| Breakthrough in Ink Technologies Leads to
"New Look" for Kokanee Gold |
| June 25, 2002 (Creston, BC) - The Columbia Brewery announced today that it is re-launching the packaged version of its popular premium brand, Kokanee Gold, eliminating its paper label and replacing it with a unique painted label. The move is made possible with the development of new washable “organic” inks used to decorate the bottle. Like most Canadian brewers the Columbia Brewery is committed to supporting the industry’s standard amber bottle, widely recognized both for its ability to protect the beer inside, and its environmental and economic benefits. However, until now brewers have been unable to differentiate their primary package except through the use of paper or foil labels. With the introduction of new printing technologies Columbia Brewery is able to use a bottle with a washable painted label. Once the bottle is returned through the normal container system in each province, any brewer who already uses the standard bottle can wash the label off and re-use it for their own brands. “This is a first in Western Canada, and Kokanee Gold is only the second beer in the world to benefit from this technology,” says Dave McAnerney, director of brewery operations at The Columbia Brewery. “We’re very proud and excited by the new look for Kokanee Gold because it says a lot about its premium quality and unique position in the beer market.” The Columbia Brewery recently completed a $1.6 million investment in equipment, which will allow it to handle bulk shipments of the new glass to be used for Kokanee Gold. Kokanee Gold was initially launched as a draught product only in its home market of British Columbia in April 1990. It became a runaway success in Alberta when it was launched there in January 1992, quickly becoming one of Alberta’s best-selling draft beers. Shortly thereafter Kokanee Gold was introduced in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but did not appear as a packaged beer until April 1999. Kokanee Gold is an amber lager, brewed at 5.3% alcohol, slightly higher than most popular brands. Using a blend of four malts and western-grown North American hops, Kokanee Gold has a fuller body, with a hint of caramel after-taste. It is available only in Western Canada and can be found in the premium beer section of most liquor stores or beer vendors. Located in the heart of the Kootenays, The Columbia Brewery has established itself as an important, regional brewery that produces award-winning beers. It is currently completing a major two-year $11.1 million investment project, including the installation of a new state-of-the-art brewhouse. The brewery employs more than “90 people who care” and are committed to producing British Columbia’s finest beers, including Kokanee, Kootenay True Ale, Kootenay Mountain Ale, and Kootenay Black Lager. For more information, contact:
Larina Dyck, Communications Manager |