The craft beer industry is witnessing a significant shift as growlers and bottles are being phased out in favor of cans. This trend began before the pandemic, with many craft brewers discontinuing growler and howler fills due to various challenges. Cleaning growlers before refilling and the loss of carbonation unless consumed quickly were major concerns.

Now, bottles are facing a similar fate. Moosehead Breweries reports that only seven percent of beer is sold in bottles in Canada, as consumers increasingly prefer cans. Brewers argue that cans offer better protection from light and oxygen, which can affect beer quality. Additionally, consumers appreciate the lightweight and portable nature of cans. Accountants also favor cans because they are easier to transport and provide a longer shelf life for the beer.

Moosehead will produce its last bottles in December. While some major brands continue to offer beer in bottles, including Mill Street Organic Lager and Steam Whistle from Toronto, Moosehead is preparing a special farewell. The brewery is hosting "The Last Bottle" contest, allowing a fan to win the final bottle off the production line. The winner will receive a trip to the Moosehead brewery in New Brunswick to witness the last bottle run and take home the final bottle. The contest closes on October 27. Moosehead ceased international shipping of bottles this summer, and the remaining stock will be available in retailers until early 2026.

In other brewery news, Forked River, London’s oldest operating craft brewery, has introduced Roadrunner, a wet-hopped pale ale, to support Jordan’s Run the Runway and the YMCA’s Camp Queen Elizabeth. This 5km run series, which began in June at St. Thomas Municipal Airport, concludes on October 3 at Chris Hadfield Airport in Sarnia. The event honors Jordan Strickland, a former camp counselor, with 25 cents from each can sold going to Camp Queen Elizabeth.

Railway City in St. Thomas has launched Double Dead Elephant, a strong IPA commemorating the 140th anniversary of Jumbo the elephant's death in a railway accident, along with Express Series Festbier, a malty German-style lager. Additionally, Storm Stayed in London is hosting "Beers and Bottles," a social gathering for moms and babies every Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Sidelaunch London is also offering a unique experience with a two-hour, five-course "Burgers and Brews" night on September 24, featuring craft beer and sliders at their new patio.