Government Supports Valley-based Company

The government is helping a well established, valley-based agricultural manufacturing company expand its export market, diversify its products and create up to 30 jobs in three years.

The government of Nova Scotia, through its Industrial Expansion Fund, will provide a $500,000 repayable loan to the Cider House Company Ltd.

"The government will continue to support companies that seek innovative and resourceful ways in which to grow their business and help create economic prosperity for Nova Scotia," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister, of Economic Development. "We believe the potential benefits of investing in Cider House, will help build their export potential and put skilled people to work."

Cider House Company Ltd., owned by Hanspeter Stutz and family since 1993, produces high quality wines and is associated with Grand Pre Wines Limited. Cider House has produced award winning wines under the label Domaine de Grand Pre.

Markets are increasing for the company's high-end hard apple cider, which targets a new market demographic. Diversifying its product is key for Cider House and follows the success of other wineries.

"This government loan will allow Cider House Company Ltd. to expand its operations in a substantial way, including the purchase of fermentation tanks and other necessary equipment," said Hanspeter Stutz, owner of Cider House Company Ltd. "The company has identified many market opportunities for its high quality cider product in both North America and Europe."

"This is an important initiative for Nova Scotia's agricultural industry. Cider House will be adding value to our apple crop and open up new export opportunities for the sector," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture. "I am proud to support this project."

Cider House plans to lease an area of the former Avon Foods building in Berwick, Kings Co. to install fermentation tanks. Great Valley Juice in Port Williams will press the apples into juice, which will be transferred to Berwick for storage and fermentation. Bottling will take place at Maritime Beer in Dartmouth.

The Industrial Expansion Fund is one method by which the government of Nova Scotia supports economic development in the province. This fund has considerable flexibility in the amount and type of funding it can provide. The fund is key to helping industries involved in innovative research and technology while contributing to a prosperous and sustainable business climate for Nova Scotia.