EP18 Jessica Infante: From Jersey Shores to Craft Brewery Floors
Jun 29, 2024
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Join Jessica Infante, the managing editor for BrewBound and certified Cicerone, as she shares her remarkable journey from reporting on Jersey Shore events to becoming a key voice in the craft beer industry. Topics include the importance of quality amid market oversaturation and the shocking loss of pioneering brewer Art Lowrance. Dive into the evolving landscape of craft beverages, discuss humorous wedding beer stories, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming Brewbound Live conference.
Jessica Infante's transition from journalist to managing editor at BrewBound illustrates the evolving career paths within the craft beverage industry.
The podcast addresses the challenges faced by craft breweries, including market oversaturation and the impact of unexpected closures like Cascade Brewing.
Athletic Brewing's remarkable growth signifies a shift towards non-alcoholic craft beer, reflecting changing consumer preferences and quality demands.
Deep dives
The Journey to BrewBound
Jessica Infante discusses her path to becoming the managing editor of BrewBound, a leading beer industry news outlet in the U.S. Her background includes experience as a newspaper journalist and working at the Boston Beer Company, where she honed her knowledge of the craft beer scene. Jessica emphasizes the importance of sharing vital information with craft producers to help them make informed business decisions in the ever-evolving beverage alcohol industry. She highlights the energetic and fast-paced nature of her role, which involves writing stories, publishing a daily newsletter, and engaging in various media formats, including podcasts and conferences.
Recent Changes in the Beer Industry
The podcast highlights significant developments in the beer industry, such as Chobani acquiring Anchor Brewery's assets, a move that surprised many in the sector. This event underscores the rapidly shifting landscape of craft breweries, where iconic brands may change ownership unexpectedly. Jessica reflects on Anchor's historical importance in American brewing and expresses concern over the potential loss of such an iconic brand. The conversation touches on community sentiment towards the acquisition and the hope that Anchor will be revitalized under new management.
Tragic Closure of Cascade Brewing
Jessica shares the unfortunate news about Cascade Brewing in Portland, Oregon, which recently announced its closure following the death of its founder, Art Laurent. The circumstances surrounding that closure reveal that Laurent's family was unaware of the brewery's precarious situation, including unfinished sales and unresolved ownership issues. Art's legacy is significant, as he played a crucial role in pioneering Northwest sours and co-founded key beer events in the Pacific Northwest. This situation highlights the fragile nature of small breweries, especially with the added pressures faced by many in the craft beer community today.
The Growth of Athletic Brewing
Athletic Brewing, the country's largest producer of non-alcoholic craft beer, is experiencing remarkable growth, recently acquiring a facility from Ballast Point. Their production capacity has notably increased, showing a staggering 51% growth over the previous year. This ascent in popularity represents a broader trend where non-alcoholic options are becoming more appealing to consumers, especially those reducing alcohol intake. Jessica explains that the rise in demand for quality non-alcoholic options brings challenges, particularly in maintaining quality control in brewing processes.
A Look at Industry Dynamics and Trends
The discussion addresses the cyclical nature of the craft beer market, where trends can shift quickly, as evidenced by the recent revival of lagers. Jessica emphasizes that maintaining quality is critical, especially as competition grows among newer breweries that may lack the experience and resources to produce high-standard products. The conversation touches on prominent breweries and their recent challenges, including shifts in ownership and market fluctuations. Ultimately, the dialogue highlights a call for awareness and adaptability as the industry continues to evolve and face economic pressures.
What happens when a local news reporter from the Jersey Shore transitions to a leading voice in the craft beverage industry? Join us as we sit down with Jessica Infante, managing editor for BrewBound, to uncover her fascinating journey from covering beached whales to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of craft beverages. We reminisce about our days at the Boston Beer Company, share our current favorite brews—Jess with a Harpoon Rec League and me enjoying a Tropical Lightning from Wilmington Brewing Company—and discuss the importance of providing valuable information through newsletters, podcasts, and conferences.
The conversation takes a sobering turn as we examine the tragic story of Art Lowrance, a craft beer pioneer whose sudden passing left his brewery in disarray. This chapter delves into the challenges of oversaturation in the beer market and the critical need for maintaining quality in brewing. We also highlight the rapid growth of Athletic Brewing Company and its recent expansion, showcasing the evolving landscape of the beer industry. From unexpected closures to remarkable success stories, we cover it all, including some surprising industry deals and the potential impact of veteran brewers' succession plans.
To lighten the mood, we share humorous and heartfelt stories about beer at weddings, the launch of Truly hard seltzers, and the joys of parenting. Our guest, Jess, offers insights into the upcoming Brewbound Live conference in California, featuring key industry figures and the latest trends. From personal anecdotes to expert analyses, this episode is a treasure trove of content for beer enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Don't miss out on the laughter, learning, and passion for the craft beverage world!
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