Barry & Fitzwilliam to Distribute CBD Beer in Ireland

Barry & Fitzwilliam has been appointed as the exclusive distribution partner for Province Brands of Canada’s line of nonalcoholic CBD beers, paving the way for CBD beverages to be sold nationwide for the first time.

Barry & Fitzwilliam, Ireland’s largest premium drinks distributor with a portfolio of more than 120 beers, wines, and spirits, secured the deal following a competitive tender process. Province Brands of Canada is a researcher in cannabinoid science and has developed a first of its kind CBD-infused non-alcoholic beverage aimed at the premium market. The company has several patents regarding the brewing of beers using cannabis stems and stalks left over after the buds are sold for recreational use in Canada.

The deal marks Province Brands’ first foray into the European market. In September, the company confirmed the appointment of Niall Phelan, co-founder of Ireland’s Rye River Brewing, as its chief operating officer. Province is understood to be in talks with the IDA about suitable locations for its Irish base.

“Province Brands of Canada is very excited to be working with the fine team at Barry & Fitzwilliam to bring the first nationally available CBD beer to the Irish consumer,” said Dooma Wendschuh, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “To be preparing to bring our first beers to Ireland and to be entering the European market is a breakthrough step for Province Brands of Canada and our approach to research, development, and innovation.”

“Barry & Fitzwilliam is delighted with our new association with Province Brands of Canada,” said Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam. “Province Brands is at the leading edge of CBD-infused and other cannabis powered beverages internationally and we are excited to be at the forefront with them in Ireland.”

Barry & Fitzwilliam is expected to begin distributing the products nationwide from February 2020.