One of the key ingredients behind Howe Sound Brewing is keeping its local flare.
Last week, the award-winning brewery was recognized for its community-feel in a joint B.C. Agriculture Council-We Heart Local awards.
The second annual event scours the province for the creators behind B.C.’s extraordinary food, drink and artisans. This year, a cheers went out to Howe Sound Brewery who tied with Hoyne Brewing Co. for Favourite Local Brewery.
Highlighting its roots is an important part of Howe Sound’s branding, said general manager Trevor Magee. The brewery opened in Squamish in 1996. Six years ago, it delved into retail craft brew. Since then, Howe Sound Brewery sales have increased 30 to 35 per cent per year, Magee noted.
“We are in the planning stages for a second facility,” he said, adding Squamish properties are among the options.
British Columbia is the brewery’s biggest market. Outside of B.C., Howe Sound Brewing is sold in five Canadian provinces and 14 states south of the border. The company is eying further expansion.
“We are certainly getting lots of requests from South America,” Magee said.
Howe Sound Brewing was among 337 nominees in the We Heart Local competition. More than 37,000 people cast votes for their favourite B.C. companies – more than tripling the 2013 numbers.
We Heart Local, formerly known as Buy Local. Eat Natural, is a not-for-profit community forum that aims to promote and bring together B.C.’s local food products, growers and producers. We Heart Local is supported by BC Agriculture Council and BC Ministry of Agriculture. For more information visit www.weheartlocalawards.ca.
