What Collective Arts brewing Limited does

Collective Arts Brewing Limited is a Hamilton, Ontario-based beverage company founded in 2013 by Matt Johnston and Bob Russell. The company originated as a craft brewery and has expanded into a diversified multi-beverage platform spanning craft beer and cider, canned ready-to-drink cocktails, artisanal spirits (gin, rye, rum), non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof cocktails, energy drinks under the Wide Eyed Energy and Botany sub-brands, adaptogenic wellness elixirs, and fruit-infused sparkling waters. The unifying technology and brand mechanism is an artist collaboration platform: every product label features rotating original artwork from emerging global artists sourced through an ongoing public Call For Art program, with the company investing over $600,000 annually in artist support and having paid more than $300,000 directly to 500+ Canadian artists since inception.

The business operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and wholesale model. Revenue streams include unit-priced beverage sales (single cans ~$2.33-$3.55; multi-packs $15-$20; spirits $32-$56), taproom and event venue operations across three owned locations in Hamilton, Toronto, and Cambridge, an e-commerce channel with Ontario-wide doorstep delivery via GLS Canada (minimum $99.99, free shipping over $175), digital gift cards in $15-$200 CAD denominations, and wholesale distribution through convenience stores, gas stations, the LCBO system, and 7-Eleven Canada (notably for the Botany Energy launch). The company employs over 100 Canadians in production and packaging and runs marketing through an integrated mix of owned content (Creativity Magazine, Collective Stories blog, Drink Creatively video series), organic social, email, events, and brand partnerships including Samsung and Complex Canada. Geographic operations remain restricted to Ontario for direct distribution.

Name

Collective Arts brewing Limited

Legal name

Collective Arts Brewing Limited

Website

https://collectiveartsbrewing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Collective Arts Brewing is a Hamilton, Ontario-based multi-beverage company producing craft beer, cider, spirits, RTD cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and energy drinks, all featuring rotating artwork from emerging global artists sourced through its Call For Art program and sold via three Ontario taprooms, e-commerce, and retail distribution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beverages

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Distilleries (312140), Beverage Manufacturing (3121), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180), Bottled & Canned Soft Drinks & Carbonated Waters (2086)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits/Cocktail Bars Operated by Producers (THAFALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alcoholic Beverage Mixers & Cocktail Ingredients Brands (Non-alcoholic) (CRADAIAH), Beer, Brewery & Craft Beverage Tastings (THAJAGAE), Alcohol Gift, Basket & Specialty Packaging Retail (CRANABAG), Cocktail Mixes & Alcoholic Beverage Bases (non-alcoholic mixers, RTD spirit bases) (AFAFAGAH)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewing
• Artisanal spirits production
• Ready to drink cocktails
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Functional energy drinks

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamilton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Craft Beer & Cider Sales: Direct sales of craft beer and cider through e-commerce, taprooms, and retail distribution across Ontario
2. Ready-to-Drink Cocktails: Canned cocktails including margaritas, cosmos, sangrias, vodka sodas sold through same channels
3. Spirits: Artisanal gin, rum, and rye products including award-winning gins sold in 700ml bottles
4. Energy & Wellness Beverages: Botany Energy drinks and Wide Eyed Energy products, adaptogenic elixirs, and hydration beverages
5. Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof cocktails expanding into the growing NoLo category
6. Merchandise: Apparel, glassware, and artist series merchandise including limited-edition items
7. Taproom & Event Spaces: On-site beverage sales, food service, and venue rental for private events at Hamilton, Toronto, and Cambridge locations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Collective Arts Brewing manufactures and sells a diversified range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including craft beer, cider, artisanal spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof cocktails, energy drinks, and adaptogenic wellness beverages. Every product features original artwork from emerging global artists selected through the company's ongoing Call For Art program, with products sold through three owned Ontario taprooms, direct-to-consumer delivery, and retail/wholesale partners.

Product overview

Collective Arts is a Hamilton, Ontario-based craft brewery founded in 2013 that has evolved into a diversified lifestyle beverage company. The company operates a platform of distinct product lines unified by its core value of supporting emerging artists through product label art. The portfolio spans craft beer (core lineup featuring IPAs, lagers, sours, and porters), cider, artisanal spirits (gin and rye), ready-to-drink cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, energy drinks (Wide Eyed Energy and Botany Energy), adaptogenic wellness elixirs, and fruit-infused sparkling water. The company also produces limited-release experimental beers under its Art Reserve Series at its Cambridge Innovation Hub. All products feature original artwork from emerging global artists, with the company investing over $600,000 annually in artist support. The business model combines direct-to-consumer retail through company-owned taprooms in Hamilton, Toronto, and Cambridge with Ontario-wide delivery and retail distribution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Botany Energy: Clean energy drinks product line including Botany Elixirs and Botany Waters, launched in January 2025 targeting female core audience underserved by traditional energy drink category.
• Botany
• Wide Eyed Energy
• Art Reserve

Products and services

• Core Beer Lineup Flagship craft beer lineup spanning lagers, pilsners, IPAs (including NEIPAs and NEDIPAs), sours, porters, and small-ABV options such as the 2.9% Beyond Reason Micro Pale Ale. Targeted at Ontario craft beer enthusiasts seeking flavour-forward, artfully packaged beer for everyday and social consumption.
• Cider Craft ciders pressed from Ontario-grown apples, including the gluten-free Local Press Apple at 5.6% ABV and Local Press Apple & Cherry at 5.8% ABV made with Montmorency cherry juice from Niagara. Targeted at Ontario consumers seeking locally produced, gluten-free cider alternatives.
• Spirits Artisanal gin, rye, and rum portfolio sold in 700ml bottles, including the multiple-award-winning Artisanal Dry Gin at 43.5% ABV with 10 botanicals, Lavender & Juniper Gin at 40% ABV, Rhubarb & Hibiscus Gin at 40% ABV, White Port Barrel-Aged Rye at 40% ABV, and Maple Syrup Barrel-Aged Rum at 45% ABV. Targeted at premium spirits consumers in Ontario via retail, DTC, and taproom channels.
• Ready to Drink Cocktails Pre-mixed canned cocktails including Blood Orange & Lime Margarita (6% ABV), Wild Berry Lime Cosmo, Citrus Gin Collins, Passion Mojito (5% ABV), SkinnyCap Vodka Sodas, Red & White Sangria Spritz, Tropical Cocktail Mix Pack (8x355mL), and Sparkling Hard Teas. Sold individually and in multi-pack mix formats via DTC, Ontario retail, and taprooms for social-occasion consumption.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages Non-alcoholic beer lineup (NA Guava Gose at 0.4% ABV, NA IPA, NA Hazy Pale Ale, Emerald Stout) and zero-proof cocktails (Mellow Mojito, Midday Mule, Perpetual Paloma). Targets sober-curious and alcohol-moderating Ontario consumers seeking quality substitutes for traditional beer and cocktails.
• Wide Eyed Energy Clean energy drink line with no artificial sweeteners, offered in BOOST 80mg caffeine variants (Blood Orange Vanilla, Lemon Berry) and MAX 140mg caffeine variants (Raspberry Lime, Mango Peach). Targeted at functional beverage consumers seeking moderate-caffeine, cleaner alternatives to traditional energy drinks.
• Botany Energy Clean energy drink and adaptogenic beverage line under the Botany sub-brand, comprising Botany Elixirs and Botany Waters, formulated without artificial ingredients and targeted at female consumers historically underserved by the traditional energy drink category. Launched into 7-Eleven Canada convenience retail with national rollout.
• Botany Adaptogenic Elixirs Functional wellness beverages under the Botany sub-brand in three flavours: Botany Uplift (Peach, Turmeric & Ginger), Botany Balance (Blueberry, Mango & Acai), and Botany Unwind (Lemon, Ginger & Chamomile). Each formulation combines adaptogens, coconut water, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals to address everyday wellness needs.
• Botany Fruit Infused Sparkling Water Botany Waters sparkling hydration line in three flavours: Cucumber Lemongrass & Lime, Black Cherry & Vanilla, and White Peach & Cardamom. Contains antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins B6, B12, C, and magnesium to position as a functional sparkling hydration option.
• Art Reserve Series Small-batch experimental beer series brewed at the Cambridge Innovation Hub, including Twin River Belgian-style Wit, Star Collector Czech 12° Lager, Final Verdict Rice Lager, and Mirror Mirror IPA. Features limited-release brews with emerging-artist artwork on labels and occasional brewery collaborations.
• Limited Release Beers Seasonal and limited-quantity beer releases including the Sour Series (Sour 35: Grape Calamansi, Sour 36: Pineapple Yuzu at 6.7% ABV), seasonal IPAs (Between the Palms NEIPA at 7.1% ABV), and collaboration brews with partners such as Superflux Beer Company (Rare Specimen NEIPA at 8% ABV) and Counterpoint Brewing (Mutual Destruction).
• Collective Arts Spaces Physical taproom, retail, and event spaces across Ontario: the Hamilton flagship (brewery, taproom, beergarden, beerhall at 207 Burlington St. East), the Toronto Trinity-Bellwoods taproom with live music venue (777 Dundas St. West), and the Cambridge creative hub with brewery, taproom, artist studios, and bottle shop at the Gaslight District (74 Grand Ave. S.). Hosts beverage service, food partners, and private events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ Canadian artists and musicians supported since 2013 with $300,000+ paid directly
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Samsung Electronics CanadaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 April 2026Partnership with Samsung Canada and Complex Canada for Samsung True North Tunes music program. Collective Arts serves as lifestyle beverage partner providing platform for emerging Canadian music talent with curated playlists, mentorship, exclusive experiences, and national exposure.
• Complex CanadaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 April 2026Partner in Samsung True North Tunes initiative to discover and elevate emerging Canadian music talent, culminating in invite-only industry events.
• Superflux Beer CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2024Vancouver, BC-based brewery collaboration producing Rare Specimen NEIPA featuring Southern Hemisphere hops. Joint tap takeover event at Collective Arts locations.
• 7-Eleven CanadacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Botany Energy drinks launching at 7-Eleven stores across Canada. Also partner for Call For Art program submissions related to 7-Eleven Canada.
• Counterpoint BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKitchener-based brewery collaboration for Mutual Destruction, a citrusy 4.90% ABV New Zealand Pilsner featuring Motueka and Nelson Sauvin hops.
• Great Lakes BreweryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for Home and Home West Coast IPA featuring Mosaic hops sourced through Hops Connect, highlighting collaborative brewing between two Ontario craft breweries.
• Southern Grist BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Origin of Darkness Imperial Stout Series, annual limited release dark beer program.
• GLS CanadacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner enabling Ontario-wide doorstep delivery of Collective Arts products from St. Catharines to Thunder Bay.
• Artie'sminorOthersHamilton-based hot panini food partner for Collective Arts Hamilton taproom, powered by local business.
• Wandering SpiritsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured in recipe content and gin cocktail education on Collective Arts blog.
• A Beautiful RiotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerToronto agency handling brand campaign for Botany Energy launch targeting female core audience.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Great Lakes Brewery: Etobicoke-based Ontario craft brewery with longstanding portfolio and LCBO distribution. Comparable as a fellow Ontario craft peer and existing Collective Arts collaboration partner (Home and Home West Coast IPA), with overlapping product positioning in core IPAs and seasonals.
• Steam Whistle Brewing: Toronto-based craft brewery operating a single production brewery and taproom in the Roundhouse. Comparable to Collective Arts as a similarly scaled Ontario craft brewery focused on premium positioning, owned taproom experience, and event-driven consumer engagement.
• Mill Street Brewery: Toronto craft brewery with multiple Ontario locations (Distillery District, Mill Run, etc.) producing a diverse portfolio of core, seasonal, and limited-release beers. Direct comparable to Collective Arts on multi-taproom model, craft positioning, and LCBO distribution across Ontario.
• Bellwoods Brewery: Toronto craft brewery known for experimental/limited releases (Jutsu, Witchshark) and a small-batch innovation pipeline. Comparable to Collective Arts on craft credibility, experimental series (Art Reserve), and Toronto taproom presence focused on enthusiast consumers.
• Superflux Beer Company: Vancouver-based craft brewery producing IPAs and experimental small-batch beers. Comparable as an existing Collective Arts collaboration partner (Rare Specimen NEIPA), with overlapping style focus (NEIPAs, hazy IPAs) and comparable size to Collective Arts' experimental Art Reserve series.
• Amsterdam Brewery: Toronto craft brewery with broad portfolio spanning core lagers/pales, specialty seasonals, and Brews & 'Cues taproom experience. Comparable to Collective Arts in scale, multi-location Ontario taproom presence, and packaged craft distribution through LCBO.
• Henderson Brewing Co. Toronto craft brewery with a downtown taproom and broad seasonal/flagship lineup. Comparable to Collective Arts as a Toronto-based craft competitor sharing LCBO shelf space and overlapping consumer segments in the GTA craft market.

Broad incumbents

• Celsius Holdings: U.S.-based energy drink company with explosive growth and broad C-store distribution (now including major retailers and PepsiCo distribution). Comparable to Collective Arts' Botany Energy and Wide Eyed Energy sub-brands as the dominant scale competitor in the functional energy segment Collective Arts is entering.
• Moosehead Breweries: Canada's largest independent brewery, with national distribution and a portfolio spanning mainstream (Moosehead Lager) and craft-affiliated brands. Comparable as a broader Ontario/Canadian brewer operating at significantly larger scale than Collective Arts with multi-channel distribution advantage.
• Labatt Breweries of Canada: One of Canada's two dominant national brewers (AB InBev subsidiary), owning Alexander Keith's, Mill Street, and other craft/craft-affiliated brands. Comparable as the broader incumbent Collective Arts competes against for Ontario shelf space and on-premise placements.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/PLI6di9N-HCyiiShDaeEZzav04V1ZK7Bam
• Instagraminstagram.com/collectiveartsbrewing
• Xx.com/collectivebrew
• Facebookfacebook.com/collectiveartsbrewing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/collective-arts-brewing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Collective Arts brewing Limited