Nova Scotia Wines Making Inroads in International Markets

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada provides nearly $640,000 to help the province’s vintners better compete globally

August 28, 2018 – Wallbrook, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The food and beverage industry is fundamentally important to the Atlantic Canadian economy, generating $6.6 billion in revenues each year, with 85% of combined sales exported out of the region. Today, the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Digital Government, and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced funding of $639,806 for two export-related wine industry initiatives.

A $398,200 non-repayable contribution from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund will enable Perennia Food & Agriculture Incorporated to establish a mobile filtration trailer. A $241,606 non-repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will allow the Winery Association of Nova Scotia (WANS) to implement a two-year plan to develop international markets for the Nova Scotia wines.

The province of Nova Scotia, through its Department of Agriculture, contributed $398,200 in funding to Perennia, for its wine filtration system, and committed $80,539 to WANS, through the Department of Agriculture and Nova Scotia Business Inc., for international business development activities for the Nova Scotia wine sector.

Perennia, a non-profit organization, will purchase specialized equipment which can provide filtration for both still and sparkling wines. This will enhance the quality of Nova Scotia wines, enabling them to be more competitive internationally, making the province more attractive to new entrants to the market.

WANS will showcase Nova Scotia’s high quality wines, helping wineries develop additional export opportunities and strengthening ties with global consumers, sharpening the province’s competitive edge and creating wealth and more jobs for the middle class.

These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Quotes

“Science and technology – along with stronger international trade – are rapidly changing the way Canadians live and work, bringing new challenges and more opportunities. Research institutions and industry associations, such as Perennia Food & Agriculture Incorporated and the Winery Association of Nova Scotia, play a key role in helping businesses in the food and beverage sector reach, and exceed, their potential. Our government is proud to work with these groups to deepen ties with global markets, laying a more solid foundation for the next generation of Canadians.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA 

“The Government of Canada wants more people to discover the sparkling wines and crisp aromatic whites that contribute to Nova Scotia’s well-deserved reputation for high-quality vintages. We are committed to making investments that improve our daily lives, drive our economy and our country forward, and create good middle-class jobs. Perennia and WANS are helping Nova Scotia’s wineries enhance the quality of our world-class wines, enabling them to better compete internationally.”

-       The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Digital Government, and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants

“The province is committed to working with the industry to expand vineyards and wineries, develop markets, enhance quality, and target research areas for innovation. We support the production of high quality, globally competitive wines and grapes that can capture new markets. The success of the wine industry means communities will grow, jobs will develop and tourism will increase.”

-       Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture

“Perennia is incredibly pleased that ACOA and the Province are providing funding for Perennia to offer the wine industry a mobile cross flow filtration unit. This technology will decrease filtration time for wineries, reduce the risk of microbial contamination, provide more flexibility for wineries as to when to bottle, and ultimately support the preservation of the high quality and aromatics of our exceptional wines for both local and export markets.”

-       Dr. Viliam Zvalo, Chief Executive Officer, Perennia Food & Agriculture Incorporated

“The Winery Association of Nova Scotia is thrilled to be the recipient of funding from ACOA, in addition to previously committed funding from the Province, in order to continue to grow international markets for our industry. Nova Scotia wineries produce high quality products, and we’re extremely proud of the recognition and awards Nova Scotia wines receive. This funding will help Nova Scotia wineries to take our story to the world by expanding the marketing of Nova Scotia wines internationally, and providing additional opportunities for Nova Scotians in the industry.”

-       Jerry White, Executive Director, Winery Association of Nova Scotia

Quick facts

  • The Canadian Vintners Association has recognized Nova Scotia as the third largest wine producing region in Canada, behind British Columbia and Ontario.

  • Nova Scotia has a long and rich tradition of growing grapes for wine dating back to the 1600s, when it was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America

  • According to the most recent statistics available, the Nova Scotia wine industry had an economic impact of $218 million in 2015, an increase of $22 million since 2011. The industry supports more than 900 jobs. 

  • Perennia currently employs 45 people, and one new job will be created as a result of this project.

Contacts

Lori Selig
Acting Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-266-7477 (cell)
E-mail: lori.selig@canada.ca

Chrissy Matheson
Media Relations Advisor
Communications Nova Scotia
Phone:  902-471-2444 (cell)
Email: Chrissy.Matheson@novascotia.ca

Dr. Viliam Zvalo
Chief Executive Officer
Perennia Food & Agriculture Incorporated
Phone: 902-993-0778
Email: vzvalo@perennia.ca

Jerry White
Executive Director
Winery Association of Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-406-4980
Email: jwhite@winesofnovascotia.ca

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