Brewscape: The Latest Craft Beer Brand News

Gallup Poll: Record Low Respondents Believe They ‘Drink Too Much;’ Total Drinkers Unchanged from 2025

Gallup’s highly anticipated report on consumers’ drinking habits showed the underlying trends depend on which angle you’re cutting the data.

Gallup surveyed 1,200 U.S. adults (aged 18 or older) between July 1 and July 19. Among respondents, 54% said they drink alcohol, unchanged from 2025’s headline-making record low.

However, among those who reported drinking bev-alc, the number of drinks they consumed in the last week increased from 2.8 in 2025, to 3.2. Last year’s figure matched the previously lowest-reported average of drinks consumed in 1996.

While a cause was not shared for the latest uptick, the survey was taken during the FIFA World Cup (held June 11 through July 19), which we’ve previously reported had an impact on consumer drinking trends this summer.

Additionally, the percentage of respondents who said they “sometimes drink too much” fell to 13% – a new low for the survey. The highest percentage of self-reported overconsumption was recorded in 1989 (35%). In 2015, that number was at 25%, and by 2023 had fallen to 19%, followed by 16% in 2024 (no number was shared for 2025).

Note, Gallup’s survey results have a margin of error of plus or minus 4% (5% for data of exclusively adults who drink bev-alc). Additionally, the survey was conducted via voluntary telephone interviews (80% via cell phones, 20% via landlines), and includes responses from consumers under the legal drinking age – both factors which may also skew results.

Former Stone Escondido Site Faces 220 Cuts as Sapporo Winds Down Brewery’s Operations

Sapporo USA will lay off 58 employees across three Stone Brewing branded California facilities effective October 19, according to a WARN Act notice filed with the state.

The cuts are a first phase of a wind down of the former Stone Brewing facilities with a total of 220 employees to be terminated
as part of the closure, Sapporo USA SVP of people Kristin Perales wrote in the WARN letter, the San Diego Union Tribute reported.

The first round of layoffs include:

• 50 workers at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido;

• Six workers at a distribution center;

• And two workers at a warehouse.

Sapporo USA CEO Zach Keeling shared the following statement with Brewbound: “Following the sale of the Stone brand earlier this year, Sapporo USA has been supporting a smooth production transition to the new brand owners. As this transition nears the end, we will begin a phased wind-down of our Escondido brewery and bistro operations.

“Despite diligent efforts, we have not yet found a viable long-term solution for the Escondido site. We have notified our employees of upcoming layoffs in mid-October and mid-November, providing maximum advance notice. This is an understandably difficult time for our Escondido employees and community, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition.”

Although the facilities carry the Stone name, the workers are employed by Sapporo USA “and have no connection to Stone Brewing’s ongoing business under Firestone Walker or Duvel USA’s ownership,” Keeling wrote.

Martignetti to Acquire Red/Gold Network Distributor Girardi in Massachusetts

Martignetti Companies is expanding its New England footprint again. The beer, wine and spirits distributor has struck a definitive agreement to acquire Girardi Distributors, LLC, a Massachusetts-based, independent Anheuser-Busch InBev and Constellation Brands distributor. The deal is expected to close this fall.

The acquisition is Martignetti’s third Massachusetts distribution deal in recent years, following the 2023 deal for Quality Beverage and the 2024 acquisition of A-B’s Boston-based wholly owned distribution operation.

Fourth-generation, family-owned Girardi’s distribution territory covers Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester and Middlesex counties in Western and Central Massachusetts.

In addition to the A-B and Constellation portfolios, Girardi’s book includes offerings from Kirin (New Belgium, Bell’s, Kirin Ichiban), as well as local and national craft beer brands Castle Island, Barrel One Collective (Harpoon, Catamount, UFO, Clown Shoes), Outlaw Light, Sierra Nevada, Switchback, Hendler Family Brewing’s Wormtown and Yuengling, according to its website. The distributor also carries Liquid Death and hard tea and water producer NOCA.

Wild Goose, SS BrewTech Owner to Discontinue Brewing Division

With a secondary market flooded with brewing equipment, one of the key makers of brewhouses, brew kits and canning lines is discontinuing that part of its business.

The Middleby Corporation will shutter its Middleby Brewing & Distilling Solutions Group, which includes Deutsche Beverage + Process, Ss Brewtech and Wild Goose Filling, by the end of the year, the company announced.

“Always tough decisions to close businesses, but we felt like the end user, the end segment and the brewing business has been challenged the last several years,” Middleby chief commercial officer Steve Spittle said during a fireside chat at the Jefferies Industrials Conference. “There’s a pretty heavy secondary market for beverage equipment and we just did not feel like there was a good road map for growth in this segment.”

In 2025, the brewing group lost $9 million in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) on net sales of $24 million. Similar performance is expected this year.

Liquid Death Founder and Sazerac Launch Mr. Fancy Canned ‘American Bubbly’

Liquid Death founder Mike Cessario is partnering with Sazerac to launch Mr. Fancy, a new RTD canned sparkling wine.

Mr. Fancy, a 5.5% ABV, 140-calorie canned “American Bubbly,” comes in Brut and Rosé varieties. Six-packs carry a suggested retail price of $14.99 plus tax.

Beginning October 1, it’s expected to hit independent retailers’ shelves across Texas, Tennessee and Massachusetts, with additional markets to follow, Sazerac brand director for global growth and innovation Lauren Selman shared with Brewbound.

“Mr. Fancy offers the convenience and approachability and sessionability of the canned drinks consumers are accustomed to, but with a new twist,” Selman wrote. “The product may be American bubbly, but the brand is designed to compete for occasions that have historically belonged to more casual offerings like beer and seltzers.”