Globe and Mail (Feb. 28, 2013): It has been eight months since Ottawa decriminalized direct-to-consumer wine sales across provincial lines. That enlightened amendment to an outdated law, unanimously approved in the House of Commons, was designed to free up access to small-lot Canadian wines, many of which are not carried in liquor stores across the country. But this is Canada, where it takes more than an act of Parliament or the will of the people to break the shackles of almighty liquor boards.
]]>Most comprehensive examination ever conducted in Canadian wine industry history
Ottawa, Ontario – The findings of the largest research study ever conducted on the Canadian wine and grape industry reveal a prosperous and expanding $6.8 billion dollar industry.
Commissioned by the Canadian Vintners Association, the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario, the British Columbia Wine Institute and the Winery Association of Nova Scotia, the report titled Canada’s Wine Economy – Ripe Robust Remarkable confirms the wine industry has become a large and significant contributor to the overall Canadian economy, especially in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
“The research findings reinforce the significant economic value the Canadian wine industry brings to the national economy,” said Dan Paszkowski, President, Canadian Vintners Association. “The impacts are both direct and indirect, from job creation and tourism to tax generation and agricultural growth, the wine industry benefits multiple business sectors across the entire Canadian economy,” he added.
Canadian winemakers support a broad network of related industries in urban and regional centres across Canada through significant investments, long-term jobs and market opportunities in rural communities.
Wine consumption in Canada continues to grow as many Canadians are reaching for a glass of wine over spirits or beer. With Canadian wines presently representing only 30% of total wine sales across the country and imported wine at 70%, there is enormous potential for Canadian wine growth and the entire national economy.
“Every dollar invested in the Canadian wine economy stimulates more jobs, more revenue and more taxes,” says Paszkowski. “The large and growing economic impact of Canada’s wine and grape industry is very compelling and will continue to spread across many sectors of the economy.”
The independent study was conducted by Frank, Rimerman + Co. a leading international accounting and research firm in the wine industry, which has conducted similar studies for other winemaking regions.
About the Canadian Vintners Association
The Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) is the national voice of the Canadian Wine Industry representing more than 90% of annual wine production. CVA members are engaged in the entire wine value chain from grape growing, farm management, grape harvesting, research, wine production, bottling, retail sales and tourism.
About the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario
The Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario (WGAO) is a trade association representing leading wineries and grape growers in the province. WGAO members represent some 85% of the wine produced in Ontario and purchase 85% of the grapes grown by independent grape growers. www.wgao.ca
About the British Columbia Wine Institute
Since 1990, the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI) has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing quality wine tourism experiences. Representing 133 member wineries throughout the Province, the BCWI supports and markets the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA), which gives consumers assurance they are buying a wine that is 100% from BC.
About the Winery Association of Nova Scotia
The Winery Association of Nova Scotia (WANS) was formed in 2002 to represent the interests of wine producers in Nova Scotia, to serve as a voice for local industry and to promote the growth and development of Nova Scotia wines.
For More Information:
Freda Colbourne
colbournef@gmail.com
416.560.7794
Dan Paszkowski, President
Canadian Vintners Association
dpaszkowski@canadianvintners.com
613.782.2283
Miles Prodan, Executive Director
British Columbia Wine Institute
mprodan@WineBC.com
250.762.9744
Patrick Gedge, President
Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario
patrick.gedge@wgao.ca
905.328.0169
Nick Jennery, CEO
Winery Association of Nova Scotia
902.298.1998
The federal government announces a new $160,000 investment funding to support export development for key markets, which will be managed by the Canadian Vintners Association. Read more…
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