TrueAnon Episode 402: Sparks 2
Sep 5, 2024
Join beer and liquor writer Dave Infante as he dives into the changing landscape of the brewing industry. He discusses the labor struggles at Stone Brewing and the recent acquisition of Anchor Brewing by Sapporo, highlighting both the challenges and hopes of unionizing. Infante shares insights on cultural shifts in beer consumption, including the rise of craft breweries and seltzers. Plus, his amusing anecdotes about unusual food pairings and the quirks of drinking culture keep the conversation lively and accessible, making industry issues entertaining.
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Stone Brewery Unionizes in Richmond
- Stone's Richmond brewery unionized with Teamsters Local 322 in 2023 amid industry struggles.
- The brewery's eastward expansion was a big part of their growth but faced hardships after acquisition by Sapporo.
Craft Beer’s Rise and Shift
- Craft beer boomed in the 90s with hipster appeal but became a mainstream cultural engine.
- The boom faded as consumers sought simpler, lighter drinks like seltzers in recent years.
Seltzers Disrupt Craft Beer Market
- Seltzers became popular as lighter, consistent, low-calorie alternatives to craft beer.
- This shift indicates consumer fatigue with complex and heavily flavored craft beverages.