Albertans Brewing Honey Mead

EDMONTON - Feb 1/07 - SNS -- An historic brew is now being produced in Alberta in a venture between Edmonton's Alley Kat Brewing Company and Bee-Maid Honey Ltd..

An apple/cinnamon spiced braggot honey mead was released by the brewer during the Christmas season and sold out within a week.

Current mead production plans for Alley Kat include the possible addition of another flavored mead from spring and summer. The company is considering either a straight varietal mead or a fruit mead.

"The Honey Mead Project team was formed with the overall goal of identifying venues for diversification and value-adding opportunities for primary honey production in Alberta," says Rachid El Hafid, Ph.D, P.Ag., with the industry development branch of Alberta Agriculture and Food, Stony Plain.

"Since Alberta is the largest honey producer in Canada, the team investigated opportunities for Alberta beekeepers to stay competitive in the market. It was felt that honey mead could present a product that fit the diversification and value added objectives of Alberta’s honey production industry."

In 2006, a feasibility study was completed to assess market opportunities and explore the feasibility of setting up meaderies in Alberta. Once completed, results were shared at a workshop that helped raise awareness about the mead industry and create networking opportunities between industry partners.

The honey mead opportunity is estimated at between $14.5 million and $28 million in the next five years. This will present a significant contribution to Alberta's honey industry, which is currently valued at approximately $50 million.