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The production of Tree Brewing beers is soon moving from its Richter Street location in Kelowna to the big city.
Tree has entered into a joint venture agreement with Big Rock Brewery and the production of Tree beers will soon be transferred to Big Rock’s Vancouver location.
Have no worries if you’re a fan of the Tree Beer Institute on Water Street, however, as nothing will be changing there.
“Nothing changes with the institute,” explained Chris Stirling, GM of Tree Brewing. “We make the beer on site at the beer institute and serve it tank to tap and that doesn’t change with this venture.”
Stirling also said that the institute will continue as the brewery’s source of innovation, and what people like and respond to there will be considered for a more widespread, canned production.
The move allows Tree to remain a player in what is a very competitive craft beer market, and allows the brewery to continue its growth by tapping into Big Rock’s resources.
Stirling wanted to emphasize that the move will in no way affect Tree beer.
“We won’t be changing recipes and, in fact, our brewmaster is staying on to ensure that our recipes and our beer is staying at the high quality we hold it to.”
While some staff will make the move to Vancouver, the move does mean that there will be a couple layoffs at the Kelowna facility.
“We are working with them to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible and helping them find employment in Kelowna as well,” Stirling said. “Because they are valued members of our family and we want to make sure we take care of them.”
The joint venture is scheduled to close at the end of May and the move will happen along that timeline.
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