Government of Canada supports upgrades to Acadia laboratory to increase capacity, streamline processes

“Helping ALAB work faster and smarter means more support for folks working in our region’s craft beverage industry. This federal investment will help producers create great products, bring in new customers, and grow their businesses right here at home.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Expanding ALAB’s testing capacity and extending its services to the rest of Atlantic Canada will enhance our reputation as a world-class agri-foods and beverage producer. Acadia University’s initiatives benefit both industry and consumers, spurring economic growth by increasing product sales and showcasing our beverage offerings in domestic and international markets.”
- Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants 

“ALAB is a shining example of how Acadia University and its talented researchers are leading innovation to meet real-world challenges. This pilot project will allow us to expand our support of the wine and craft beverage industry across Atlantic Canada, opening new doors for producers and putting the region’s amazing creations on the global stage. I’m especially proud that students at Acadia get to be part of those journeys through co-ops and other experiential learning opportunities."
-  Dr. Jeff Hennessy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Acadia University

“As a significant partner in our product testing program, ALAB has played an integral role in ensuring that our products meet our quality standards and federal regulations. It’s been extremely valuable to have access to an accredited lab here in Nova Scotia for us, and local industry. Thanks to ACOA for being a critical funding partner.”
- Dave DiPersio, Senior Vice President – Corporate Affairs, NSLC

• The Acadia Laboratory for Agri-Food and Beverage (ALAB) is an analytical lab that provides state-of-the-art research and analytical services to the wine, craft beverage and food industries.

• ALAB provides accurate analysis of a variety of tests, including alcohol levels, sugars, organic acids, volatile compounds, metals, ethyl carbamate and synthetic dyes and more, in alcoholic beverages and agri-foods. These analyses provide product quality assurance and help producers meet government regulations. 

• In addition to routine testing, ALAB also works with the producers to facilitate new product development.

• Over the past six years ALAB has established a solid, recurring customer base of more than 150 clients. This includes most Nova Scotia wineries, cideries, distilleries, and many craft brewers.

• Since 2021, ALAB has been a significant partner of the NSLC’s product testing program. 

• The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

Associated links

• Innovative Communities Fund
• Acadia Laboratory for Agri-Food and Beverage (ALAB)

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lori Selig
Acting Communications Director  
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
lori.selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Robyn McBain
Director of Marketing and Communications
Acadia University
Media.relations@acadiau.ca

Terah McKinnon
Senior Communications Officer, External Relations
NSLC
media@mynslc.com
 

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