Real Ale Brewing Co. added 12-ounce cans to its package options starting with its Firemans No. 4 Blonde Ale. 

Most of the time, change doesn’t happen overnight. But in the case of Silver Eagle Distributors, its acquisition of BudCo Ltd. in 2007 catapulted its business in an instant. 

 In 2011, beer’s performance reflected a category of contradictions with trends torn between the ongoing price consciousness of some consumers and the insatiable taste for variety — even if it carries a higher price — from other demographics.  

 Oskar Blues Brewery and Sun King Brewing Co. collaborated to introduce Chaka. 

 The winners of the first “Canny Awards,” which recognized craft beer cans with high-quality, captivating graphics, were announced during the Craft Brewers Conference, May 2-5 in San Diego.  

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Stone Ruination IPA, Stone Brewing Co. doubled the amount of hops to 5 pounds per barrel and increased the alcohol by volume to 10.8 percent for the anniversary edition, it says.

 Summer is usually prime time for beverage sales.  

With more than 4,500 attendees from 35 countries, the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, hosted by the Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo., May 2-5 in San Diego, was a testament to the growth in the industry. Setting the tone for the event, Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian addressed any doubts about the industry’s potential, saying, “We are not in a bubble, we are knee-deep in foam — and the foam is still rising.”

Churchkey Can Co. launched a handcrafted Pilsner-style beer in three-piece, flat-top steel cans supplied by Ball Corp.