'We're finding it challenging': Local brewery concerned about selection options at Liquor Marts

A craft beverage company feels Manitoba's Liquor Marts need to boost the number of local drinks on their shelves. However, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries said craft labels get significant showing inside Liquor Marts with more than 500 local products on offer.

A craft beverage company feels Manitoba's Liquor Marts need to boost the number of local drinks on their shelves. However, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) said craft labels get significant showing inside Liquor Marts with more than 500 local products on offer.

Farmery Estate has a new drink for sale, 12 packs of hard iced tea that contains Canadian honey.

"We have a warehouse full of this product," said Chris Warwaruk, the co-owner of Farmery.

He said the warehouse is full because less than a quarter of Manitoba Liquor Marts carry the packs.

"It's impacting our ability to recoup our investment into this new beverage form."

He said he has challenges getting other drinks in all government-run stores and believes there are too many brand names on the shelves, favoured over local choices.

"To have 11, 12 iced tea 12 packs from out of province and not have room for one local produced product, I think there is room to improve that."