At the Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, Tenn., a group of like-minded Black entrepreneurs announced the establishment of the National Black Brewers Association. The first-of-its-kind nonprofit organization is committed to the following:

• Promoting the Black brewing community
• Increasing the number of African American individuals in the brewing industry at all levels of production, especially ownership and brew-masters
• Exercising influence by developing and advocating for effective policies
• Fostering historical context, and legacy surrounding African American influence on brewing in the United States.

“The launch of the National Black Brewers Association will create a more inclusive and vibrant beer industry by providing black brewers access to the resources, mentorships, and networks needed to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, founder of NB²A, in a statement.

To help spearhead the organization, the NB²A has announced the appointment of Kevin Asato, a 30-year veteran of the beverage industry, as its first executive director. Asato brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, having previously held leadership roles at major beverage distributors across the country.

“I am honored to be selected as the first executive director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black Brewers of America,” Asato states.

Additionally Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., makers of Samuel Adams beer, announced at the Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville a donation of $225,000 to the National Black Brewers Association.

The NB²A is governed by a dynamic Board of Directors composed of the most experienced and successful Black brewery owners and brew masters across the country.

The donation from Boston Beer Co. is a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion in the brewing industry, it says. The NB²A will use the funds to support its mission of empowering Black brewers and brewery owners to create a more equitable and inclusive industry for all, it adds. BI

National Black Brewers Association launches at CBC

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., has acquired a minority stake in TÖST, a flavor-forward and alcohol-free sparkling beverage brand. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group, which aims to collaborate with people and brands driving innovation and transforming the future of the industry together.

TÖST is a “never alcohol” product, meaning there is no alcoholic fermentation at any point in the production process, expanding the opportunity to reach an even wider variety of occasions. TÖST has notes of sparkling white tea, cranberry and ginger, while TÖST ROSÉ has notes of sparkling white tea, ginger and elderberry, the company says.

“TÖST is a delicious liquid that feels celebratory and elevated for life’s big moments, and also versatile and approachable for everyday enjoyment,” said Mallika Monteiro, executive vice president and chief growth, strategy and digital officer at Constellation Brands, in a statement. “Our investment in TÖST allows us to continue to optimize our higher-end portfolio by providing an alcohol-free beverage with a complex flavor profile for consumers that complements their lifestyle across a variety of occasions.”

Brooks Addington, CEO of TÖST added: “We are excited and humbled to have Constellation Brands as a partner in our mission to bring TÖST beverages to even more consumers. We believe our mutual consumer-centric focus and desire to deliver premium product experiences positions TÖST for exponential growth in the coming years.”

TÖST currently is sold in 40-plus states and seven countries through major retailers, grocers, restaurants, specialty stores, liquor stores, and caterers. Consumers also can purchase TÖST online at www.tostbeverages.com. BI

Constellation Brands acquires minority stake in TÖST

BrewDog, the internationally acclaimed, Scottish-born craft beer maker with a growing footprint throughout the United States, announced the appointment of John Graham as CEO of its U.S. operations. Graham joins BrewDog USA from the 786-unit coffee chain, Dutch Bros Coffee, Grants Pass, Ore., where he has served as chief marketing officer since 2020. Prior to his role at Dutch Bros. Coffee, Graham was the CEO of Triton Strategy Partners LLC, and CMO at Align Technology and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. He also draws extensive experience from a 15-year career at Johnson & Johnson. Graham brings his proven track record in driving revenue, profitability, brand equity, market share and employee engagement to his new position with BrewDog.

Hensley Beverage Co., Phoenix, has completed the acquisition of New Mexico-based Premier Distributing Co. This acquisition adds around 7.5 million cases to Hensley’s portfolio. “This is a new day for Hensley Beverage Company as we expand our geographic footprint outside of Arizona,” said Andy McCain, president and chief operating officer of Hensley Beverage Co., in a statement. “We have known the Premier organization for many years and are excited that they have entrusted our company to continue their legacy. We look forward to getting to know the Premier team and integrating them into the new combined organization.” Hensley Beverage Co. now will expand its sales and service of Anheuser-Busch InBev beverages throughout the majority of New Mexico. Hensley Beverage Company will continue to operate all the New Mexico locations as Premier Distributing Company, while welcoming the addition of 300 new employees in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Clovis, Farmington and Gallup.

Lavazza, the 127-year-old iconic Italian coffee company, has announced the grand opening of its newest state of the art training facility on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. The Chicago training center will be host to a series of exciting events during its opening weekend. Coming off the heels of two successful training center openings in West Chester, Pa., and Miami in late 2022, and existing training centers in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, the world renowned, family-owned brand is continuing to expand its footprint within the North American market. The newest training center, which is classified as an SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Premier Training Campus, houses Lavazza’s premiere coffee making equipment. These state-of-the-art coffee equipment and tools are helping to inform the future of coffee making and support new and emerging trends in the space. “We are so excited to be opening a new training facility and further the expansion of our brand and its experts. We look forward to continuing our dedication to training and leading within the industry through our master classes and shared passion for all things coffee,” said Frank LaRusso, director of training, in a statement.

San Diego-based Speakeasy Co., an alcohol eCommerce platform, and Heaven’s Door Spirits, a premium whiskey brand co-founded by legendary musician Bob Dylan, announced their new partnership. In April, Speakeasy’s web developers launched an infinitely scalable platform to host Heaven’s Door, expanding its market to 34 states, shipping directly to consumers. Inspired by Dylan's artistry, the full Heaven’s Door collection, which features highly awarded Straight Bourbon, Double Barrel, Straight Rye whiskeys and limited release Bootleg Series, Decade Collection and Single Barrel selections now can be purchased online. “Remaining three-tier compliant has been difficult for alcohol retailers in the past,” said Marc Bushala, co-founder of Heaven’s Door and CEO of Spirits Investment Partners, in a statement. “Speakeasy brings a solution to that roadblock and allows us to reach new markets across the U.S. with bi-coastal fulfillment.”

Fever-Tree, a producer of premium tonics, gingers, and cocktail mixers, opened a new rooftop botanical bar with Chemist Spirits in downtown Asheville, N.C. The rooftop experience will be located at the distillery’s three-story prohibition era-themed bar, Antidote, and represents Fever-Tree’s first such collaboration with a distillery. The al fresco rooftop bar provides a multi-sensory experience that brings together the sights, sounds, flavors, and fragrances of a private botanical garden escape, the company says. “Asheville is an enchanting city known for its natural beauty, breezy mountain climate and exceptional quality and innovation in food and beverage,” said Amanda Stein, vice president of marketing for Fever-Tree, in a statement. “The founders of Chemist Spirits share Fever-Tree’s commitment to sourcing and creating only the best products that complement and elevate the cocktail experience. Their attention to detail in hand-crafting spirits and designing a highly innovative beverage program match Fever-Tree’s dedication to setting the highest quality standard for exceptionally crafted cocktails.” Chemist Spirits’ Antidote bar, which is known for its antique interiors, extensive cocktail menu, and charming speakeasy atmosphere, will be home to the colorful Fever-Tree Botanical Bar through fall. The space features a suspended bench swing, ambient lighting, canopied umbrellas and live music during select weekends.