Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia

What Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia does

The Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia (CDANS) is a non-profit trade association, founded in 2016 and formally incorporated in 2020, that represents and promotes the craft distilling industry in Nova Scotia, Canada. It serves 12 full member distilleries (including Barrelling Tide, Below the Salt, Compass Distillers, Ironworks, Glen Breton Rare, and Still Fired) plus 4 associate members. The association generates revenue primarily through recurring membership fees differentiated by tier (full craft producer vs. associate/licensed blender or industry stakeholder), with no public pricing disclosed. Its core offerings are: an interactive Distilleries Tour map on cdans.ca that drives consumer visitation to member premises; the 2023-launched Nova Scotian Distilled Certification program, which is the only registered provincial certification mark verifying that spirits are 100% distilled and bottled in Nova Scotia by the original producer; and a Members Directory that consolidates distillery locations, tasting experiences, and purchasing information.

CDANS operates a community-led go-to-market: it drives consumer awareness through the "Support Local. Drink Nova Scotian." campaign on Facebook and Instagram, an age-gated website, and participation in International Spirits Festivals and farmers markets, while a network of marketing and government partnerships (Taste of Nova Scotia, Good Cheer Trail, Hike Nova Scotia, Eat Drink Halifax, Perennia, Government of Nova Scotia) extends reach across culinary tourism and regulatory channels. Member distilleries distribute finished spirits through on-site direct sales during tours and tastings, through the NSLC retail network, and via specialty retail. The organization is structured as a private non-profit, controlled by its membership, with no venture backing, no headcount disclosure, and no disclosed financials; former President Lynne MacKay (Ironworks Distillery) led the association from 2020 to 2024.

Name

Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia

Legal name

Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia

Website

https://cdans.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Short description

CDANS is a Nova Scotia non-profit trade association, founded in 2016, that represents 12 full and 4 associate craft distilleries through recurring membership fees. It runs the Distilleries Tour, the Nova Scotian Distilled Certification mark, and a members directory to promote and certify local craft spirits.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lower Sackville

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: CDANS generates revenue through membership fees from Nova Scotia-based craft distilleries. Different membership levels exist including full members (craft distillers) and associate members (licensed distilleries retailing blended products or entities with vested industry interest).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

CDANS is a non-profit trade association that promotes, supports, and certifies Nova Scotia's craft distilling industry. It provides the official "Nova Scotian Distilled" certification mark to spirits that are 100% distilled and bottled in the province by the original producer using artisanal techniques, and serves its membership of full and associate distillery members through advocacy, networking, marketing, and educational resources.

Product overview

The Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia (CDANS) is a non-profit organization (founded 2016) that serves as a membership-based trade association for the province's craft distilling industry. CDANS offers three primary services: the Distilleries Tour (an interactive map for discovering and planning visits to craft distilleries), the Nova Scotian Distilled Certification Program (certifying products that are 100% distilled and bottled in Nova Scotia), and a Members Directory (providing access to member distilleries and their products). The association represents approximately 12 full member distilleries and 4 associate members, promoting local spirits and supporting the craft distilling ecosystem through advocacy, marketing, and educational resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Nova Scotian Distilled Certification Program An official certification program that verifies spirits are entirely distilled and bottled in Nova Scotia by the original producer, using the distiller's own fermentation, blending, infusion, or aging techniques. Certified products display the official "Nova Scotian Distilled" mark and must submit an annual compliance declaration. The program is offered to Nova Scotia craft distilleries and is for consumers seeking authenticity and local provenance.
• Distilleries Tour (Interactive Map) An interactive map-based tour feature on cdans.ca that allows users to discover craft distilleries across Nova Scotia, plan visit routes, and find nearby trails, accommodations, sightseeing, food, and drinks. It is aimed at consumers, tourists, and visitors seeking to locate and explore member distilleries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12 full member distilleries and 4 associate members representing the Nova Scotia craft distilling industry
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Government of Nova ScotiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment of Nova Scotia supports the craft distilling industry through regulatory oversight and is a partner in promoting Nova Scotia's craft spirits sector. CDANS works with government agencies to provide guidance on permits and production regulations.
• Taste of Nova ScotiacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTaste of Nova Scotia is a culinary tourism organization promoting local Nova Scotia food and beverage producers. Partnership likely involves cross-promotion and joint marketing of Nova Scotia's culinary and beverage experiences.
• PerenniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerennia is a Nova Scotia business development organization that supports the agriculture and food/beverage industry. Likely provides resources, expertise, and support for craft distilleries using local agricultural products.
• Good Cheer TrailminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGood Cheer Trail is a local trail/culinary tourism initiative promoting Nova Scotia's food and beverage experiences. Partnership supports the Distilleries Tour feature and consumer discovery of craft distilleries.
• Hike Nova ScotiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHike Nova Scotia promotes hiking and outdoor experiences in the province. Partnership connects craft spirit tourism with outdoor activities, encouraging hikers to visit distilleries along their routes.
• Eat Drink HalifaxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEat Drink Halifax promotes the culinary and beverage scene in Halifax, Nova Scotia's largest city. Partnership likely involves marketing Nova Scotia craft spirits to Halifax residents and visitors.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Spirits Canada / Association of Canadian Distillers: National Canadian trade body for distillers. Directly comparable to CDANS as a membership-based industry association promoting distilled spirits in Canada, though operating at the federal level rather than a single province.
• Craft Distillers Guild of New Zealand: Industry body for New Zealand craft distillers. Directly comparable as a small-country craft distillery association focused on quality standards, member promotion, and industry advocacy in a geographically bounded market.
• Scottish Craft Distillers Association: Trade association for craft distillers in Scotland. Directly comparable as a regional craft spirits trade body running certification, advocacy, and member services for small-batch producers in a defined territory.
• British Independent Distillers Association: UK trade association for independent craft distillers. Comparable to CDANS in mission — supporting small producers through advocacy, marketing, and a recognized quality/community signal — though operating across a larger national market.
• American Craft Spirits Association: US-based trade association representing small, independently owned craft distillers. Direct peer to CDANS because it performs the same core functions — industry advocacy, education, and a member-based certification/quality program — for craft distillers in a defined geographic market.

Broad incumbents

• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS): National US trade association for spirits producers. Comparable to CDANS at scale as an industry advocacy body for distilled spirits, though representing large incumbents in addition to craft producers.
• Wine & Spirit Trade Association: UK trade association covering wine and spirit producers, importers, and distributors. Broader incumbent peer to CDANS, offering advocacy and industry services across a wider beverage-alcohol portfolio.

Regional players

• Tasmanian Distillers Association: Regional trade body for Tasmanian craft distillers. Comparable to CDANS as a sub-national craft spirits association promoting provenance, tourism, and certification in a single region known for its premium spirits identity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/100083319308035
• Instagraminstagram.com/craftdistillersnovascotia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Craft Distillers Association of Nova Scotia