All articles by Stephen Beaumont

Stephen Beaumont
Beer commentator
Climate concerns fuel hop growers’ innovation
Amid fears about climate change, growers are developing new breeds, though some brewers remain resistant to change.
Tilray has track-record to make success of latest M&A in uncertain US craft-beer category
Cannabis group Tilray Brands has made another acquisition in what is a challenging US craft-beer category.
Hop-loving brewers need to remember beer drinkers matter
Amid brewers’ heavy interest in hops, marketers keen to build brands need to remember most beer drinkers remain relatively uninformed.
Why Sapporo’s swoop for Stone Brewing makes sense
Some will question the utility of entering the North American market in a bigger way right now – but they shouldn’t.
Beer helped fuel the rise of RTDs. How can it strike back?
The original RTD was beer but it’s facing an ever-growing range of rivals. Just Drinks’ Stephen Beaumont sets out how beer can fight back.
Will beer’s forays into functional stick?
Brewers need to walk a tightrope when playing the ‘functional’ card for their wares. Category commentator Stephen Beaumont surveys the landscape.
Where has beer’s innovation mojo gone? – comment
This month, beer commentator Stephen Beaumont looks at innovation in the category – Or, he would, if he could find any.
Why beer’s social conscience is not without consumer risk – comment
Beer brands are well-known for ‘speaking’ on societal matters. Category commentator Stephen Beaumont warns, however, that thinking twice is the best policy.
Supply Chain Special – What’s the impact on beer? – comment
“Malted barley price increases are just getting started”