Zeb Packard-Hair and Jason Credaro of Shelter Brewing Co. Photo: Stephen Norman

One of WA’s newest breweries, Shelter Brewing Co. has started packaging its beers this week after a Regional Economic Development grant allowed the purchase of a canning line.

Shelter, which opened its doors to the public last month, is canning its IPA, XPA and Summer Sour beers on site this week.

The $250,000 RED grant was received from the WA state government via the South West Development Commission.

Shelter head brewer and co-founder Jason Credaro said that being able to package its beer from the start is a “game-changer” for the business.

“The canning line means we can start a retail arm and eventually start exporting Shelter beer, sharing a taste of Busselton far and wide,” Credaro said in a media statement.

“Having our own canning line means that the beer is at its freshest when it’s canned, right here in the brewery where it’s made.

“It’s great that more people can try Shelter beer, they don’t necessarily need to be in Busselton.”

The ABE Craft Can 35 can package 32 cans of beer per minute, with an estimated 700 cartons of 16 beers produced each week on site, and it will be running several times per week and included in the brewery tours, Credaro said.

SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said Shelter was a “great asset” for the region.

“And with the canning line, they are now well placed to capitalise on export opportunities. They are already discussing market entry strategies with our Austrade TradeStart team,” Teede said.

“We are delighted that the South West’s brewing community is growing and that our reputation for premium beverages continues to grow.”

The WA government has been heavily supporting the growth of the brewing industry in the state. Earlier this year, another three breweries received grants to facilitate growth through its Value Add Agribusiness Investment Attraction Fund.

Rocky Ridge, Beaten Track and Cowaramup brewing companies were able to start canning, upgrade brewkits and fermentation space with the combined $400,000 in grant funding.