Why Beer is Still Big Business
Session details:
Today’s guests are gravitating toward easy-drinking, lifestyle-aligned beverages that feel authentic and culturally relevant — and beer fits the bill. But it’s more than just good beer that brings people together to share a drink. Propelled by the drive to socialize and moderate, beer is entering a new era driven by challenger brands that are accelerating category momentum.
The on-premise is a critical channel for beer, comprising upwards of 60% of alcohol revenue, with dollar share growth outpacing retail. Establishments can drive even more volume and value through the right assortment and the right price. Draft beer is leading the charge and as demand increases, operators need to rethink their approach.
This session brings together compelling points of view from distributors (National Beer Wholesale Association), a supplier disrupting the light beer category (Outlaw Light Beer), and a top-volume beer operator (Texas Roadhouse). They will discuss:
- The cultural and behavioral forces reshaping the beer category
- How operators can leverage these shifts to increase menu relevance and profitability
- Why some brands are outperforming — and how operators can capitalize
- What the beer industry is doing to put beer first in consumers’ minds
- Where the category is headed in 2026 and beyond
