A message from George H. Croft, President & CEO

BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL

What many more Ontario beer drinkers are realizing is that the beer landscape in Ontario is a lot different than a quarter century ago. It's really become a battle between a few huge global beer conglomerates. However, Brick remains a proud, home grown, 100% Canadian run business. We feel, that there's a responsibility to stand up for all of the great small craft brewers in Ontario and also feel that there is the need to support what is arguably one of the greatest brewing regions in the world.

As Ontario's largest regional brewer, we stand out in a sea of foreign-owned beer brands.

Brick Brewing is a solid contender in this industry and is more than holding its own. We believe that when it comes down to quality and taste, it's the more than 100 people that work day in, day out crafting Brick beer that make the difference. We also believe our local brewing tradition resonates with consumers who are looking for good value and buying more locally-sourced quality products.

The exponential growth that our Red Baron brand experienced in 2009 was a key driver in our decisions to provide the Laker family with its new fit and finish. A special thanks to Ontario beer drinkers for their input. The result is a more premium, impactful look that features Laker's new die cut bottle label, beer glass imagery and quality brand messaging. Our new Formosa 12 pack includes our Uncompromised Quality and Legendary Taste TM branded directly into its new premium look. Red Cap completed its transition from the stubby bottle to the industry standard bottle removing additional operational complexity and costs. The Waterloo TM continues to experience double digit growth and increased retail distribution.

Brick's portfolio of brands is positioned to deliver volume growth, effectively support our Ontario consumers and explore market expansion in 2010.

Our new canning line, installed in May of 2009, has delivered incremental volume and long term cost reductions. The re-structuring of our logistics and distribution model along with our new electronic ordering process with our retail partners, has improved our route to market and continues to optimize Brick Brewing's product mix as the preferred supplier wherever possible.

Beer drinkers can continue to support local breweries whenever they can and educate themselves by looking for alternatives. If you are committed to a buy local, support local philosophy, there are lots of great small breweries that could use the support.

Ontario beer drinkers have the opportunity to vote every time they buy a box of beer, so why not try a beer that was brewed by a Canadian company.

George H. Croft
President & CEO

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