“This family-operated organic orchard is expanding its business potential and diversifying its business by embracing the potential of using its crop to produce distilled spirits and fruit liqueurs,” said Minister Roach. “By creating a high-value product from their crop, Mike Beamish and his family are adding value to their farming operation.”

The Government of Prince Edward Island has supported the development of Deep Roots Distillery with assistance from Innovation PEI for marketing and for development of the company’s web presence. Deep Roots Distillery has also received $28,000 in assistance from the Growing Forward program, a joint partnership of Agriculture Canada and the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

“As our business practices and partnerships demonstrate, Deep Roots Distillery has a continuing commitment to working with other PEI businesses and producers. We want to ensure our contributions have a positive ripple effect on the larger Island community,” said Mike Beamish owner of Deep Roots Distillery.

“Prince Edward Island continues to be known for our high quality food products,” said Minister of Agriculture and Forestry George Webster. “It is important that we continue to support innovation and growth in our agriculture sector and help our local producers reach new markets.”

Deep Roots Distillery will be an expansion to Beamish Orchard as owned and operated by Mike Beamish and family. Beamish Orchard is a family-owned organic apple orchard operating in Warren Grove since 1990. The Beamish family has expanded its product line to include apple butter, candied apples and apple cider. Island produced honey and maple syrup are also sold on site.

The distilled organic apple cider will be marketed as a fruit spirit and flavored liqueurs produced with certified organic apples.

The company expects to produce close to 8,000 bottles of 375 ml size in its first year. These sales will be generated through the onsite outlet, the Charlottetown Farmers Market and from sales generated through the PEI Liquor Control Commission.