E-Malt.com News article: Canada, ON: Ontario craft brewers seek more beer distribution options

As demand for craft beer grows, Toronto brewers want alternatives to the LCBO and the Beer Store. Canadian Premier Kathleen Wynne said last week she is in talks with the craft brewing industry about how to “modernize beer distribution.” There is one idea that proved popular among the craft brewery owners: Creating specialty craft beer stores, Thestar.com reported on February 18.

“Let’s maybe open up another avenue to start promoting local craft — help out some of the smaller businesses in communities around Ontario,” said Phil Craig of Burlington-based Nickel Brook Brewing.

Craig was among many who criticized the foreign ownership at the Beer Store, which is controlled by brewing giants Sleeman, Labatt and Molson.

Another beer producer, Troy Burtch said Toronto-based Great Lakes Brewery only stocks one of its beers, Crazy Canuck, at the Beer Store, because of what he sees as lacklustre in-store marketing, and high listing fees.

“A small brewery, you just can’t afford it,” Burtch said.

Spokesman Jeff Newton said the Beer Store has lower listing fees than the LCBO. Two-thirds of the brands it carries are not associated with the owners, and a fifth of those are craft beers, he said. “It’s owned by three brewers, but it’s operated on the basis that it’s accessible to everybody.”

Wynne’s office reiterated on February 17 that conversations are ongoing with the craft brewing industry to “help them grow their business and improve their distribution as we have done with the wine industry.” No further details were provided.



19 February, 2014