April 24, 2017, ROTHESAY (GNB) – The provincial government is investing in the expansion of an award-winning craft brewery. Hammond River Brewing Co. is increasing its production capacity by adding a bottling line, and also plans to open a tasting room.
“The local food and beverage industry was identified as a growth opportunity in the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “We are pleased to support one of our successful craft brewers as they expand, seek out export opportunities and hire more New Brunswickers.”
The craft brewery, founded in Shane Steeves’ Quispamsis home in 2013, is tripling in size by moving to a new 278-square metre (3,000-square foot) production facility in Rothesay. With the capacity to brew batches of beer 15 to 30 times larger, and by adding a bottling line, the company will be able to serve more customers, explore export opportunities, and create up to three jobs in the next year. The new facility is expected to open this spring.
The government is supporting the initiative with a non-repayable contribution of $69,500 from Opportunities NB. The funding supports the company’s capital expansion, including equipment purchases and leasehold improvements.
Patrons of the brewery’s tasting room will be able to order food from a gastropub on the same property.
“In the last three years, we have grown as much as we can with our current equipment and facilities,” said Steeves. “The New Brunswick craft beer market is booming, and we are excited to expand to a full brewery serving many more clients in years to come.”
The craft brewery produces seven types of beer that are sold to NB Liquor, as well as restaurants in Saint Andrews, Saint John, Rothesay and Moncton. It also produces 20 seasonal, small-batch beers. Its products have won People’s Choice awards four years in a row at the Saint John Beer Fest.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.
From left: Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities NB; Shane Steeves, owner and brewmaster of Hammond River Brewing; Rothesay Mayor Nancy Grant; and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Eric Lewis, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-866-6938.
Shane Steeves, president, Hammond River Brewing Co., 506-333-4807.
