Ontario Premier Doug Ford is issuing a stern warning to those who drink Crown Royal: stock up now, because this Canadian whisky brand is on the chopping block. As part of his ongoing feud with Diageo, the multinational spirits maker, Ford has vowed to banish the popular brand from liquor store shelves if he gets his way.
Ford's beef with Diageo dates back to September when the company announced plans to shutter its plant in Ontario and move its operations to the US. The loss of around 200 jobs sent shockwaves through the province. Since then, Ford has been at odds with Diageo, calling them "a few fries short of a Happy Meal" and accusing them of being "dumb as a bag of hammers".
Diageo, however, is not backing down. The company maintains that Crown Royal will continue to be bottled in Canada, just like it has been since 1939. But Ford says otherwise, claiming the brand's production will be relocated to Alabama.
While the threat may only target Crown Royal for now, Ford has his sights set on other Diageo brands, including Guinness and Smirnoff. He warns them that Ontario is a major customer base, and any attempt to hurt the province won't go unnoticed.
The loss of a Crown Royal facility marks an erosion of the brand's Canadian roots, which have been heavily emphasized in domestic and international advertising. The whisky has a long history, dating back to 1936 when it was introduced to mark a royal visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Despite Ford's threats, Diageo is committed to its Crown Royal production. But it seems that the company may be shifting its strategy, with plans for a carbon-neutral distillery in Alabama taking center stage.
As the standoff between Ford and Diageo continues, one thing is clear: Ontario's relationship with Canadian whisky will never be the same again.
Ford's beef with Diageo dates back to September when the company announced plans to shutter its plant in Ontario and move its operations to the US. The loss of around 200 jobs sent shockwaves through the province. Since then, Ford has been at odds with Diageo, calling them "a few fries short of a Happy Meal" and accusing them of being "dumb as a bag of hammers".
Diageo, however, is not backing down. The company maintains that Crown Royal will continue to be bottled in Canada, just like it has been since 1939. But Ford says otherwise, claiming the brand's production will be relocated to Alabama.
While the threat may only target Crown Royal for now, Ford has his sights set on other Diageo brands, including Guinness and Smirnoff. He warns them that Ontario is a major customer base, and any attempt to hurt the province won't go unnoticed.
The loss of a Crown Royal facility marks an erosion of the brand's Canadian roots, which have been heavily emphasized in domestic and international advertising. The whisky has a long history, dating back to 1936 when it was introduced to mark a royal visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Despite Ford's threats, Diageo is committed to its Crown Royal production. But it seems that the company may be shifting its strategy, with plans for a carbon-neutral distillery in Alabama taking center stage.
As the standoff between Ford and Diageo continues, one thing is clear: Ontario's relationship with Canadian whisky will never be the same again.
this is crazy! Doug Ford is literally threatening to ban Crown Royal from shelves over a dispute with Diageo? Like, what's next? Ford's just gonna start dictating what we can and can't drink in Ontario 
. And what's with the insults towards Diageo - it's like he's trying to sabotage their business, not negotiate.
. But honestly, I don't think Crown Royal would even notice the difference - they've got production plans in Alabama already 
.
. And can we please talk about how this affects Canadian pride? Like, our whisky is a big deal and Ford's just trying to use it as leverage 
. Whatever happens, I hope Ontario's spirits industry comes out unscathed 
.
. I mean, come on Doug Ford! Can't you just chill? Like, I get that he's trying to protect Ontario jobs and all that, but this is just a bunch of whisky 
.
. Like, come on Doug! Can't you just talk things through? I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing plays out, but one thing's for sure - it's gonna be drama-filled 
), so the thought of it disappearing from our shelves is kinda sad. But at the same time, I don't want to see any jobs lost in Ontario either 
. Maybe there's a way for both sides to win? Fingers crossed! 
i mean who gets all bent outta shape over a multinational spirits company and then demands they shut down their factory just because it's moving to the us? it seems like more of an ego trip for ford than anything else.
, but at the same time, I kinda get why he's being all upset about it 
. Like, Crown Royal has been around forever and all that's cool and Canadian 
. I don't think Ford should threaten these brands just because he's having a bit of a grudge against Diageo 
. But for real tho, can we talk about how Ontario's relationship with Canadian whisky is getting all dramatic 
. And what's with all this "we're gonna move production to Alabama" drama 
I think Diageo's got some solid points about keeping Crown Royal in Canada 
. Maybe we'll just have to wait and see what happens next 
. One thing's for sure though, this whole situation is getting more complicated by the minute 
!
. I mean, come on Doug Ford, if you're gonna make a threat, at least have some facts to back it up 
.
. Just FYI, so maybe do some research before you start ranting about it 
.