Brewery will Supplement Canadian Supply of
Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light for New
York and Pennsylvania to
Meet Demand
ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 6, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- FIFCO USA,
parent-company of the Genesee Brewery and Labatt USA, recently announced plans to invest
$50 million over three years to
create a world-class packaging facility, as well as add
capabilities and capacity for innovation to attract new contract
manufacturing clients and supplement the Canadian supply of Labatt
Blue and Labatt Blue Light. Earlier today, New York state announced a $7 million capital grant through Empire State
Development to support the project.
"Demand for Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light beer has outpaced
our supply from Canada. Last year,
we began working to develop a plan to continue modernizing our
Rochester brewery while building
its capacity to accommodate more volume," said Piotr Jurjewicz,
CEO, FIFCO USA. "We're
transforming our canning and innovation capabilities, adding tanks
and upgrading equipment to grow our business and create a more
efficient and sustainable operation."
Along with its own brands, the brewery produces alcoholic
beverages for a variety of leading companies across the U.S. Over
the last 15 years, the Genesee Brewery has undergone $215 million in modernization and upgrades,
including the installation of a world-class brewing system in 2018.
The recent project is phase two of a company plan to modernize the
brewery and position it for long-term growth in a competitive
industry.
"New York state's commitment to
our brewery cemented our decision to invest $50 million to modernize and expand our
capabilities," said Jurjewicz. "On behalf of hundreds of local
employees, we're thankful for Governor Hochul's support and we are
excited about the next chapter of our storied history."
About Brewing Labatt Blue and Blue Light in Rochester
Kevin Hryclik, Labatt
USA Brewmaster in Canada, worked with the Rochester Brewing Team
to ensure a perfect match. Hryclik, a 40-year Labatt employee, said
consistency is key when brewing in multiple locations.
"We have done extensive taste and sensory testing to ensure we
deliver the same great taste and quality standards," said Hryclik.
"It's typical to brew in multiple locations. It comes down to using
the same recipe and sourcing the same raw ingredients to maintain
the brand's distinctive flavor."
The first shipments of select packages of Labatt Blue and Blue
Light beer leave the brewery today for distribution in New York and Pennsylvania.
About FIFCO USA
FIFCO USA, headquartered in
Rochester, New York, is among the
top brewers in the U.S. FIFCO USA's portfolio includes Seagram's Escapes,
Lipton Hard Iced Tea, Labatt USA,
Genesee Brewing Company, and Magic Hat. FIFCO USA also brews beer and alcoholic beverages on
behalf of other companies. For more information:
https://www.fifcousa.com/
Always enjoy FIFCO USA beverages responsibly.
Media Contact: Mary Beth
Popp, 716-864-5315, marybeth.popp@fifco.com
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SOURCE Fifco