Despite the doom and gloom reports on supermarket performance, the reality is that supermarkets are still key to beer sales. What’s the best way to approach supermarket sales.

A new study shows that most consumers move a certain way in a supermarket. Learn what this pattern is, and you’re certain to get that coveted No. 1 spot in the cold box.

Your competitors are nice guys and would never resort to this sort of sordid behavior. BUT, just in case, here are the top ways that your competitors could be cheating you out of thousands.

Consolidation isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Learn what the experts have to say about distributor mergers and acquisitions, and how to live with the “triangle of terror.”

April shipments worse than expected even with Easter timing. Plus, SABMiller’s purchase of a stake in Peroni may just be the prociutto appetizer before the shepperd’s pie. Lots of chatter from Europe about a larger deal in the works.

Give your sales manager a break ..April was a tough month weather-wise after all.Plus, Miller cycling tough malternative numbers, Penn fighting new beer tax, A-B gives a million bucks to a good cause, and more.

The importer of Woodchuck Cider is said to be on the block. Also, we make a quick trip around the world to update you on Q1 results for int’l brewers.

That’s in Canada. Molson exec says get ready for more acquisitions.Also, rumors flying about big time M&A in Europe, and I know, Wal-Mart HQ is in Bentonville, not Fayetteville. We’ll call it Bentonville Beta.

Two bills die in committee, showing there is hope for state excise tax relief. Also, states issue March reports, and it’s not great.

We sat down recently with Boston brewer Rich Doyle, the outspoken Chairman and CEO of Harpoon Brewery. Rich is on the Board of the Brewers’ Association of American and a past Chairman, and BBD’s first craft brewer subscriber four years ago.   Rich spoke with me about the health of the segment, self-distribution, working with distributors, the effect of imports, and access to market.  

That’s the rumor du jour in beer circles around Tumwater these days, but it’s a stretch. It’s for sale for a reported $15 mil, according to the Olympian.However, consultant Mark H. Rodman gives us a few scenarios where that could work.Plus, an interesting flashback piece from 04/23/02 predicts that Miller could have focus problems if sold by Philip Morris to SAB. Readers respond.

Miller to reduce inventories, launch more raunchy ads, and push Pilsner Urquel.Plus, interviews with Miller’s Bob Mikulay and Doug Brodman, and legendary brewery Joe Coors dies.

There is a simple way to predict consumer behavior, and thus predict the level of fractionalization we will experience in the beer industry. It is happening, but it may not happen like you’d expect. Learn more in this month’s Distributor Productivity Letter.

Break out your shoe horns, because this March it’s getting tight in c-stores.Also, Mich Ultra and 03 update, Smirnoff Ice update, Miller RTD update, California legislative update, and NBWA’s David Rehr tears it up with Presidential hopeful John Edwards.

Interbrew’s profits in 2002 fall due to problems in Russia, a weak $, and the Beck’s dilemma in the US. But new CEO Brock says don’t worry, we’re getting our house in order.Also, Heineken will end its partnership with SAB to import Heineken into S. Africa, and Coors family finally buys CoorsTek.