The Ontario government has announced that Crown Royal will continue to be sold in its liquor stores after Diageo, the parent company, agreed to invest nearly $23 million into the alcohol and agriculture sectors.
On Friday, the province revealed that it had come to this agreement with Diageo following several months of discussions.
Last year, Diageo declared plans to close its bottling plant in Amherstburg, southwestern Ontario, which would leave around 200 employees without jobs by the end of February.
Premier Doug Ford stated that these funds would help enhance provincial supply chains and “support the local community in Amherstburg and the surrounding area.”
Thanks to this deal, Crown Royal will remain available through the LCBO.
A spokesperson for Diageo expressed satisfaction over Crown Royal’s continued availability on shelves.
“We thank Premier Ford and his team for their exceptional leadership and collaboration in reaching this resolution.”
WATCH | Mayor says there’s interest in Diageo bottling plant:
Alcohol company ‘very serious’ about buying Crown Royal plant, says Amherstburg mayor
Though workers at Diageo’s Amherstburg facility may have signed a closure agreement recently, Mayor Michael Prue is focused on what lies ahead for the Crown Royal bottling plant set to shut down in February 2026.
A portion of the investment will benefit Amherstburg directly; however, most of it will be allocated towards alcohol and agriculture initiatives across other parts of Ontario.
The province indicated that approximately $500,000 would go to Invest Windsor Essex for economic development initiatives in Amherstburg while another $500,000 is designated for “community projects” benefiting residents there.
Invest Windsor Essex mentioned that it’s collaborating with locals to “identify the next steps and develop specific program supports that will respond to Amherstburg’s evolving economic needs.”
“The Town of Amherstburg has long played an important role in our region’s economic fabric. This funding will allow us to build on local strengths, support diversification and help position the community for long-term success,” chief executive officer Gordon Orr stated.
This $500,000 will assist resources aimed at boosting the Amherstburg economy and “advance new opportunities for local businesses, workers and the broader Windsor-Essex community.”
Additionally, Diageo plans to spend $11 million purchasing grain spirits from Greenfield based in Johnstown “to support local production in eastern Ontario.”
The company also intends to invest millions into new packaging as well as an additional $5 million directed towards marketing efforts within Ontario.
This agreement includes a pledge to look into options for establishing a new canning facility in Ontario along with allocating $1 million towards organizations supporting agricultural interests.
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Alcohol company ‘very serious’ about buying Crown Royal plant, says Amherstburg mayor
Though workers at Diageo’s Amherstburg facility may have signed a closure agreement recently, Mayor Michael Prue is focused on what lies ahead for the Crown Royal bottling plant set to shut down in February 2026.
A portion of the investment will benefit Amherstburg directly; however, most of it will be allocated towards alcohol and agriculture initiatives across other parts of Ontario.
The province indicated that approximately $500,000 would go to Invest Windsor Essex for economic development initiatives in Amherstburg while another $500,000 is designated for “community projects” benefiting residents there.
Invest Windsor Essex mentioned that it’s collaborating with locals to “identify the next steps and develop specific program supports that will respond to Amherstburg’s evolving economic needs.”
“The Town of Amherstburg has long played an important role in our region’s economic fabric. This funding will allow us to build on local strengths, support diversification and help position the community for long-term success,” chief executive officer Gordon Orr stated.
This $500,000 will assist resources aimed at boosting the Amherstburg economy and “advance new opportunities for local businesses, workers and the broader Windsor-Essex community.”
Additionally, Diageo plans to spend $11 million purchasing grain spirits from Greenfield based in Johnstown “to support local production in eastern Ontario.”
The company also intends to invest millions into new packaging as well as an additional $5 million directed towards marketing efforts within Ontario.
This agreement includes a pledge to look into options for establishing a new canning facility in Ontario along with allocating $1 million towards organizations supporting agricultural interests.
Mayor expresses disappointment over deal
However, Mayor Michael Prue wasn’t too thrilled about this announcement. He shared he was “hoping against hope” that some funds would directly aid local workers. “None of this is going to help a single soul in Amherstburg.” Pru reported receiving advance notice on Thursday regarding an announcement involving roughly $1 million earmarked for his town; thus he felt optimistic initially. But upon learning all details on Friday morning he felt quite let down. “I don’t even know who’s getting the money because they weren’t clear on that.. whether that’s the town or some charity or group of charities; I have no idea,” he remarked. Pru noted efforts are ongoing within his town aimed at finding another business willing take over operations at their bottling facility so those jobs could continue. He acknowledged at least one offer had been made but not accepted yet while adding there are expressions of interest from two more companies. The sale listing went out from Diageo late last December. The company confirmed it remains engaged with potential buyers but did not specifically address if any offers were declined as yet. Losing such significant employment opportunities within a town like Amherstburg is simply “devastating,” according Pru’s sentiments expressed earlier today.Source link
