Co-op is always building relationships with local growers and producers. Often, Co-op supplies their fuel and crop inputs; sometimes Co-op is the customer, stocking shelves with local products.
Then, there are the instances where these two overlap, creating a mutually beneficial farm-to-fork relationship. Co-op works closely with Farmery Estate Brewery in Neepawa, Manitoba, which crafts refreshing local beverages that can be found on Co-op shelves.
Deep roots
Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life that keeps evolving as farmers try to stay ahead of the agricultural curve. In that respect, brothers Chris and Lawrence Warwaruk are no different from farmers across the country, but the path they forged is unique.
he Warwaruk brothers spent over a decade in the hospitality industry, first opening a restaurant, then Winnipeg’s first gastropub. Serving craft beers from around the world inspired them to brew their own, and Farmery Estate Brewery was born.
On land that has been farmed for over a century by multiple generations of their family, Chris and Lawrence grow the barley and hops that go into a variety of Farmery products — ranging from beer to soda and energy drinks. These products are all craft-brewed at Farmery Estate Brewery in Neepawa, Manitoba, just 10 minutes from their farm.
Local and sustainable
Because Farmery Estate Brewery is so close to their farm, they have one of the lowest brewery carbon footprints in the world. They also use locally sourced oats and wheat in some of their beverages and sweeten them with honey from Bee Maid Honey, a co-operative based in Manitoba.
Malting their barley in Manitoba and investing in a CO2 recycler to capture and reuse emissions from the brewing process also help to minimize the Warwaruks’ carbon footprint. Always trying to improve, they are still looking for ways to use other byproducts and turn their waste into valuable resources.
The more they can do locally, the smaller the Warwaruks’ impact on the environment — and the bigger their impact on the local economy. Chris and Lawrence both agree that supporting local businesses isn’t just a one-way street — it creates mutual benefits that strengthen the local economy and create and retain local jobs.
Art Bergmann, beekeeper and long-time Clearview Co-op member, is one of many Bee Maid honey producers that contribute to Farmery’s sweetened drinks.
Stronger together
Chris and Lawrence grew up shopping at the Co-op their grandparents helped found. Now, they’re not just Co-op customers. They get expert agricultural advice from Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op and they supply beverages like Auntie Bea’s Cold and Hard Brewed Teas and Virgin Beer Caesars to Co-ops across Western Canada.
While Chris and Lawrence are partners in their business, each has his own area of focus.
Overseeing the farming operation, Lawrence works closely with John Lee, Agro Manager at Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op. Together, they ensure the best possible crops with up-to-date agronomic practices such as soil testing and customized fertilizer recommendations.
The Co-op Agro team really enjoy working with Lawrence and his team. “They are a good group to deal with,” said Lee. “They’re always looking to innovate and better their farming operation.”
Lawrence works with the Co-op Grow Team to grow their crops and counts on the Fuel Team to keep it all running. “Working with the Co-op Grow and Fuel Teams has been incredibly valuable for our farming operations,” he said. “Their expertise and support in providing high-quality farm inputs have played a key role in helping us maintain a productive and sustainable farm.”
Chris focuses on the product. Starting with Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op, Chris has supplied non-alcoholic beverages to Co-op stores across Western Canada, and some TGP stores in B.C. and Yukon. Their alcoholic beverages are also available at Co-op Liquor Stores in Saskatchewan and other parts of Western Canada.
Co-op team members have been guiding Chris through each step from delivering product to Federated Co-operatives Limited Distribution Centres to in-store marketing programs.
“Every Co-op store’s commitment to quality and community has been essential to our success, from making shelf space available to educating their members about our products,” said Chris. “Their dedication to supporting local businesses aligns perfectly with our values at Farmery Estate Brewery.”
So, the next time you’re walking the beverage aisle at your local Co-op and pick up Farmery products, know you’re supporting a local farm-to-fork – or rather, glass – story.