The investment, announced as part of Ontario Craft Beer Week, covers 20 projects that will help craft breweries expand operations and market their products both locally and internationally.
Projects supported by the investment include:
- $2,275 for Shacklands Brewing Co. to complete a market research study and marketing plan.
- $75,000 for Great Lakes Brewery to buy and install a new centrifuge separator system: reducing waste and increasing efficiency and production.
- $148,750 for Amsterdam Brewing Co. Limited for a wet grist milling system to help improve labour productivity and product quality while also reducing waste.
Figures from the Ontario Craft Brewers Association estimate the sector contributes more than $1bn towards Ontario’s economy annually. The industry employs more than 2,000 people directly and thousands more in associated industries such as tourism, food service, agriculture, packaging and distribution.
In Ontario, craft beer is one of the fastest growing categories in alcoholic beverages. Sales reached $120m at LCBO in 2018/2019 – up 11.7% on the previous year.
