Upstreet Craft Brewing expanding operations

A year after opening, Upstreet Craft Brewing has expanded its operation to meet the growing demand for its product not only in P.E.I., but in other provinces, as well.

The brewing company purchased two largefermenters with an Innovation PEI contribution of $18,177. Part of the fund will be used to develop a marketing campaign for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

• Demand high at P.E.I.'s Upstreet Craft brewing
• Upstreet beer coming to P.E.I. liquor stores

"The support we received from Innovation PEI has been instrumental in helping us grow our business, doubling our capacity and allowing us to better serve our export markets in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick," said Mitch Cobb, CEO of Upstreet Craft Brewing in a written statement.

"Over the winter we expanded our market share in Nova Scotia to 16 restaurants and bars, which allowed us to create six new jobs bringing our total Island workforce to 17 full and part-time employees."

Surpassed targets within six months

Six months after its June 2015 opening, Upstreet Craft Brewing had exceeded its expectations of producing 80,000 litres of product, with sales surpassing their own targets.

In January, the brewery began distributing inNova Scotia at Bishop's Cellar a large private liquor distributor and to other licensees.

"The success of its products and brand has already allowed Upstreet Craft Brewing to gain interest from off-Island markets," said Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald in a statement.

"Through Innovation PEI, we are proud to help small, ambitious companies like Upstreet to expand, which supports government's commitment to enhancing our exports and growing our economy."