Russell Breweries' (TSX-V:RB) brewery in China is now fully operational.
In May, the craft brewer announced plans to set up a test brewery and brewpub in Hefei, China, making it the first brewery in that region of China to offer small-batch beers made to North American craft brewing standards.
"China is the world’s largest beer market; however craft beer is still in its infancy," said Russell Breweries interim CEO (Benjamin) Li Yu. "We see a significant growth opportunity in this segment.
"Changing consumer preferences are propelling a type of craft beer revolution, and China is on track to become the next craft beer powerhouse."
Kevin Wilson, the company's senior brewer from Russell's home office in British Columbia, is in China training local brewers and overseeing the implementation of a quality control program.
