Cheers to Partake Brewing

September 26, 2019

Natural Products Canada announces first successful applicant for new commercialization programs

Partake Brewing, a Canadian company known for their great-tasting, non-alcoholic beer, is the first recipient of funds from NPC’s Executive Talent program.

The company will use the funds to hire a senior level sales executive to expand into Whole Foods in the US and Canada.

“The non-alcoholic beer market is expanding due to a growing consumer focus on personal health and nutrition,” says Ted Fleming, founder and CEO of the low-carb, low-calorie beverages. “We are aiming for 10X sales growth by introducing our award-winning beers to a whole new audience.”

The Executive Talent program is one of three commercialization programs launched this summer by NPC. It’s designed to help Canadian SMEs and start-ups reach critical growth milestones through the addition of key members to the leadership team.

“NPC is very proud to play a supporting role in Partake’s growth,” says Shelley King, CEO of Natural Products Canada. “Their unique product formulation, sound business plan, and presence in the growing better-for-you beverage market make them a perfect candidate for our programs.”

NPC’s commercialization programs were developed after in-depth consultation with Canadian start-ups and SMEs, as well as the professionals who advise them. They address common challenges for companies developing natural products or natural product technologies, including gaps in management teams, demonstrated commercial viability, and strategic go-to-market plans.

“With the help of these programs, high-potential companies like Partake are able to accelerate their growth, capitalize on emerging market opportunities, and become more attractive to strategic partners and investors,” says King.

NPC offers the commercialization programs to members of the new network, Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster. The Cluster is comprised of SMEs and start-ups, research institutes, corporations, investors, and others, and was developed to streamline connections and collaborations within the natural product industry.

The Cluster is also supported by an investment fund, an Innovation Hub (a platform to introduce investors and corporations to products and opportunities) and custom events and initiatives to advance the development of Canadian innovative natural products and their resulting commercial potential.

“The full suite of offerings coupled with the diverse experience and insights of the members make the Cluster a powerful force in the natural product landscape,” says King.

For media inquiries:

Sue Coueslan, VP Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Natural Products Canada (NPC) is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic community of SMEs, research institutes, corporations, investors, government departments, and service providers who support the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies in health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. As part of its role in the Cluster, NPC offers a suite of Commercialization Programs to help companies and researchers advance high-potential products and technologies; provides connection and innovation scouting services to industry and investors through its Innovation Hub; and leverages its Investment Fund to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. NPC has over 500 opportunities in its pipeline, has completed six investments, and has already experienced two exits. Established in 2016, NPC is funded by a range of public and private investors, including the Government of Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) program, administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence. Visit www.naturalproductscanada.com

Partake Brewing is Canadian maker of award winning craft non-alcoholic beer with offices in Toronto and Calgary. Partake products come in a variety of styles including IPA, Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, and Stout. Partake beers have won multiple World Beer Awards and are low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for people on keto diets, and are uniquely low in calories at only 10 to 30 calories per can. Partake Brewing products can be found in retailers such as the LCBO, Whole Foods, Farm Boy, Total Wine, and are available online through DrinkPartake.com