Weekly Beverage Alcohol Recap | December 12, 2025

Big deal / “Beyond Beer”AB InBev moves to buy 85% of BeatBox (up to $490M, close expected Q1 2026), reinforcing RTD/FAB consolidation. Beer remains soft, but share battles intensifyBeer shipments down YoY; analysts see stabilization in pockets but continued declines overall.Category winners focus on execution, price/mix, and channel strength. Spirits: trade-down + RTD boomPremium pressure shows up in tier data; meanwhile prepared cocktails/RTDs surge with standout brand growth. Wine: supply correction + major WA ownership changeWyckoff Farms buys Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; broader U.S. wine still working through excess inventory and reduced crush expectations. Channel shiftsValue retail (Dollar General expansion) and grocery-policy debates point to distribution battlegrounds heading into 2026. Regulatory watchHemp-derived intoxicants face tighter scrutiny and a ticking clock toward Nov 2026, with competing proposals to define national standards.