Manitoba craft brewery website could help industry, says brewery owner

A new website aimed at helping Manitobans start craft breweries could help a small industry grow, according to at least one brewery owner.

The Manitoba Brew Hub will be a "one-stop shop" with information and links for people who want to launch a craft brewery or distillery in the province.

The website was launched last week by Ron Lemieux, the province's minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corp., who said the goal is to encourage growth in the local microbrewing and microdistillery industry.

The idea of a provincial information resource for aspiring microbrewers and microdistillers has the support of Chris Warwaruk of Farmery Estate Brewery near Neepawa, Man.

"It's pretty unique in the marketplace, from different locations across Canada for sure, that a commission actually puts these resources into one area where interested parties can actually go and educate themselves on the processes," he said.

Warwaruk said the industry still has a long way to go in its development.

"We don't have the big marketing budgets like the big multinational beer companies have," he said.

"If we want to have a flourishing local craft beer market, we need to have that support."

The website is currently maintained by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, but the province hopes to transfer ownership to a "member-run association" in the future.

The provincial government recently expanded the presence of craft beer "growler bars" and introduced licensed tasting rooms adjacent to local breweries.