A new survey of Saskatchewan craft breweries highlights the hardships brought on the by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 65 per cent of craft brewery staff have been laid off since COVID-19 struck the province.
Half of the 12 respondents expected April 2020 revenue to be down by 50 per cent or more compared to April 2019. “We’ve already had one brewery that has reported that they have closed and ceased operations,” said Mark Heise, Saskatchewan Craft Brewers Association president. “Several others are right on the brink right now.” Saskatchewan beer-makers have been forced to innovate, including through an online ordering and delivery system.