I'm not an expert sommelier or brewer, but I can certainly provide you with some information on who owns the Beer Store in Canada. The ownership structure of the Beer Store is quite unique and involves a few different players.
Firstly, it's important to note that the Beer Store operates as an open retail and wholesale system. This means that it is not owned by a single entity, but rather by a group of brewing companies. The three main owners of the Beer Store are Molson, Labatt, and Sleeman, which are all well-known breweries in Canada. However, it's worth mentioning that these brewing companies are actually owned by multinational corporations. For example, Molson is owned by Molson Coors Brewing Company, Labatt is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Sleeman is owned by Sapporo Breweries.
In addition to these multinational corporations, there are also some Ontario-based brewers who have a partial ownership stake in the Beer Store. However, their ownership is quite small, at less than 0.02%. These Ontario-based brewers are independent and smaller-scale compared to the larger brewing companies mentioned earlier.
I find the ownership structure of the Beer Store to be quite interesting, as it reflects the dynamic and competitive nature of the beer industry in Canada. On one hand, you have the multinational corporations that dominate the market and own the majority of the Beer Store. On the other hand, you have smaller, local brewers who have a small ownership stake but still contribute to the overall operation of the store.
It's worth noting that the Beer Store has faced some criticism in the past for its ownership structure and the perceived lack of competition in the beer industry in Ontario. Some argue that the ownership by the three major brewing companies gives them an unfair advantage and limits consumer choice. However, others argue that the system allows for efficient distribution and ensures that smaller brewers have access to the market.
The ownership of the Beer Store in Canada is a complex mix of multinational corporations and smaller, Ontario-based brewers. This unique ownership structure reflects the diverse nature of the beer industry in Canada and the various players involved.