CALGARY, AB, June 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Big Rock Brewery Inc. (TSX: BR) ("Big Rock" or the "Corporation") Inc is excited to announce it has taken steps towards enhanced sustainability by switching its' four, six and eight-pack products from plastic ring bindings to "Earthrings."

Earthrings, designed to reduce packaging waste, are crafted from multiple layers of solid fiber cardboard with a biodegradable, moisture-resistant coating. These are 100% recyclable, compostable, and made with environmentally friendly inks, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

Earthrings provide several key benefits:

Reduced Environmental Impact: Earthrings decompose naturally, helping to reduce landfill waste and ocean pollution.

Versatility in Disposal: They can be easily recycled or composted, offering flexibility for consumers and minimizing negative environmental impact;

Durability and Strength: Despite being eco-friendly, Earthrings are designed to securely hold and protect beverage cans, maintaining the quality Big Rock drinkers expect; and

Reduced Packaging Waste: It is estimated this transition will divert 23,529 kg of packaging waste annually from the landfill.

In May of this year Big Rock installed two new pieces of equipment that automatically bind our cans with Earthrings. These machines are designed and manufactured in North America and are readily equipped to handle the transition to this environmentally friendly solution. 

David Kinder, Big Rock's President and Chief Executive Officer noted "This transition aligns with Big Rock Brewery's commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. The installation of the equipment to affix Earthrings to our products represents about one-half of our capital budget this year and will help uphold the quality and presentation of Big Rock Brewery products while also supporting our environmental goals and allow us to comply with the ban on single-use plastics."

Big Rock also announced today that, having completed a review of its distribution model, effective June 17, 2024, it will now be distributing products from a cross-docking facility in Edmonton via a partnership with Hy-Line Express Ltd. No interruption in service is anticipated.

For more information on Earthrings, visit Earthrings FAQs

June 14, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bignell to the position of Vice President, Logistics.

In a dynamic and increasingly complex supply chain environment, John will lead Lactalis Canada’s comprehensive Transportation and Warehousing strategy. His expertise will play a pivotal role in fortifying the company's logistical framework for finished goods, enhancing operational agility, and maximizing efficiency across all facets of the logistics spectrum.

With significant experience in logistics and distribution, John joined Lactalis Canada in 2019 as National Director of Warehousing and was promoted to National Director of Transportation in 2023. Prior to joining Lactalis Canada, John held various senior management roles with Jean Coutu, Sobeys and Martin-Brower.

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 /CNW/ - A&W is all set to delight veggie burger lovers with its latest flavourful revelation – the Masala Veggie Burger. With a crispy patty that's made with real vegetables, Nanak® paneer and a zesty masala mix, the veggie burger celebrates South Asian flavours. The burger has been crafted for those seeking a deliciously spicy, vegetable-forward veggie burger experience, and is only available in Ontario for a limited time.

The long-standing craving for a proper veggie burger will finally be satisfied.
A significant portion of the South Asian community prefer or follow a vegetarian diet. However, the burger landscape in Canada has offered limited options, often forcing the community to settle for just fries or to order a regular burger minus the meat patty. Vegetarian burger lovers are seeking a "proper" veggie burger experience.

"Our Masala Veggie Burger is tasty enough to satisfy any spicy burger lover", says Amanda Wang, Director of Marketing at A&W Canada. "But truly we crafted this burger to be a taste of home for our veggie fans. As a burger lover, I get sad thinking about anyone ordering a patty-less burger made up of just buns and lettuce. This is the real deal."

South Asian vegetarians in particular have a benchmark for what a great burger should taste like, having grown up on the best-tasting vegetarian burgers back home. They have been seeking more options and craving those familiar flavours in Canada. "Knowing this made the task of creating an authentic vegetarian burger that surpasses their expectations all the more challenging and fun," says Karan Suri, Director of Menu Development at A&W Canada. "The patty, made with real vegetables, Nanak paneer and select spices is the hero. Paired with a spicy piri-piri sauce, fresh lettuce, tomato and crisp red onions, the burger is like no other in Canada, delivering a depth of flavour and spice that everyone will enjoy."

The Masala Veggie Burger is available for a limited time at participating A&W locations in Ontario. Whether you are a vegetarian or someone looking to try something new, this burger promises a delightful culinary experience. It's everything you've wanted, and unlike anything you've tasted. So, don't miss out. Head to your nearest A&W in Ontario and treat yourself to the new Masala Veggie Burger.

Vancouver, BC, June 12, 2024 - Vancouver’s destination for award-winning, exceptional Thai Cuisine, Maenam (1938 West 4th Avenue), has released a second edition of The Riesling Project, following the successful launch of its inaugural vintage. For year two, chef Angus An and wine director Kurtis Kolt worked closely with the talented winemakers behind Okanagan’s Pamplemousse Jus and Similkameen’s Scout Vineyard to deliver a dynamic partial skin-contact wine to complement An’s Thai cuisine.

“Kurtis and I thoroughly enjoyed creating our first Riesling and wanted to continue supporting our local wineries with a second edition,” explains An. “Pamplemousse Jus and Scout Vineyards are two of B.C.’s most exciting wineries and definitely ones to watch. We had a lot of fun working with them on creating a new riesling that is not only unique in flavour but will pair well with our flavourful dishes at Maenam.”

The Riesling Project, Volume 2, is available exclusively at Maenam now, by the glass or by the bottle. It blends 50 per cent grapes from Pamplemousse Jus in the Okanagan Valley with 50 per cent grapes from Scout Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. The result, a blend with texture and complexity, a tiny splash of Sauvignon Blanc for an extra dose of fresh herbs, and just a kiss of sweetness on the finish, to handle any dishes with heat.

“Riesling is consistently tailor-made for Maenam’s West Coast-inspired Thai cuisine, which incorporates hot, sour, sweet, and salty ingredients in colourful, seasonal dishes most often shared by everyone at the table,” says Kolt. “James, Jordan, Tyler of Pamplemousse Jus and Maggie, Murray, Carly and Aaron of Scout Vineyards have been incredible to work with. They have like-minded styles and understood exactly what we were looking for.”

The Riesling Project, Volume 2, features hints of baking spice, savoury citrus notes, and a distinct hit of galangal root, which has a similar flavour profile to ginger.

Maenam is open seven days a week for dinner starting at 5 p.m., and Wednesday to Saturday for lunch from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins welcome for à la carte dining in the lounge. For more information, please visit www.maenam.ca