A Nova Scotia couple, Connor and Maria Jeffreys, faced a setback just a week before they were due to deliver nearly 600 bottles of mead to a Renaissance fair in New Brunswick. The situation arose when the Crown-run liquor retailer in New Brunswick, ANBL, proposed a significant markup of over 100%, causing the $11,300 order to balloon to around $25,000. This forced the Shediac Renaissance Faire to scale back their order to only 240 smaller bottles, reducing the deal’s value to a third of its original amount.
Connor expressed disappointment at the turn of events as it meant less product for the fair attendees at a higher cost. The couple, who own Fireside Meadery, were counting on the revenue from the deal to support their business expansion. Mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage made from water, honey, and yeast, with possible fruit and spice additions, is a popular product for Fireside Meadery, which sells out of every batch produced.
Despite the professionalism of ANBL staff, Maria described the markup quote as a blow. Sébastien Després, the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of supporting Atlantic Canadian products and was surprised by the markup, calling for improved cooperation among Maritime provinces to overcome trade barriers.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed concern over the situation, highlighting the need to address such issues promptly. ANBL defended its pricing citing provincial regulations, while the NSLC in Nova Scotia outlined a different approach that would have benefitted the producers in this scenario.
The Jeffreys family, along with Premier Houston, emphasized the importance of fostering interprovincial trade and supporting local businesses. They hope for a resolution to such challenges to promote unity and growth among Canadian provinces.
