New facilities and equipment for Steinhart Distillery will help company expand, attract visitors

News release

Government of Canada investments support tourism, long-term economic growth on Northumberland Shore

August 23, 2022 · Arisaig, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Building experiential tourism and helping small businesses expand and innovate will attract more visitors and grow rural economies. The Government of Canada is investing in Steinhart Distillery Limited to help it renovate and build new venues for special events and cultural activities and launch a ready-to-drink cocktail product line.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced a total repayable investment of $700,000 for Steinhart Distillery. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

A $500,000 contribution through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) will help Steinhart build an outdoor stage, renovate a barn to provide a venue for weddings and indoor concerts, and construct a multipurpose building for year-round use by community groups. The enhanced capacity and upgraded infrastructure will extend the facility’s operating season and attract more visitors.

A $200,000 contribution through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) will enable Steinhart to purchase specialized equipment to produce ready-to-drink cocktails to meet growing market demand. The company is developing natural alcoholic beverages made with its own artisanal gin and vodka and local fruit like cranberries, blueberries and haskap berries.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to support innovation and growth in the small and medium-sized businesses that contribute to thriving rural economies.

Quotes

“The vitality of our business communities across Atlantic Canada is key to our economic growth. We’ll continue to invest in rural businesses like Steinhart Distillery in Arisaig to maintain good jobs, support the tourism industry, and build resiliency for years to come.”
     -     The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“We are happy to help Steinhart Distillery expand to host tourists and events as well as launch a line of in-demand, natural ready-to-drink beverages. Offering unique products and experiences will draw more visitors to discover the beauty of the Northumberland Shore and provide locals with additional opportunities to gather and socialize, helping the rural economy thrive.”
     -     The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for
          Central Nova

“You only get one life, so doing something you are passionate about is vital. We are using local fruit to develop new organic and non-organic products for our award-winning line of beverages. We are renovating and adding new facilities at Steinhart in keeping with our vision to host fun visitor experiences. By creating meaningful memories for locals and visitors alike we are continuing to make life better here in Arisaig.”
     -     Thomas Steinhart, Director and Owner, Steinhart Distillery Limited

Quick facts

  • Steinhart Distillery Limited was incorporated in 2012. The company is 100 per cent owned by Thomas Steinhart, whose family history in the craft distilling industry in Germany dates back 300 years.

  • The company’s artisan gin and vodka have received dozens of awards in international spirit competitions including the World Gin Awards and are sold in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Asia and Europe as well as Nova Scotia. The company was the first Canadian distillery invited to join the prestigious British Gin Guild in 2017.

  • The distillery in Arisaig is considered a destination attraction with guided tours, learn-to-distill sessions, a popular seasonal restaurant, and cottage accommodations. The facility hosts various corporate functions, weddings and small concerts.

  • Launched in July 2021, the Tourism Relief Fund was created to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back travellers.

  • In Atlantic Canada, ACOA is delivering $70 million of the $700-million national Jobs and Growth Fund to eligible businesses, non-profit organizations, community economic development partners, and Indigenous-led organizations and businesses, with projects that: 
        o   support the transition to a green economy
        o   foster an inclusive recovery
        o   preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof  businesses through digital adoption
        o strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth. 

     

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Thomas Steinhart
Director and Owner
Steinhart Distillery Limited
902-863-5530
902-971-0203 (cell)
info@steinhartdistillery.com

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