Ontario has confirmed that Crown Royal will continue to be available in the province’s liquor stores following an agreement with Diageo, the parent company, to invest nearly $23 million in the alcohol and agriculture sectors. The decision comes after extensive negotiations between the province and the company.
Last year, Diageo announced the closure of its Amherstburg bottling plant in southwestern Ontario, affecting almost 200 workers. Premier Doug Ford stated that the financial support would enhance provincial supply chains and benefit the local community in Amherstburg and its surroundings.
As part of the deal, Crown Royal will remain on the shelves at LCBO stores. A spokesperson from Diageo expressed gratitude to Premier Ford and his team for their leadership in resolving the situation.
While a portion of the investment will go towards Amherstburg, the majority is allocated to the alcohol and agriculture sectors across the province. Invest WindsorEssex will receive $500,000 for economic development in Amherstburg and an additional $500,000 for community projects in the area.
Gordon Orr, the chief executive officer of Invest WindsorEssex, highlighted the significance of the funding in supporting local strengths, diversification, and long-term success for the community. The allocated funds aim to boost the Amherstburg economy, create new opportunities for businesses and workers, and benefit the broader Windsor-Essex region.
Diageo will also allocate $11 million to purchase grain spirits from Greenfield in Johnstown to support local production in eastern Ontario. Additional investments include funding for new packaging, Ontario-based marketing initiatives, exploring a new canning facility in Ontario, and supporting organizations in the agriculture sector.
However, Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue expressed disappointment over the agreement, stating that he had hoped the funding would directly benefit local workers. He emphasized the need to secure new employment opportunities for those affected by the plant closure. Prue mentioned ongoing efforts to attract new companies to the bottling facility and expressed concern over the impact of job losses on the town’s economy.
Despite the mixed reactions to the agreement, the decision ensures that Crown Royal will remain a fixture in Ontario’s liquor stores, providing continued access to the popular brand for consumers in the province.