Coronado Brewing reports impressive Q4

In its 28th year, the innovative San Diego-based craft brewery, Coronado Brewing Company (CBC), is pleased to announce its sustained growth in the last quarter of 2023. Based on scan data from Nielsen, CBC distributor depletions were up +20.3% for the year and +21.1% for Q4, solidifying its position as a leader in the Southern California craft-beer industry.

In San Diego, CBC ranks as the sixth largest brewery in terms of volume and the seventh largest in dollars. What sets CBC apart is its outstanding performance in brand family sales volume trends, where it grew an impressive +47%, outpacing overall San Diego Craft which is down -3%. With a rich history spanning 28 years, CBC stands as a mature and highly relevant San Diego brewery, exemplifying the best of what America’s Craft Beer Mecca has to offer.

In the broader market of Southern California, CBC continues to make waves, ranking as the twelvth largest brewery in volume and the thirteenth largest in dollars. The company’s 57% fourth quarter growth in SoCal makes them the third hottest brand family in the region. Their continued growth is thanks in large part to the exceptional performance of CBC’s flagship brands: Weekend Vibes IPA and Salty Crew Blonde. Weekend Vibes, growing +39% in Q4, claims the eleventh spot in volume, and notably, leads the India Pale Ale (IPA) category with the #1 volume growth trend. Salty Crew, +73% in Q4, secured the nineteenth position in volume and stands as the #1 volume growth contender in the Blonde Ale category. CBC’s success in San Diego and Southern California reflects its dedication to crafting exceptional beers and its ability to resonate as a brand with its local consumers. 

Big Weekend Double IPA, launched in the first quarter of 2023, helped lay the groundwork for CBC’s ability to “own the weekend” by developing the “Weekend Brand Family”. Big Weekend launched with distribution mostly centered around a few key retailers, the new brand ranked as the third overall Imperial IPA in its first quarter of sales. With expansion expected in many spring sets, the company is optimistic about Big Weekend’s potential to grow the Weekend Brand Family and the CBC portfolio as a whole. 

New Brands and Package Types Driving Growth in 2024

CBC continues to elevate the consumer experience with a range of new package offerings in the first quarter of 2024. For fans of CBC’s classic, refreshing Weekend Vibes IPA, all-new 12-ounce-can 12-packs offer shareability, portability and moderation. For even more convenience, CBC is expanding its offerings of single-serve, 19.2-ounce cans of their fan-favorites, including Weekend Vibes IPA, Salty Crew Blonde and newcomer, Big Weekend Double IPA. “Our customers enjoy beers on all sorts of occasions,” says CBC Marketing Director Aidan Kennedy. “Multiple package types give our customers the flexibility to choose the format that suits their drinking occasion. Variety not only gives our fans more options but also allows us to reach a new customer who doesn’t traditionally shop in the 16-ounce-can section of the store.”

Building on Hard Cider Success & Innovation

Building on the success of Coronado Hard Cider, now the #1 SoCal-produced cider, the company’s innovation projects aim to capitalize on Southern California’s evolving and diverse beverage scene. This March, CBC is set to launch an exciting new small-batch cider series, kicking off with the release of Strawberry Watermelon. With the natural sweetness of strawberries and the refreshing juiciness of watermelons, this cider is set to be a fruit-forward addition to its crisp apple counterparts. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a refreshing alternative to traditional beer. The Small Batch Cider Series showcases CBC’s dedication to crafting high-quality beverages beyond the beer category.

Surf Break Hazy IPA Series Matures in Year 2

After a massive inaugural year in 2023, the CBC Surf Break Series is back for more with the release of the all-new hazy IPA, Point Danger. Set to launch at the end of the month, Point Danger is named after the Australian headland near Melbourne, famously known for breaks like Snapper Rocks and Bell’s Beach. The hazy IPA is brewed with a combination of Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado and Azacca hops, lending citrusy, tropical-fruit flavors with a hint of pine. Point Danger is now available at CBC’s two locations and will be available in most locations where CBC beer is sold.