Beverages
Barilla buys better-for-you mac and cheese brand Goodles
Barilla Group announced on Thursday the acquisition of healthy mac and cheese brand Goodles, with the transaction amount undisclosed. Goodles will continue to operate independently, led by co-founder and CEO Jen Zeszut, with its headquarters remaining in Santa Cruz, California. The brand is known for its high-protein, high-fiber, and prebiotic features, and this acquisition will support its international expansion.
Athletic Brewing appoints new CMO amid marketing push
Athletic Brewing Company recently announced that, after a months-long selection process, Dan Kleinman will assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective September 8. Kleinman will succeed Senior Marketing Director Rosalie Kennedy, who had been serving in the role on an interim basis following the departure of former CMO Andrew Katz. Kleinman previously served as CMO at Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits for nearly three years and spent 16 years at Diageo. Citing Circana data, the company reported a 20.7% market share for its non-alcoholic beer in off-premise channels and plans to increase national media spending by 120% year-over-year.
Chobani to spend $1.2B to buy and invest in Pennsylvania plant
Chobani will spend $1.2 billion to acquire and expand its Allentown, Pennsylvania plant, which began production in 2021 and was purchased from Keurig Dr Pepper for $125 million. The project is expected to create over 900 jobs, becoming a new growth hub for the company and part of its over $4 billion investment plan in U.S. manufacturing networks.
Jim Beam maker chooses next chief supply chain officer
Suntory Global Spirits announced on August 25 that Manuel Cabañas will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer starting September 4, leading the entire global supply chain organization, including manufacturing, distribution, quality, procurement, and operations. Cabañas joined the company in 2000 and previously served as Vice President of Global Manufacturing. His predecessor, Alex Alvarez, will transition to the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer at Constellation Brands' beer division.
Corona, Modelo maker names supply chain lead for beer division
On August 25, Constellation Brands announced that Alex Alvarez will assume the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer of the beer division starting September 14, succeeding the retiring John Kester. Alvarez brings over 30 years of experience in operations and supply chain management, having previously held a similar position at Suntory Global Spirits.
Sapporo USA to close craft brewing facilities following sale
Sapporo USA announced the closure of three Stone Brewing facilities in Escondido, California, and initiated layoffs affecting about 220 employees. This move follows the sale of the Stone brand to Firestone Walker, as Sapporo consolidates its U.S. brewing operations into a single facility in Richmond, Virginia.
US alcohol consumption remains at all time low
The 2026 Gallup poll shows that the drinking rate among US adults has plateaued at 54% after three consecutive years of decline, the lowest since 1939. The trend toward non-alcoholic beverage substitutes is evident, with changing health awareness profoundly affecting consumer behavior, putting pressure on alcohol companies to adjust their strategies.