Ex-Boston Beer employees file class action over noncompetes

USA | Boston Beer’s noncompete provisions contained in its employment contracts are in the news again, with a pair of ex-employees filing a class action against the brewer in Massachusetts on 1 December. The suit alleges that Boston Beer improperly enforced noncompete agreements against employees across 39 states, but paid only USD 3,000 instead of the required garden leave payments which is equal to approximately six months of the employee’s highest salary over the preceding two years, the website Law360 reports.

AB-InBev to acquire majority stake in BeatBox for USD 490 million

USA | AB-InBev said on 5 December that it plans to acquire a majority stake in the US-based RTD brand BeatBox for about USD 490 million. The deal would give Anheuser-Busch ownership of 85 percent of the company, with a path to 100 percent after five years based on a predetermined pricing formula.

Molson Canada accuses ex-managers of multimillion-dollar fraud

Canada | Molson Canada has accused former managers of embezzling millions of dollars in an intricate fraud scheme, allegedly involving fake vendors, shell companies and several other people, media reported on 27 November. 

Oregon craft brewer Rogue abruptly closes after 37 years

USA | The US beer industry is in shock: Rogue Ales & Spirits, one of craft beer's oldest, recognizable, and at one time one of the largest craft beer producers, completely and abruptly halted production in Newport, Oregon, on 14 November and closed its pubs and restaurants after 37 years in business. The 47 people who worked at the production facility suddenly found themselves out of work as did staff at its several venues. Rogue’s executives have not spoken about what led to the brewer’s sudden closure. 

USA | AB-InBev seems keen to push further into Beyond Beer. According to the Wall Street Journal (18 November) the brewer is in talks to buy BeatBox, a US firm from Austin, Texas, whose fruity and highly alcoholic punch and tea drinks made with wine have gained traction with younger Americans. 

Siebel Institute of Technology relocates to Montreal

USA | A momentous decision: The Siebel Institute of Technology, the oldest brewing school in the Americas (established in 1872), is relocating from Chicago to Montreal, Canada, effective 1 January 2026. One of the reasons given for the move is “increased student visa challenges to enter the United States”. 

Shutdown compromise: Congress redefines hemp with major THC limits

USA | The three-bill “minibus” package to reopen the government on 10 November seems to have closed the federal hemp loophole in the Agriculture spending bill. The new rules take effect in one year and could spell the end of the hemp-derived THC drink industry, which topped sales of USD 1.1 billion in 2024. The hemp industry is furious, accusing the cannabis and alcohol industries of having lobbied Congress to eliminate a competitor.

Molson Coors takes USD 75 million hit on Blue Run Spirits

USA | Diversifying beyond beer has proven rocky for Molson Coors, especially its foray into spirits. In its third quarter 2025 statement (4 November), the firm recognised a USD 75.3 million impairment charge for Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits, which declares its first major spirits acquisition practically worthless.

Molson Coors to axe 400 jobs across the Americas

USA | The beer and beverage company said on 20 October it plans to eliminate approximately 400 salaried positions in total, or about 9 percent of its workforce, across Canada, the United States and Latin America by the end of December. The company did not give a breakdown by country or province. A spokesperson said that the restructuring had nothing to do with the US trade war. Molson Coors expects to incur charges between USD 35 million and USD 50 million, primarily from cash severance payments and post-employment benefits.

Kirin Holdings said to explore sale of Four Roses bourbon

USA | Japan’s Kirin Holdings is reportedly looking to sell its Four Roses bourbon brand for around USD 1 billion, the Financial Times newspaper reported on 23 October.