brewed in Mexico. The company has recently seen these brands perform well, counterbalancing less robust sales in its wine sector.

Constellation operates two breweries in Mexico and is actively constructing a third facility in Veracruz. Analysts estimate that an overwhelming 99% of its beer is imported from Mexico. In response to the tariffs, a representative from Constellation indicated their commitment to collaborating with both U.S. and Mexican government officials to present their concerns and seek resolutions.

Research forecasts a potential decline of $3.50 per share in Constellation’s earnings due to the tariffs unless mitigative actions such as increasing prices, cutting costs, or executing stock buybacks are implemented. Even with some potential adjustments, a significant earnings drop of about $2.40 per share remains likely.

Contingency plans could potentially see distributors absorbing some of the added costs, but the extended effects of these tariffs also put the returns on Constellation’s recent investments in question. The company has dedicated substantial resources—over $900 million—to increasing its beer production capabilities in Mexico for the 2024 fiscal year alone.

As the situation evolves, Constellation’s stock has encountered challenges, plummeting 21% this year amid reduced guidance and disappointing sales figures. Its current trading multiples place it significantly lower than comparable beverage companies, raising concerns about its long-term financial health amid changing trade policies.

Furthermore, analysts express cautious optimism that Constellation Brands will still find a way to gain market share despite the immediate hurdles, although they recognize the persistent obstacles affecting the broader alcohol consumption market.

Last weekend, Kennett Square welcomed approximately 2,000 beer enthusiasts for the 13th annual Winterfest, an event organized by the nonprofit Kennett Collaborative. The festival saw participants adorned in colorful costumes and sporting pretzel necklaces, enjoying a diverse selection of artisan and handcrafted beers.

Among the attendees was Matt Jenkins from Kirkwood, who expressed enthusiasm about the event, noting the great beer and lively atmosphere. The celebration emphasized community togetherness, with cheers echoing through the borough as people savored the various brew offerings.

For more details on the festival, visit Winterfest in Kennett Square.

Steve Sombrero, a notable figure in Hawaii’s business landscape, has carved out a unique niche by combining his passions for real estate and beer. As the president and CEO of Cushman & Wakefield ChaneyBrooks, his entrepreneurial journey began in Guam, where he explored various industries, including tourism and chicken farming, before moving to Hawaii in the early 1990s.

After earning an MBA from the University of Hawaii, Sombrero shifted his focus to commercial real estate, eventually acquiring his current firm. His fluency in Japanese has played a pivotal role in his success, stemming from his upbringing with a Japanese mother and his professional experiences with Japanese executives in previous decades.

Over the years, Sombrero has established strong relationships with Japanese clients, facilitating major transactions in coveted areas like Waikīkī and Honolulu. One of his most significant achievements was brokering the sale of luxury homes in Kāhala from Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto to Alexander & Baldwin for $135 million, a deal that expanded to include additional properties in Waimānalo and Maui.

Sombrero’s blend of diverse business interests and language skills has not only defined his career but has also earned him recognition from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business. His innovative approach exemplifies the fusion of different industries can lead to substantial success.

Maryland’s largest provider for Medicaid enrollees has had its accreditation suspended by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The suspension was initiated following several identified issues concerning the provider’s quality of care, including failures in service delivery.

In response to the accreditation suspension, officials emphasize their commitment to resolving these issues promptly to restore accreditation status. The impact of this suspension is significant as it affects a substantial number of Medicaid enrollees who rely on this provider for their healthcare services.

For further details, visit the full article here.

The caviar culture in America has taken a fascinating turn from its historical roots as a humble bar snack to the luxurious delicacy it is perceived as today. In the 19th century, caviar was treated with little ceremony in American bars, often given away for free alongside drinks to enhance thirst, similar to the practice of serving peanuts. Interestingly, this casual attitude contrasted sharply with the high status caviar held in Europe at the time.

The tale begins in the 1860s with the emergence of a forgotten boomtown along the Delaware River known as Caviar. Founded by German immigrant Bendix Blohm, who initially sought to sell pickled sturgeon back to Germany, the town quickly transformed into a center for caviar production due to the river’s abundant sturgeon population. By the 1880s, Caviar was shipping vast quantities of sturgeon roe—15 train cars worth daily—to New York, where it was then sent to eager European buyers.

As demand surged, the infrastructure necessary for effective preservation and transportation developed, including the use of ice houses and rail lines. This allowed for caviar to travel quickly, ensuring its freshness upon arrival in Europe. However, while Caviar thrived, American bartenders struggled with the sheer volume of sturgeon available, leading to the perception of caviar as a common bar snack rather than a luxury item.

Over time, perspectives shifted. By the late 1800s, as caviar became recognized as a luxury good in Europe, its price soared, emphasizing the disparity between American and European views. Despite its popularity in bars, the ecological strain from overfishing soon became evident, leading to the decline of sturgeon populations and the eventual demise of Caviar as a thriving hub.

Today, the remnants of Caviar exist only as marshland, its once-bustling docks and rail lines forgotten. Yet, in recent years, caviar is experiencing a resurrection, largely due to social media platforms like TikTok, where new ways of consuming this luxury item are being shared. Creators challenge traditional norms surrounding caviar, making it more accessible to a broader audience and encouraging modern consumers to explore new pairings and methods of enjoyment.

In contrast to the original Caviar Rush—marked by depletion and environmental consequences—today’s caviar market emphasizes sustainable practices. Modern producers have shifted towards aquaculture, aiming to replenish wild stocks while offering ethically sourced products. As caviar’s cultural significance continues to evolve, it appears poised to reclaim a meaningful place in American dining, reflecting both its rich past and a conscientious future.

Beer enthusiasts in Loveland are in for a treat as the annual Beer Week kicks off, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the vibrant downtown beer and mead scene. Since its inception in 2019, Beer Week has been a highlight for breweries in the area, featuring special promotions on drinks, food, and merchandise at participating venues.

On Monday, Sky Bear Brewery and Pub, which opened in 2023, was the featured brewery, offering discounts on pints and 20% off merchandise such as hats and T-shirts. The festivities began on Sunday with a Foodie and Craft Beer Walk where each brewery paired food with craft beer, including Sky Bear’s jalapeño mac and cheese paired with their new Badass Pale Ale. The brew’s hoppy character complements spicy dishes, making it a popular choice among patrons.

The brewery’s owner, Amanda Montabone, noted that the pleasant 60-degree weather made the patio an inviting spot for visitors. Sky Bear will also host a beer-themed trivia night on Wednesday, inviting beer lovers to join in the fun.

To further engage attendees, a punch card system has been introduced—visitors can collect stamps from each of the six participating breweries, which include Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project, Rock Coast Brewery, Big Thompson Brewery, Loveland Aleworks, and MeadKrieger Meadery, for a chance to win prizes.

Sean Hawkins, the executive director of the Loveland Downtown District, emphasized that Beer Week serves to celebrate the breweries as vital community establishments. Highlights from various breweries include charitable events and non-alcoholic options, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and inclusiveness.

The celebration will conclude with the Brewhop Trolley, providing transportation between the six breweries on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m., allowing visitors to sample the unique offerings at each location.

For more information on events and participating breweries, visit Loveland Downtown District events.

The alcohol excise in Australia has increased recently, leading to higher prices for beer. With repeated tax hikes aligned with inflation occurring every February and August, industry representatives are raising concerns that the rising cost is making it difficult for the average Australian to afford a pint.

Despite these increases, recent research from Finder reveals that Australia, represented by Sydney, does not rank among the top ten countries for beer prices globally. In fact, a pint of beer in Sydney averages $11, placing Australia at 21st overall.

Below are the ten most expensive countries for beer:

1. Doha, Qatar: $19.00 per pint
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: $18.15 per pint
3. Reykjavik, Iceland: $15.47 per pint
4. Muscat, Oman: $15.25 per pint
5. Manama, Bahrain: $14.91 per pint
6. Oslo, Norway: $14.75 per pint
7. New York City, USA: $13.83 per pint
8. Beirut, Lebanon: $13.48 per pint
9. Zurich, Switzerland: $13.02 per pint
10. Singapore, Singapore: $12.78 per pint

While beer prices are indeed on the rise in Australia, they are still lower compared to some major cities across the globe.

The Brussels Beer Challenge recently recognized the top lagers and pilsners from around the world, with noteworthy entries from Germany, the U.S., Spain, Vietnam, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. The competition, held from November 5 to 7, showcased a total of 1,705 beers judged by 72 experts over three days.

The event convened at Saint Peter’s Abbey in Ghent, Belgium, a site rich in brewing history. This year’s results highlighted a wide array of geographic diversity among both entries and winning beers, particularly within the lager and pilsner categories.

Award-Winning Lagers

A variety of traditional and modern lager styles received gold medals. These include:

• German-Style Dunkel bock/Doppelbock: 1906 Black Coupage, Hijos De Rivera, Spain
• German-Style Eisbock: EKU 28, Kulmbacher Brauerei AG, Germany
• German-Style Lager: Mahou Maestra Doble Lupulo, MAHOU, Spain
• Vienna Lager: Oaktoberfest, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., U.S.
• German-Style Marzen: Oktoberfest, The Virginia Beer Company, U.S.
• Helles Lager: Bayreuther HELL, Bareuther Bierbrauerei, Germany

New styles such as hoppy lagers and Cold IPAs are emerging, demonstrating innovation in brewing:

• Light Lager: Bia Saigon Lager, Saigon Beer, Vietnam
• Hoppy Lager: American Jasper, Birrificio La Piazza, Italy
• Ice Lager: La Cristal Ice, Brasserie du Mont Blanc, France
• Cold IPA: Whoo Let The Dogs Out, Uiltje Brewing Company, Netherlands

Pilsners

Pilsners, a pale lager type known for their hop-forward profiles, also received recognition. Winning pilsners included:

• Bohemian-Style Pilsner: Bernard Celebration, Rodinny Pivovar Bernard a.s., Czech Republic
• International Style Pilsner: Japanese Lager, Pfriem Beer, U.S.
• German-Style Pilsners: Kulmbacher Edelherb, Kulmbacher Brauerei AG, Germany
• American-Style Pilsner: Pizzapils, Crak Brewery, Italy

The Brussels Beer Challenge continues to be a pivotal event in the world of brewing, celebrating traditional styles while fostering innovation across the globe. For more details, visit the Brussels Beer Challenge.

Steins Beer Garden in Mountain View, which has been a staple of the area for the past 12 years, will officially close its doors on March 30. Founder Ted Kim announced the decision, citing rising costs and a decrease in patronage, particularly during lunch and corporate hours, as significant factors contributing to the closure of the 12,000-square-foot venue.

Despite having a dedicated customer base, Kim noted that the business never fully recovered from the challenges posed by the pandemic. "With the decrease in traffic, coupled with increasing wages and surging expenses, the challenges have slowly made business unsustainable," he shared on the establishment’s website.

In his announcement, Kim expressed gratitude to the loyal patrons and promised a lively farewell filled with good times and promotions until the last tap runs dry. He emphasized the restaurant’s commitment to quality food, highlighting their in-house preparations, including cured meats and freshly baked pretzels. The menu featured a variety of offerings, from hearty brunch options to elegant dinner dishes, including House-smoked Salmon Benedicts and Pork Schnitzel.

The upcoming closure raises concerns regarding the future of Mountain View’s Oktoberfest, an event that Steins has been pivotal in hosting for nearly a decade. As Kim stated, the festival’s fate now rests in the hands of the city and other potential organizers.

In his closing remarks, Kim reflected on the establishment’s role in the community, celebrating the memories made within its walls and expressing pride in being a gathering spot for local celebrations.

For those wishing to visit before the closing, Steins Beer Garden operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on weekends.

For more details, you can visit Steins Beer Garden’s official website.

Consumers in Maryland may soon face a surcharge on beer and wine purchased from grocery stores if a proposed bill moves forward. Delegate Marlon Amprey (D-Baltimore City) introduced this amendment as part of his legislation aimed at expanding beer and wine sales beyond traditional retailers to grocery stores and large retailers. This legislation has sparked significant debate and concern among various stakeholders.

House Bill 1379 seeks to modernize Maryland’s liquor laws, which currently do not permit beer and wine sales in grocery stores. Amprey emphasizes that this bill could provide greater convenience for consumers without harming existing smaller retailers. However, opponents like Jack Milani, owner of Monaghan’s Pub, argue that larger grocery stores could severely undercut prices, threatening the survival of smaller establishments.

Jaskinder Gill, who invested his life savings into a liquor store, shared a personal story about how his investment could be jeopardized. With a community presence packed with other opponents, Gill voiced concern that many of them share similar fears regarding the future of their businesses.

Despite these concerns, Amprey dismissed them as "sky-is-falling rhetoric," asserting that small businesses would not disappear overnight. He cited examples in Montgomery County and Baltimore City where grocery stores that sell beer and wine coexist with traditional liquor stores.

During a lengthy hearing, committee members raised questions about the potential impact of the proposed expansion on small businesses. Delegate Pam Queen, who pointed out the vast number of grocery stores in Montgomery County, pressed Amprey for more substantial evidence supporting his claims.

To address concerns about small businesses, Amprey proposed amendments to the bill, including a 5% surcharge on beer and wine sales in newly authorized stores. The revenue from this surcharge would be directed toward incentivizing grocers to set up shop in food deserts, particularly in communities with limited access to grocery options.

Amprey also highlighted a “dignity component” to the bill, mentioning that many people feel unsafe in certain liquor stores within predominantly Black communities. His aim is to create an environment where purchasing alcohol feels safe and welcoming.

The legislation has garnered backing from Governor Wes Moore, who believes the initiative aligns with public support for expanding alcohol sales. However, the bill also faces united opposition from alcohol distributors and industry stakeholders who argue it could threaten existing businesses.

As discussions surrounding the proposal continue, House Economic Matters Chair C.T. Wilson expressed skepticism about the bill’s prospects, indicating a lack of appetite among committee members for further discussion. The bill’s future remains uncertain as it must navigate significant legislative challenges.

For more information, visit Maryland Matters.