This week’s beverage alcohol industry update covers the shifting dynamics across beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drinks as U.S. consumers lean into value, convenience, and premium light options.

Key highlights from September 22–26, 2025:

• 📉 Category trends: Beer volumes slide despite NFL kickoff; spirits growth cools, while RTDs and cider outperform.
• 🥤 RTD momentum: Spirits-based cocktails +22%, wine-based +27%; Cutwater surges, while High Noon slows.
• 🍺 Beer shake-up: Michelob Ultra overtakes Modelo Especial as America’s top beer across retail and on-premise.
• 🥃 Spirits strategy: Tito’s acquires LALO Tequila, fueling the tequila arms race against Diageo and Brown Forman.
• 🍷 Wine pressure: Shipments and DTC sales drop despite premium price strength; bulk oversupply weighs on outlook.
• 🛒 Retail & distribution: Grocery traffic grows; C&S–SpartanNash merger reshapes shelf access for suppliers.
• 🏢 Corporate moves: Molson Coors names Rahul Goyal CEO; AB InBev partners with Netflix; Constellation trims guidance.
• ⚖️ Policy & regulation: Maryland cracks down on hemp-derived intoxicants; Kentucky liquor liability ruling raises risk; Tennessee hemp lawsuit challenges three-tier restrictions.
• 👥 Consumer behavior: Gallup shows U.S. alcohol participation at 54%—lowest in 90 years; Millennials drive on-premise volume, Gen Z favors flexible drinking.
• 💰 Capital & product moves: Diageo pauses U.S. whiskey production; Zachys’ Rothschild auction nets $11M; Trump Vodka revival teased.

This week’s recap highlights the push-pull between premiumization at the top and value-seeking at the base, showing how brands, distributors, and retailers are adapting to an evolving consumer landscape.