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Niagara Falls Craft Distillers (NFCD) and United Craft (UC) have entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture and distribute Ontario-made craft beverages with the formation of United Niagara Beverages (UNB). NFCD is a whisky and vodka distiller that offers co-packing capabilities for a range of packaged ready-to-drink beverages. Meanwhile, UC develops and markets its own craft beverage brands. Additionally, UC fosters industry collaboration by providing product innovation, packaging, sales, marketing and logistics services to other independent craft beverage companies in Ontario and across Canada. The partnership came to fruition after a close collaboration between the companies where they identified new opportunities for the beverage market. Capital investment from the partnership will be directed toward increased brewing and production capacity, non-alcoholic production and “unique fillers” that will help UNB explore “distinctive, first-to-market packaging formats”. UNB will also offer contract production and sales services to other independent Ontario producers in both alcohol and non-alcohol segments. The strategic partnership intends to accelerate the expansion of Ontario craft beverages beyond the province and attract more production to Ontario. Andy Murison, CEO of NFCD, said: "We really value United Craft's commitment to innovation and their ability to create, launch and then broadly distribute compelling branded products consumers are clamouring for. Their expertise, combined with our 50+ years of senior leadership production experience, will position UNB as an incubator and facilitate dynamic new products to market faster and quicker." Pat Macdonald, CEO of United Craft, added: "This new partnership will enable United Craft to transition to brick-and-mortar while teaming up with a renowned partner. We can realize new ideas in a range of market segments faster for ourselves and others." UNB will seek new strategic investments into additional brewing and production equipment, licensees, as well as capabilities to help it serve both the alcohol and non-alcohol beverage categories.