One of the great things to come out of the recent liquor law reform is a chance for craft breweries to showcase their wares at local farmers markets.
Now in their third week at the Steveston Farmers Market, Four Winds Brewing
has seen a great deal of public interest in what they have to offer. “As a market manager, it adds another dimension to the market. You’re always looking at adding some variety to the market. Just something extra that the consumers see.” says Market Manager Henry Pietraszek
has seen a great deal of public interest in what they have to offer. “As a market manager, it adds another dimension to the market. You’re always looking at adding some variety to the market. Just something extra that the consumers see.” says Market Manager Henry Pietraszek
In the short time I was there, the Four Winds booth was definitely busy, and the majority of the people hadn’t heard of Four Winds before and weren’t familiar with their different types of beer. Post sampling, several people walked away with a four pack. “Sales have been great” says Four Winds “Dad” Greg Mills, the representative for Four Winds this week. “I think Henry is happy to have us here”
Sampling 30 ml of their IPA, Pale Ale, and Saison keeps the people interested but also from becoming a nuisance. “The concern was that we didn’t want it to be a beer garden” says Pietraszek “This is simply guys selling product like our baked good vendors sell bread. You buy it here, take it home and consume it. As long as that practice can be honoured, we don’t have any problems.”
And other vendors welcome the new set up “It’s great having them here, because people stop there and then come over here” said an employee of a neighbouring food vendor.
Four Winds isn’t the only brewery to have ventured out to farmers markets since the June reform. Steel & Oak, Bomber Brewing, and R&B Brewing have all been out to local markets, with R&B even able to offer growler fills.
The only thing that might be holding breweries back? Availability. “I know there’s a couple other [markets] we want to be in, but they are booked so we can’t get into them”. says Mills.
With the reform coming so close to the market season, it’s anticipated that we will be seeing more breweries at farmers markets in the seasons to come
Shawna Perry – @shawzepe
CAMRA BC, Vancouver Branch – Communications Support Team
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