A little more on Distribieres here via google translate. Original French version here:
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/aff ... our-un.php
Johanne Martin, Freelance
Sun
"If the microbrewery industry is healthy, each of the companies that make up will be. By working together rather than in competition, everybody wins and it becomes easier to pass through periods of crisis. "
Behind the impressive beard, Bruno Blais spoke with the wisdom of one who has given considerable thought to how to ensure the sustainability of the cooperative he heads. And his speech is quite corresponds to the image he projects. Confident and committed, it builds on mutual support and teamwork not only to grow its business, but also those of other manufacturers of craft beers in Quebec.
Following the vision of its three founding members - friends who have engaged in brewing beer house while studying at college - La Barberie was born 14 years ago, the desire to make a simple hobby an activity that would create jobs.
"Initially, we had no experience in administration and management, says Blais. We were however convinced that the cooperative model could work, and we knew we could get support and surround ourselves with good people. "
Hard work
Before the microbrewery located on Rue Saint-Roch, Quebec, must know some economic stability, it will still need five years of hard work. A job that, despite a firmer foundation, is still continuing to improve the production and positioning of the company in the market.
"In addition to the renewal of the equipment began brewing in 2007, the tasting room adjacent to the place of production has been expanded over time and the image of bottled beers has recently been refreshed, the CEO explains. Hiring a marketing director in charge of the promotion is also part of our growth strategies, even if the benefits are expected in the longer term. "
Uniting to prosper
In addition the recent development of a new range of finest beers, two of which are already launched and two more will in the coming months, but especially the development of Distribières, a producers' cooperative founded ago three years and currently has ten members.
"It became necessary for businesses to unite to reduce distribution costs and have the opportunity to expand their network, says Bruno Blais. With two friends microbreweries Baie-Saint-Paul and Mont-Laurier, we created Distribières. If other players are gradually joining us next year, we would reach the fifteen members, one third of Quebec microbreweries. "
Interesting for microbreweries in a less favorable economic context, the formula is also for customers of the cooperative as a larger variety of products is offered at a lower cost and given the centralization of service ordering and delivery .
"We share a warehouse for storing all of our products and have since a representative who works for us all to return on our existing routes and develop new ones. In the short to medium term, it is even possible that we can penetrate the European market, "concludes one who hopes, if everything goes well, begin building a production plant for La Barberie in two years
