The beer industry used to be dominated by big names like Molson, Coors and Labatt. But in the past decade, craft beer has seen a tenfold increase in sales and now accounts for six percent of the market. This growth has been driven by government incentives and consumer demand for local food experiences, both in Canada and around the world. Currently, there are more than 1,100 breweries in Canada.
As the craft beer industry has grown, so has the global recognition of Canadian beer. Canada is known for its excellent barley, clean air and water, a friendly business environment and political stability - all of which make it an ideal place to export beer. Industry perspectives and forecasts, key figures and rankings on brands and companies, perspectives and consumer preferences in various sectors, detailed information on political and social issues, consumption data, market potentials of the digital future, information on technology markets, health markets, advertising and media, industry development, social indicators - all of this can be accessed with a single account. The Canadian beer industry is now an important part of Canadian identity.
Although the three largest beer producers - Labatt, Molson and Sleeman - have merged or been acquired by foreign companies, craft beer is still thriving. BC was the first province to have a brewery and microbrewery. Quebec is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene with many breweries producing unique beers. The average alcohol content of beers consumed in the UK is around 3.5%.
To achieve this level of alcohol content, brewers use a process called 'chilling' which involves mixing the beer with ice crystals for a short period of time without increasing the number of ice crystals in the mixture. Beer was first introduced to Canada by European settlers in the 17th century when Canada had an ideal brewing climate before refrigeration was introduced. Nowadays, although beer volumes may be decreasing, beer sales are increasing due to premiumization. This is because Canadian breweries tend to be significantly smaller in scale than regional craft beer players.
In addition to this, 70% of beer drinkers have said they were served a stale pint or not while 39% of beer drinkers have stated that they have avoided a brand because they have taken a bad pint. To combat this issue, EARI has an ambitious plan to consolidate Ontario's congested craft beer sector. The success of microbreweries is based on producing authentic and quality beers that win over consumers by introducing them to tasty and innovative beer styles. Big brewers who brew beer with traditional ingredients and often market it as if they were brewed by independent breweries has led to the insurgency of truly independent competitors accusing big companies of false practices.
For example, beers with low pH may not be accepted so currently popular bitter beers may be refused for import into China. The best place in Canada to sample Quebec's (and indeed the world's) beer offer is the country's largest beer festival - Mondial de la Bière - held every spring in Montreal.
