Alberta's craft breweries have tripled in 3 years — with dozens more on tap
The number of craft breweries in Alberta has tripled over the last three years, and the trend is expected to continue, with at least 30 new breweries being planned in Alberta this year, say industry insiders.
"Alberta farmers grow some of the world's most sought after barley and agricultural products. It only makes sense to grow the brewing industry right here and support good jobs from grain to glass," said Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci, who was in Red Deer for the province's
first Alberta Craft Brewing Convention on Wednesday.
He was highlighting the $25 million earmarked for the
Alberta Small Brewers Development Program announced in the
2017 budget.
Terry Rock, executive director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association, said the province has 54 brewing licenses now compared to 18 in 2014.
"It's a real economic diversification story that Albertans should be proud of," said Rock, one of hundreds who attended the convention.