Taste preferences are evolving, especially among younger consumers, as beer drinkers seek different beer styles and more complex or varied flavor profiles. Beer remained the largest segment of the U.S. adult beverage industry, accounting for more than four-fifths of total alcohol volume, but was challenged by both economic and consumer trends that resulted in a…

Helping communities cope with disasters has been an Anheuser-Busch tradition since 1906 when it donated to victims of the San Francisco earthquake.    Anheuser-Busch has shipped 4,312 cases of emergency drinking water—or 103,488 cans—to affected areas to support Hurricane Isaac relief efforts. The emergency water has been made available to communities and relief organizations assisting…

Convenience stores were the leading channel for beer sales among off-premise retailers. The Beer Institute released new data today showing beer sales in convenience stores rose by 1.3% in 2011 totaling over $16.7 billion in sales. Convenience stores were responsible for nearly 17% of total beer sales in 2011, comprising the largest share of off-premise…

Voters in Oklahoma would be given the option to decide whether eligible grocery stores could sell wine, according to a proposed signature petition drive filed Tuesday seeking to change the state constitution. Backers hope to gather enough signatures to get the proposed state question on the Nov. 6 ballot. The group Oklahomans for Modern Laws…

Digital experience traces the origins of customers’ Budweiser. Budweiser has introduced “Track Your Bud,” a digital campaign integrated with packaging that will allow consumers to trace the origins of the beer they hold in their hands to one of Budweiser’s 12 U.S. breweries. By using their Smartphone to scan the QR code on Budweiser packaging,…

“The Serenade” is part of the brand’s “Open Your World” global campaign. Heineken is helping ignite romance this Valentine’s Day with the launch of a new Facebook application called “The Serenade.” Based on the brand’s second global film “The Date,” the new app enables Heineken consumers to send humorous personalized songs to potential partners, inviting…

Colbert to lead a team of more than 80 sales and marketing professionals. Heineken USA has appointed Jeffrey Colbert as region vice president sales, central region, effective immediately. In his new role, Colbert reports to Scott Blazek, senior vice president of sales, and is responsible for driving HUSA performance and delivering results through the effective…

Can alcohol sales and an expanded array of food choices provide the boost White Castle is seeking? QSR chain White Castle, a 90-year-old hamburger chain that sells square “slider” burgers, has begun serving beer and wine in an Indiana location as part of a test program, the Chicago Tribune reported. And White Castle is not…

New Chicago area stores to feature upscale menu, spirits and live entertainment. Starbucks plans to open up to seven stores featuring beer and wine in addition to coffee in the Chicago area by the end of 2012, the Chicago Tribune reported. The Seattle-based coffee giant has been testing a more community-oriented store concept to improve…

Johnson brings more than 20 years of marketing and business development experience to Heineken USA’s Regional Marketing team. Heineken USA has appointed Darrell Johnson as senior director, regional marketing. In his new role, Johnson will report to Kheri Tillman, vice president of trade marketing and sales strategy, and will be responsible for leading the regional…