Fredericton hard cider producer laments lack of rules from NB Liquor
Red Rover Brewing company says only beer and wine have clear regulations
A cider brewer in the Fredericton area is frustrated because his business doesn't fit into any of NB Liquor's policies.
Adam Clawson started Red Rover craft cider in 2014, but says he's having a hard time getting his business off the ground due to a lack of clear rules.
Clawson was inspired to open shop after researching the booming craft cider industry in Europe. He believed it would be a good way to make a value-added product out of the abundant local apple supply in New Brunswick, he said.
But Clawson says craft cider doesn't fit into the beer or wine policies in the province, so he must deal with the corporation on a case by case basis.
It's slowing down his business, he said.
"It is frustrating," said Clawson.
"I try to keep a positive outlook, that modernization is the best way to bring more finance into the economy of New Brunswick and that it will be something that comes. We just hope that it comes at a time when we will still be around to fully embrace it."
Mark-ups on cider double that of beer
Clawson says a bigger problem is the price mark-ups on his cider.
He says it's marked up twice as much as beer and 100 per cent more than wine.
"It puts the shelf price at a very tight point," he said.
"We try to keep our costs as low as possible, but in turn, that means that the company has no way of growing and is really struggling at the other end."
Red Rover is sold on tap at locations in downtown Fredericton, as well as Saint John and Sackville, and in refillable flagons at farmers' markets.
It's not yet available through NB Liquor outlets, but Clawson hopes it will be.