Buying Local: The Economic Impact of Craft Beer in Nova Scotia

This blog post is inspired by a LinkedIn comment by local beer aficionado Jeff Pinhey.

In the world of beer, the story behind the brew often holds as much sway as the taste itself. Whether real or fabricated, these narratives shape consumer perception. Take, for instance, the giants like AB InBev, whose brands like Olands and Blue Star, while brewed locally, have obscured their origins over time.

Jane Jacobs, author and journalist, argued that import substitution—prioritizing local production over imports—could significantly bolster a local economy. This philosophy resonates deeply in Nova Scotia's craft beer scene.

When we opt for local craft beers like those from Good Robot or Tanner Brewing, we're not just choosing a beverage; we're supporting our local economy.

To paraphrase Jane Jacobs, import substitution is the single-most powerful economic action we can encourage. When we substitute for products that draw capital from our economy to others, we gain exponentially as a local economy.

This is why we created Good Robot Ultra Light - to offer a local, 100-calorie beer alternative to the import competitors.

Large brewing conglomerates may produce regionally, hire local workers and pay local taxes, but their only locally sourced inputs are water, electricity and labour. Profit is siphoned, leaving Nova Scotia to benefit another economy. And employment income per litre is greater with a local brand like Good Robot because all of our labour is in Nova Scotia, including admin jobs that the big players have centralized in other markets.

The economic impact per litre of beer brewed locally at craft breweries far outweighs that of mass-produced options.

At the heart of it, buying local isn't just about the beer; it's about supporting a vibrant, self-sustaining economy. It's about keeping our dollars close to home, where they can fuel growth, innovation, and community resilience.

Let's keep our dollars circulating where they matter most—right here in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.