McKeown Cidery to Conquer American Market

Businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to create and market innovative products. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian enterprises. A real economic engine, innovation is the key to success, generating growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford, announced that the McKeown Cidery Inc. has been granted $188,550 in financial assistance, in the form of a repayable contribution, to acquire specialized equipment and implement a marketing strategy in the United States.

Founded in 2004, the McKeown Cidery is a deeply rooted business that makes its cider from apples hand-picked from its orchards in Rougemont. The company’s many prize-winning products are available across Quebec and in Great Britain, Norway and China. For the company to grow, it has to conquer foreign markets, including the American cider market, where there is increasing demand for craft cider in cans.

The funding provided under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) will enable the company to acquire a canning line, a coding machine and a shrink sleeve applicator to meet the requirements of the American market and to promote its products there.

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

"Cider is the drink that has experienced the highest sales growth globally in the past 10 years. Producers have to adjust to meet new market requirements. We celebrate the success of the McKeown Cidery, which provides quality jobs and promotes the visibility of the Rougemont area, a region that features a wealth of agritourism activities."

Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford

"With this support for the McKeown Cidery, the Government of Canada is showing once again that it is committed to the economic development of Quebec regions. We are determined to support entrepreneurs and encourage them to invest to ensure their growth and that of the Canadian economy."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"CED’s funding gives us the privilege of travelling across the United States to offer our excellent products to a greater number of cider lovers. This will enable us to keep growing and to contribute to the vitality of our industry."

Robert McKeown, President, Robert McKeown Inc.