TORONTO — Two of Canada’s leading, independent craft brewers — Ontario-based Steam Whistle Brewing and B.C.’s Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. — have teamed up to help expand one another’s product portfolios and support brand-related initiatives.
The partnership will initially form in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, representing 62 per cent of total Canadian beer consumption. There are no changes in ownership, as both brewers will remain completely independent. Together, Phillips and Steam Whistle share the same values and have a history of quality, innovation, sustainability, and community.
“For 20 years, we’ve shared friendly dialogue and mutual respect with Phillips,” says Greg Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Steam Whistle Brewing. “We recognize Phillips’ integrity and leadership in western Canada’s craft beer scene and are proud to work collaboratively with them to build success for both our socially responsible, Canadian companies beyond our respective regional borders.”
“Phillips and Steam Whistle have parallel stories and a shared ethos, making us ideal partners,” endorses Matt Phillips, founder of Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. “We are both quality-first brewers, dedicated to exceptionally high standards, with aligned goals of sustainable production and strong community connections.”
Launching within months of each other two decades ago, both Steam Whistle and Phillips have well-earned reputations as quality brewers, investing in state-of-the-art brewhouses, quality assurance labs, and premium ingredients which helped each earn multiple awards as well as popularity among craft beer drinkers.
Both brewers have helped to establish environmental benchmarks for the craft industry through common leadership in water and energy conservation, sustainable packaging, use of hybrid or electric vehicles and company cultures centred in sustainability, sharing many of the same environmental awards and recognition.
“Canadians have enjoyed exploring and expanding their appreciation of craft beer over the years and deserve to have a broad selection of locally made, premium beers,” adds Taylor. “This partnership between Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. and Steam Whistle Brewing will help to bring our independently brewed products to more beer lovers in this country.”
