Prince Edward Island breweries are experiencing a highly successful summer as more Canadians opt for local vacations and take advantage of reduced tolls on the Confederation Bridge and Northumberland Ferries. The surge in sales has led to some craft breweries struggling to meet the demand for their products.
Owner-operator Alex Clark from Evermoore Brewing Co. in Summerside described this summer as unprecedented in terms of business activity. He noted a significant increase in customer traffic, with a diverse mix of tourists from various regions and age groups visiting the brewery.
Clark mentioned that there were days when the brewery had to turn away customers due to overwhelming demand, indicating the challenges they faced in keeping up with production.
According to Jared Murphy, president of the P.E.I. Craft Brewers’ Alliance and CEO of Lone Oak Brewing Company, several local breweries experienced a double-digit rise in sales, leading to inventory shortages.
While the situation posed challenges, Murphy viewed it as a positive issue resulting from increased interest in Canadian destinations, particularly Prince Edward Island. He highlighted the attraction of the region for both domestic and international visitors.
Reduced bridge and ferry costs in August further boosted visitor numbers to the island, with more day trippers from the mainland visiting breweries like Evermoore.
Kevin Murphy, chairman of Murphy Hospitality Group and founding partner of P.E.I. Brewing Company, acknowledged the favorable conditions that contributed to a successful tourism season. Factors such as the impact of trade tensions, lower interest rates, and reduced transportation costs have incentivized more people to explore local attractions.
The pleasant weather during the summer also played a role in driving tourism to Prince Edward Island, with Murphy optimistic about the ongoing season and upcoming festivals that could attract more visitors.
Clark echoed the sentiment of a busy season without significant slowdowns, emphasizing the need for adaptability and proactive measures to meet the sustained demand for local beer.