Core Insights - Angry Orchard Hard Cider has launched its new product, the "World's Angriest" cider, which is described as its boldest creation to date, infused with real anger and spicy peppers [1][3] - The cider is made using Aji Amarillo and Habanero peppers, steeped for over six months, resulting in a unique flavor profile that incorporates the essence of anger from fans [1][4] - The product is positioned as a humorous take on holiday frustrations, encouraging consumers to channel their anger into enjoying a spicy beverage [3] Product Details - The "World's Angriest" cider is available nationwide in 750mL bottles, priced at $25 each [7] - The cider is crafted with locally sourced honey to balance the heat from the peppers, creating a spicy yet enjoyable flavor [4] - Angry Orchard has been experimenting with spice for the past year, leading to the development of this ultra-spicy batch [4] Marketing Strategy - The company engaged fans by allowing them to vent their frustrations through a national hotline, which contributed to the cider's unique ingredient [1][2] - The marketing emphasizes humor and the idea of embracing life's irritations, making the cider a fitting choice for holiday gatherings [3] - Angry Orchard aims to create a memorable experience for consumers by infusing real emotions into the product [2][3]

Core Concept - Angry Orchard Hard Cider has launched its boldest creation, the "World's Angriest" cider, infused with real fan frustrations and spicy peppers, now available nationwide [1][9]. Product Details - The "World's Angriest" cider is an ultra-spicy, small-batch release steeped over Aji Amarillo and Habanero peppers for over six months, delivering a kick of nearly one pepper per bottle [1][4]. - The cider incorporates audio recordings of fans venting their frustrations, which were played through a custom speaker setup during the production process [2]. Marketing Strategy - The launch allows fans to channel their anger into a product, aligning with the brand's humorous approach to life's irritations [3]. - The cider is positioned as a perfect addition for holiday gatherings, appealing to those looking for a bold and fiery beverage [3]. Production Insights - The head cidermaker noted that the cider's flavor profile was enhanced with locally sourced honey, balancing the heat from the peppers [4]. - Angry Orchard has been experimenting with spice for the past year, making this release a culmination of their efforts [4]. Availability and Pricing - The "World's Angriest" cider is available in 750mL bottles priced at $25 each [7]. - Consumers can also explore Angry Orchard's other cider offerings, including Crisp Apple and Green Apple [7].

Leadership Changes - Boston Beer Company announced immediate leadership changes, appointing Phil Hodges as Chief Operating Officer (COO) [1][2] - Hodges will oversee day-to-day operations and focus on brand building and margin enhancement initiatives, reporting to CEO Jim Koch [2][4] Phil Hodges' Background - Phil Hodges has over 30 years of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), previously serving as CSCO at Carlsberg and CFO at Kraft Foods International [3] - Since becoming CSCO in May 2023, Hodges has improved service levels and efficiency in the company's supply chain, leading to strong gross margin expansion [3] Promotion of Phil Savastano - Phil Savastano has been promoted to Chief Supply Chain Officer, overseeing various operational areas and reporting to Hodges [5][7] - Savastano joined Boston Beer in March 2024 and has a background with Tesla and Molson Coors, contributing to operational excellence [5]

Core Insights - Angry Orchard Hard Cider and Horror, Inc. have collaborated to create a short-form vignette titled "Sweet Revenge," featuring real fans as victims of the iconic horror character Jason Voorhees, marking a unique marketing strategy [1][2][3] Company Collaboration - The partnership aims to engage diehard fans by allowing them to participate in the filming, thus creating a memorable experience that aligns with both brands' identities [2][4] - The collaboration celebrates the 45th anniversary of the Jason franchise, enhancing brand visibility and fan engagement [15][19] Product Launch - Angry Orchard is introducing a new 12-can Thriller Variety Pack, which includes a new Blood Orange cider inspired by Jason, featuring glow-in-the-dark packaging [4][5] - The Variety Pack includes three new cider flavors: Blood Orange, Berry Bewitched, and Headless Pumpkin, alongside the returning fan-favorite Cinnful Apple [10] Marketing Strategy - The marketing campaign leverages social media to scout fans, creating a buzz around the collaboration and enhancing brand loyalty [2][3] - The limited-edition designs for the cans feature Jason's hockey mask, appealing to both cider lovers and horror fans [5][10] Distribution and Availability - The new products will be available at retailers nationwide starting September 1, with a focus on seasonal marketing [5] - Fans can view the "Sweet Revenge" vignette on the Angry Orchard website and the Jason Universe YouTube channel, integrating digital engagement into the marketing strategy [6]

Leadership Change - Michael Spillane will step down as CEO of Boston Beer Company effective August 15, 2025, to focus on personal matters, but will remain on the board as a non-executive director [1][6] - Jim Koch, the founder and chairman of the board, will take over as CEO, a position he previously held from 1984 until January 2001 [2][6] Company Performance - Under Spillane's leadership, Boston Beer delivered one of its most profitable quarters in many years during the second quarter [3] Company Background - Boston Beer Company, founded in 1984, is one of the largest craft brewers in the United States, known for its high-quality products and innovation in the craft beer and flavored malt beverage categories [4][7] - The company has expanded its offerings to include hard cider, hard seltzer, and hard tea, with core brands such as Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea [7]

Core Insights - The Brewing the American Dream program has awarded Moor's Brewing Co. as the 2025 winner of its Brewing & Business Experienceship, continuing its legacy of supporting small businesses in the food and beverage industry [1][4][8] Company Overview - Moor's Brewing Company, founded in Chicago in 2021 by Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson, and Anthony Bell, has expanded to over 500 retailers nationwide and opened Diversey House, Chicago's first Black-owned taproom, in February 2025 [3][8] - The brewery's mission includes community engagement and offering a unique blend of craft beer and elevated pub fare [3][5] Program Details - The Brewing & Business Experienceship provides one emerging craft brewer with mentorship from Samuel Adams professionals, including founder Jim Koch, and opportunities to collaborate on specialty beers and participate in the Great American Beer Festival [2][4][6] - The selection process for the winner involved a public voting component during the Crafting Dreams Beer Bash, which showcased six finalists [4][5] Impact and Goals - Since its inception in 2008, the Brewing the American Dream program has loaned over $114 million to more than 4,500 small business owners in the food and beverage industry, creating or maintaining over 12,000 local jobs [8] - The program aims to strengthen small businesses, create local jobs, and build vibrant communities through access to business capital and coaching [8]