Beverage company Labatt Breweries of Canada has announced that its Halifax brewery is supporting its Disaster Relief Program by focusing on water can production.
The company is investing $120,000 in new manufacturing technology to meet the growing demand for canned water used in disaster relief.
This strategic move allows the London brewery to concentrate on producing Canada's renowned beers and ready-to-drink beverages while the Halifax location will focus on maximising water can volume.
The Halifax brewery's transition to water can production is a first, and the investment is expected to support future volume increases.
To facilitate this initiative, the Halifax brewery will temporarily cease beer production, directing its efforts towards supporting the Atlantic provinces and enhancing the nationwide distribution of water cans.
Since the inception of its Disaster Relief Program in 2012, Labatt has been producing water cans at its London, Canada, brewery, providing safe drinking water to communities affected by disasters.
In 2021, the company strengthened its programme by partnering with Team Rubicon Canada, a veteran-led humanitarian organisation, to deliver water to hard-to-reach areas.
The collaboration has been successful, with Labatt donating its one-millionth can of water in December last year.
Labatt Breweries of Canada Atlantic Canada corporate affairs director Wade Keller said: “We are incredibly proud to have Halifax selected as a production hub for our cans of safe drinking water. This decision underscores our commitment to the region and highlights the importance of our collaboration with government bodies, Team Rubicon Canada, and other key stakeholders.
“We have the right team in place to ensure the highest quality, recognising that water, while essential to our brewing process, is also a vital commodity for every Canadian.
“By working together, we're providing timely and essential aid to communities during disasters, demonstrating our dedication to supporting Canadians when they need it most."
