Molson aims to tap craft beer market

[jesseps]

Molson Coors Canada has launched the Six Pints Specialty Beer Co., a new stand-alone segment targeted at the craft and specialty beer industry.

 

The brewer has tapped Ian Freedman, an industry veteran who has been working with Molson since 2002, to head the company as its new president.

 

"The skills and the business model required to be successful in seeding, nurturing and growing specialty beer brands is very different from those required to build powerhouse brands," he said in a release.

 

Six Pints will initially carry Creemore Springs and Granville Island beers, but its portfolio is expected to expand to include other specialty Canadian beers as well as import beer.

 

Molson acquired Creemore Springs Brewing Co. in 2005, which then bought Granville Island Brewing Co. in 2009.

 

Mr. Freedman said the company will operate separately from Molson and come up with its own pricing, distribution and promotion strategies.

 

The Six Pints name dates back to the 1700s when British soldiers stationed in what would become Canada were paid six pints of beer a day as part of their salary.

 

(Courtesy of The Financial Post)

 

This should be interesting.