Analysis and commentary on the beverage alcohol industry, trade spend, and go-to-market challenges.
Why “Slow” Q1 is Actually a Strategic Advantage Let’s be honest — as folks who carry the bag, walk accounts, and sweat distributor politics, we feel Q1. Sales often crater after the holidays, Dry January and sober-curious behavior bite into consumption, and even category benchmarks show flat or down volume early in the year. But here’s the part most brands miss: Q1 isn’t a slump — it’s a recruitment window. Too many teams retreat into discounting and hope. That’s playing defense, not strategy. The market shifts; your playbook should, too. Understanding the Consumer Reset After…
By AppyHour Industry Insights Rising tariffs and inflation are squeezing brewery margins. Learn how suppliers can adapt to cost pressures and strengthen relationships with breweries in 2026. A Perfect Storm of Cost Pressures After years of supply chain shifts, rising costs, and global uncertainty, the beer industry now faces a new kind of pressure — the margin squeeze. Brewing industry inflation and rising costs at nearly every step of the brewing and distribution process are reshaping how brewing companies, distributors, and vendors operate. This year, it’s not just about selling beer — it’s about protecting…
In 2026, the beverage alcohol industry invests billions in marketing, with over 60-70% shifting to digital channels. Yet up to 70% of total spend—and $26.8 billion globally in programmatic alone—often wastes away due to inefficiency, poor targeting, and out-of-context delivery. Traditional channels compound the problem, missing the moment when consumers decide where to go and what to drink. Proven Inefficiencies Supported by Data If you work in beverage alcohol, you already know the drill: big budgets, big campaigns, big decks, big checks… and very fuzzy answers. Up to 70% of a typical bev-alc marketing budget…
Tech That Tastes Good: How Automation is Reshaping Beverage Sales in Chicago The beverage alcohol industry is undergoing a fundamental shift. Automation and digital tools—once considered optional—are now essential to how bars, restaurants, brands, and distributors operate. Rising labor costs, margin pressure, and changing consumer expectations have accelerated adoption across the on-premise, reshaping how beverage programs are built and how sales teams go to market. This isn’t about flashy tech. It’s about efficiency, data, and smarter execution. Why Automation Is Accelerating Across Hospitality Hospitality has always been a relationship-driven industry. But economics are now forcing operators…
