News Release

MALDEN (GNB) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today to mark the grand opening of Blue Roof Distillers.

“The development of Atlantic Canada’s first farm-to-bottle distillery is a cause for great celebration, particularly given the innovation that is now rooting a sixth-generation of the Strang family into New Brunswick’s agricultural sector,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “Our government is working to support innovation and the development of new businesses like Blue Roof distillers.”

The provincial government committed $53,000 in financial assistance through the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries and Opportunities NB. It included funding through the Market Development, Product Enhancement and Diversification Program of Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

“Businesses like Blue Roof are working hard to diversify and add value to their products and contribute to their communities,” said Memramcook-Tantramar MLA Bernard LeBlanc. “We are proud to work with them as they make their mark by turning their ideas into reality.”

LeBlanc attended for Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.

The distillery obtains potatoes from the farm and distills Blue Roof premium spirits.

“We are proud to be serving the public a product that is truly home-grown” said Devon Strang, head distiller. “A lot of planning, learning and work have gone into building this business and we are thankful for all the support we have received.”

The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program, provided the company with a repayable contribution of $113,382 to purchase new equipment that will enable Blue Roof to produce premium vodka.

“Atlantic Canada’s economic success depends in part on our businesses’ ability to continuously adapt to changing markets so they can remain competitive here in Canada and on the world stage,” said Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “I am pleased that ACOA’s support for this project will enable Blue Roof Distillers to grow and develop a new product. This investment is a perfect example of how together, we can move forward with fresh ideas to make innovation a national priority and put Canada on a firm path to long-term economic growth.”