NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser spoke with the Associated Press about the industry’s optimism that the World Cup reminded people how much they enjoy socializing in person with a cold beer in hand.

“If you have this behavior where we’re cocooning and we’re not spending time with other folks, that’s going to affect beer consumption,” said Purser.

He highlighted trends that could further encourage socializing:

• More major sports occasions, including the upcoming Summer Olympics and expanded college and professional football schedules
• Increased optionality with low- and no-alcohol products that can widen beer’s consumer base