Ontario Craft Brewers react to beers sales in large grocery stores
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Craft Brewers today responded to an announcement that large grocery stores may be permitted to sell beer and wine in Ontario.
“Our basic position on improved retail access remains the same as what we have previously stated in other releases – see here OCB Position on Retail Access,” says the OCB.
John Hay, President of Ontario Craft Brewers:
“OCB appreciates the effort that Government and others are putting into the discussion of improving retail access for Ontario Craft Brewers. As we have said many times, improved access for Ontario Craft Beer will accelerate our job creation ability and solidify the establishment of craft breweries across the Province. It also will be welcomed by Ontario consumers. There are many ways to structure increased retail access and we will continue to work with Government on this and follow the process they have laid out.”
“Markups and other in-store requirements need to be established in law; otherwise, it confers far too much power on yet another series of monopolies,” adds Hay. “Similarly, we do not want to be trapped in the distribution system of any large players. Our right to direct deliver is crucial to maintain because it gives us a degree of independence and allows us a stronger negotiating position with other players.”
Cam Heaps, co-founder of Steam Whistle Brewing and Chair of Ontario Craft Brewers:
“A key aspect for Craft Brewers is that any new access, whatever form it takes, is affordable and that it does not allow large players to purchase all of the shelf space. Shelf space fees are illegal in many US states for that very reason.”
Related Posts:
Ontario Craft Brewers association comments on Buck-a-Beer →
Details out for Ontario Craft Brewers Conference 2018 →
Ontario Craft Brewers announces 30 Days of Giveaways →
