Brewers concerned about aspects of local beverage plan

A program to try and support the craft wine and microbrewery sectors in New Brunswick is part of the government's recently announced local food and beverage strategy.

Proceeds from sales at NB Liquor will be going into promotion of the industry, says the provincial government.

There are also plans to expand the grocery wine pilot program and increase the number of pre-approved farmers markets in order to sell more local wines.

"Good that there's a strategy," said Sean Dunbar, who owns the Northampton Brewing Company. "Better late than never."

But Dunbar would like to see more details. He is hoping this could lead to malted barley production in New Brunswick so microbreweries can get their barley in province.

"I need to know some of the details might happen as a result of this strategy," said Dunbar.

"I think we need to take the strategy, narrow down some of the action items, turn them into actions, focus on them, complete them, make them happen, continue to measure and move forward that way. It seems all-encompassing at the moment without enough focus."

Grocery store sales

Red Rover Craft Cider owner Adam Clawson was disappointed to find there was still no mention of getting his cider into grocery stores.

As it stands, Clawson can't get Red Rover Cider into grocery stores with the wine and other ciders because he isn't a grower. He said they buy their apples in New Brunswick, but since they aren't growing their own apples they can't get into the grocery store.

"The grocery store aspect has been limited to producers with a cottage winery licence," said Clawson.

"Red Rover has always been under the mind that we should support a great community by purchasing our apples from multiple producers thereby supporting multiple areas of the province and not just our own farm."

Sean Dunbar had the same complaint. He said it would be a lot of help for microbreweries to be able to sell their products in grocery stores.

"We think there's probably the ability to grow to 20 or 30 per cent market share in New Brunswick for craft beer. We can't do that without increased consumer access," said Dunbar.

"Craft beer in grocery stores would be extremely successful as well for the grocery stores, for the breweries, for the government and for the consumers as well."

Concern over control

But there is one line in the strategy that makes Dunbar nervous.

The strategy states "while the strategy includes some actions to grow this sector, it must be noted that, as a regulation product associated with public safety considerations, the final authority rests with Alcool NB Liquor."

Dunbar said for that reason, he doesn't expect to see craft beer in grocery stores and has his doubts this strategy will benefit local brewers.

"I desperately believe that economic development policy is not in the right hands if it's in the hands of NB Liquor," said Dunbar.

"If we truly want local alcoholic beverages to grow, and it's been proven on the wine side, we need to increase the consumer access points."