— A new locally produced beer is expected to hit the market in 2027 as Antigua Distillery continues development of a brewery, Prime Minister Gaston Browne says.

Browne disclosed the development Saturday on the Browne and Browne Show while discussing efforts to expand local manufacturing and encourage Antiguans and Barbudans to support products made in the country.

“Sometime next year, too, we’ll see the commencement of a new beer,” Browne said.

“There’s a brewery that has been built out currently by Antigua Distillery.”

The prime minister did not identify the name of the beer, give a specific launch date or provide details about the brewery’s production capacity.

His comments came during a wider discussion about increasing domestic manufacturing and creating more opportunities for local businesses.

“So in manufacturing, we’re seeing some improvements,” Browne said.

Browne also highlighted developments in local toilet paper manufacturing and increased demand for government-backed entrepreneurship financing.

“Every week we get applications for entrepreneurial funding,” he said. “So I’m very happy with the increase in entrepreneurship.”

He pointed to a recently launched business producing three-ply toilet paper in Antigua and Barbuda and said another, larger toilet paper manufacturing operation is expected to become operational in 2027, with plans to export its products.

Browne used those developments to renew his appeal for consumers to support locally manufactured goods.

“I want to encourage our people, as products are being produced locally, we must support our own,” Browne said. “We want to encourage you to buy local.”

The planned brewery adds another product category to the government’s broader push for increased domestic production.

Browne said he was encouraged by the direction of the economy and the increased activity in manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

“I’d say in all sectors we are seeing progress, and we’re very happy in the way in which the country is progressing economically,” he said.

No further details about Antigua Distillery’s brewery or the planned beer were provided during the programme.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: New Antigua-Made Beer Expected in 2027 as Antigua Distillery Builds Brewery.