Beer production, fountain drinks could be affected by shortage
A local entrepreneur hopes a new shortage that is brewing nationwide won’t come to a head in Butler County, but even if it does, he won’t tap out.
Carbon dioxide (CO2), the gas that makes cold beer or soda pop fizzy, is in short supply, which could affect the production or availability of craft beer and carbonated drinks.
CO2 also is used as a refrigerant; and dry ice is nothing more than solid CO2.
According to the online industry publication, Gasworld, the increasing demand for home food delivery, as well as CO2 plant shutdowns, are the main causes of the shortage.
A Gasworld article also blamed postponed maintenance at many CO2 plants in 2020, restaurant closings as a result of the pandemic decreasing demand for the gas, truck driver shortages and replacement with nitrogen in the meat industry as other causes for the supply interruption in the CO2 industry.
Bob McCafferty, owner of North Country Brewing and the Harmony Inn, received a notification Thursday from his CO2 supplier that he can only receive half the amount of CO2 normally delivered each week.
The supplier, Linde Gas & Equipment, said its supplier in West Virginia is receiving a reduced supply of CO2.
The notification from Linde amends the company’s contract with North Country for 90 days, and said the 50% supply would continue “until further notice.”
“We use if for canning and kegging,” McCafferty said. “That can definitely affect what we’re putting out.”
He will scour the area for CO2 providers who have product, but worries that one major company bought the suppliers in the Pittsburgh region.
“I’m sure there’s someone else out there,” McCafferty said.
He said the shortage could impact every bar and restaurant that serves draft beer and soda.
“Every fountain drink out there is dependent on CO2,” McCafferty said.
The renowned brewer said he also is feeling the weight of staffing shortages, canning supply disruptions and the increase in grain prices.
“Just trying to keep a business open for the past couple years, to say the least, hasn’t been easy,” McCafferty said.
He said craft brew enthusiasts need not worry about missing their Stinky Hippy Pale Ale, Station 33 Firehouse Red, Buck Snort Stout, or any other of North Country’s signature beers.
“I’ll do what I have to do to get the CO2,” McCafferty said.
