News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing a total of $373,000 in Alive Kombucha to help establish a 465 sq. metre (5,000 sq. ft.) commercial Kombucha brewery in Moncton.

“The development, growth and sustainability of the local food and beverages sectors is central to the continued strengthening of New Brunswick’s food system,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margaret Johnson. “There is a growing interest in locally produced food and beverages, and supporting local companies is crucial to our economy.”

The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries is investing $100,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, cost-shared with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Opportunities New Brunswick is investing $72,000 towards the project.

The funding will support renovations to an existing building and the purchase of advanced manufacturing equipment.

“While COVID-19 has posed challenges for the agriculture and agri-food sector, it is more important than ever to ensure farmers and processors are supported,” said federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. “Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we are helping businesses like Alive Kombucha take advantage of opportunities to diversify, expand production, and make use of innovative and clean technologies, which will have an economic ripple effect for their whole region.”

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector. This investment is cost-shared on a 60:40 (federal/provincial) basis and delivered by provinces and territories to ensure programs are tailored to meet regional needs.

“Here at Alive Kombucha we brew our kombucha using solar energy, so that we can provide you with a healthy drink that doesn't negatively affect our planet,” said Louis Leith, company owner. “Our 40 megawatts solar energy production is certified by the Smart Energy Company, is saving 30.7 acres of forest annually and prevents 26.5 tones of CO2 while producing our great tasting kombucha. Our products are made from a minimum of 97 per cent organic ingredients and is certified by the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.”

“This support from the federal government will help Alive Kombucha innovate and create new business opportunities to sustain and invigorate this vital sector, which will support the local economy and help the wider industry compete globally,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor. She spoke for Economic Development and Official Languages Minister Mélanie Joly, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The federal government, through ACOA, is providing a repayable contribution of $201,710. Alive Kombucha is contributing $1.7 million towards the brewery.