Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Ontario Craft brewing industry has grown rapidly over the last 20 years, and now includes over 240 independent craft breweries, operating in more than 110 communities across Ontario. The sector has now achieved a 7.6% market share and contributes approximately one billion dollars towards the provincial economy. Currently 95% of hops used by Ontario craft brewers are imported, mainly from the United States. Most of the relevant knowledge about Ontario hops terroir in beer has been lost over time. In current proposal Ontario Craft Brewers Association is collaborating with Durham College to develop an understanding of Ontario Hops Terroir and disseminate the findings amongst its member breweries. This will help the brewers understand the unique taste profiles of local hops. They will start modifying recipes to create truly distinctive beers that will increase the market share of Ontario grown hops. The new knowledge and understanding that this project will develop, will show Ontario and Canadian craft brewers how use local hops to create truly distinctive, flavourful beers, increase demand for local beers, and help local growers develop reliable markets for their produce, thereby offsetting imports that currently dominate the industry.