B.C. wines pitched as the perfect pour for west coast USA
News release
April 30, 2018 – Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.) – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture
British Columbia wineries are building export opportunities by sharing and pairing their vintages with people and cuisine in California and Washington State, through the targeted efforts of the BC Wine institute (BCWI).
The Institute will showcase B.C. wines at key events to help connect wineries with purchasers in those markets directly, streamlining the sales flow and process, and to reach specific consumer groups likely to purchase B.C. wines. With $50,000 in support from the governments of Canada and B.C. under the Canadian Agriculture Partnership, the Wine Institute will be presenting B.C. wines to importers, influencers and media in San Francisco and Seattle.
In addition to B.C. wine export opportunities, the United States (US) Pacific Northwest is also a primary target market for wine and food tourism to B.C., with approximately one million tourists visiting British Columbia wineries and generating $246 million in revenue for the broader British Columbia economy each year.
The BCWI will also be hosting seminars for wine producers interested in exporting to the US and Asian markets with information on labelling rules, permits, taxes and duty rates and distributor roles.
As B.C. Wine Month concludes, B.C. wineries will continue to showcase the world-class wines that are produced in B.C.'s recognized wine regions, and beyond.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is proud to help promote quality wines produced with care and dedication by Canadian wineries. This opportunity aims to expand international export markets for B.C's wine producers, strengthening our economy and creating well-paying jobs for middle-class families."
- Federal Minister of Agriculture, Lawrence MacAulay
"These efforts will help both established and smaller B.C. wineries introduce themselves to customers and clients in Washington State, Oregon and California. Many visitors from the north-western USA discover the quality and variety of our wines while exploring B.C., and we're making it easier for them to enjoy B.C. wines at home."
- British Columbia Minister of Agriculture, Lana Popham
"With the continued success and recognition of B.C. wines in international competitions, there are increased export opportunities in key markets. Not only are these export opportunities but with the continued growth and interest in British Columbia's wine and food tourism sector, they can also be leveraged provide help promote the tourism industry across the province."
- Miles Prodan, President & CEO of the BC Wine Institute
Quick facts
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In 2016, B.C. wine exports increased 4% over the previous year to $9.7 million, shipped to 17 international markets. The top markets for B.C. wine were China (54%), Taiwan (23%) and the United States (11%).
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The Province committed $100,000 to the BC Wine Institute to help in the promotion of B.C. wine to British Columbians, as part of April's B.C. Wine Month campaign.
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The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector from 2018 to 2023.
Associated links
Contacts
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
media.relations@agr.gc.ca
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Robert Boelens
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
robert.boelens@gov.bc.ca
250-356-1674