SpotlightFebruary2020

success story, McKinney says that, like any new venture, they have experienced a few challenges along the way. The primary difficulty they ran into when they first opened was recruiting experienced staff. McKinney says that the knowledge base in the craft brewery industry in Ontario continues to lag behind what he’s seen in British Columbia and the States. He notes, “It is hard to find qualified production staff, and this took some time.” The brand also faces challenges in selling through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), which limits the number of skews that are distributed. The brand’s primary focus right now is to have their second skew recognized through the LCBO. Presently, Prince Eddy’s beers are sold at the brewery, online, in 60 LCBOs across Ontario, and in 200 restaurants between Ottawa and Toronto. The company is experiencing healthy growth – it currently has a full-time sales representative in the Quinte region (locally), in Toronto and has plans to hire someone to represent the brewery in Ottawa in the near future. McKinney reveals that his future plans include constructing an expanded parking lot, increasing

sales outside the hectic summer months, expand- ing the sale of beers Ontario-wide, and increas- ing sales to grocery chains. He makes it clear that, “Right now we don’t want to bite off more than we can chew.” To date, growth has been steady and well managed. “Right now we don’t want to bite off more than we can chew.” McKinney’s entrepreneurial and fun-loving spirit is embodied in the beers his team brews, creating a brand that is perhaps embraced more by the younger generation, but is also identifiable and thoroughly enjoyed by an older demographic. So, if you have the opportunity, go hang loose and throw up the shakas, sample one of the delicious offerings, or better yet, go visit the brewery, which is the ultimate craft beer ’ playground. For more information about the Prince Eddy Brewery, visit princeeddys.com or visit the brewery located at 13 MacSteven Dr. in Picton, ON.

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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2020

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