2beerguys beer blog

Molson expands futher into the Canadian Craft Market

On October 19th, Creemore Springs Brewery announced their intention to acquire Granville Island Brewing from Andrew Peller Limited. Granville Island Brewing has been in operation for over 25 years and is one of the leading craft beer producers in Ontario.

What makes this acquisition even more interesting, the Creemore Springs Brewery was purchased by Molson in 1995.  Molson is the Canadian division of the world’s second-largest brewing company, the MillerCoors Brewing Company.

On the surface, the deal seemed like another case of a tiny independent swallowed by the sort of corporate brewer that drinkers of craft beers openly scorn.

But Granville Island – founded in 1984 on the island of the same name in False Creek just south of downtown Vancouver, and billed as Canada’s first microbrewer – was sold five years later to a firm that is now part of Canadian wine conglomerate Andrew Peller Ltd.

At Andrew Peller, Granville Island was an odd fit in a portfolio of wines. So when Molson – and its own craft brewer Creemore Springs – came knocking, a deal was made.

Creemore, which Molson bought in 2005 and is the entity making the acquisition, said it doesn’t plan changes at Granville Island but does want to use the company as a platform for Creemore expansion.

About Granville Island Brewing (GIB)

Established is 1984, Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is Canada’s first microbrewery offering a variety of award-winning beers which are brewed and sold here in BC. GIB is dedicated to handcrafting only the finest premium beers that are 100 per cent all-natural and brewed in small batches to provide consumers with the ultimate tasting experience. In celebration of their West Coast heritage GIB names each beer after iconic Vancouver locations that embody the local lifestyle. From the original Island Lager and English Bay Pale Ale, to Cypress Honey Lager, and now their latest innovation; Brockton IPA, GIB continues to produce a diverse portfolio of beers inspired by life on the West Coast. For more information, visit www.gib.ca.

About Creemore Springs Brewery

Creemore was established in 1987. Its direct fire brewing process uses only pure spring water, from the Creemore Springs, the finest malt barley, imported hops and select yeast to make its unique amber lager. Each batch is crafted by a team dedicated to producing the perfect beer. Creemore employs approximately 75 people in Ontario and its craft brews enjoy a great reputation among beer connoisseurs. Creemore is part of Molson Coors Canada. www.creemoresprings.com

Resources:

Creemore Springs Brewery to Acquire Granville Island Brewing
Molson buys Granville Island brewery