Nova Scotia Launches New Projects Including Canada’s First Winery, Craft Brewery and Distillery Trail
April 24, 2015 – Goodwood, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Taste of Nova Scotia is leading a series of creative marketing projects this year to promote Nova Scotia as a culinary tourism destination. With a growing number of gastronomic attractions emerging across the province, the association is working to harness and highlight the area’s food and beverage businesses, targeting local and global audiences.
Senator Michael L. MacDonald announced the Government of Canada’s support for the initiatives today, during the unveiling of one of the projects: the Good Cheer Trail. A tasting with Grape Escapes Tours and Luckett Vineyards as well as a chowder cook-off paired with local beverages signaled the launch at the Saltscapes Expo. The trail will attract culinary visitors to the province, encouraging them to explore local wineries, breweries and distilleries through a stamp-able Good Cheer passport. The Trail builds on the success of Taste of Nova Scotia’s Chowder Trail, which has grown from 27 restaurant participants in its first year to 60 this year. There is a third culinary trail in the works, which will be revealed in the coming months. The new trails are one-of-a-kind, giving Nova Scotia a unique advantage in the culinary tourism market.
Taste of Nova Scotia will continue to promote the province’s culinary tourism draws, including trails, farmers’ markets and culinary tours, through upgraded print materials, advertising and outreach. As well, video production of the association’s annual Prestige Awards will showcase the province’s best producers and restaurants. Upgrades to Taste of Nova Scotia’s webpage and e-commerce platform will make it easier for customers to purchase Nova Scotian products from afar. Many of the new initiatives emerged from a best practices mission to Northeastern USA with Taste of Nova Scotia members in 2014. The association will further advance these ideas and explore new opportunities through a mission to Upper New York State next month.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is investing $160,732 in the Taste of Nova Scotia initiatives to support the growth of culinary tourism in Nova Scotia. Senator Michael L. MacDonald announced the contribution on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA).
Quick Facts:
- Nova Scotia Tourism Agency has an increased focus on culinary in 2015 with a goal of strengthening Nova Scotia’s reputation as a place to enjoy authentic, quality food experiences and food culture.
- Taste of Nova Scotia was established in 1989 and incorporated as a non-profit society in 1990.
- Taste of Nova Scotia is a unique, province-wide marketing program, whose members are committed to offering the very best culinary experiences and products that Nova Scotia has to offer.
- The Taste of Nova Scotia membership base includes approximately 150 quality food producers and processors, as well as a collection of the best restaurants in the province.
- Taste of Nova Scotia’s mandate is to grow their members’ businesses through culinary tourism marketing, export market development and event management.
- The launch of the Good Cheer Trail took place at the 11th annual Saltscapes East Coast Expo.
- The Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail is Canada’s first winery, craft brewery and distillery trail.
- In its inaugural year, over 30 Nova Scotia wineries, craft breweries, brew pubs and distilleries are participating in the Good Cheer Trail.
- From Yarmouth to Cape Breton, the trail weaves through stunning landscapes, heritage sites, beaches, cities as well as farmlands.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support Taste of Nova Scotia’s commitment to promoting Nova Scotia as a food destination. Culinary tourism draws visitors to our communities, drives customers to our businesses and strengthens industry partnerships. By showcasing our region’s unparalleled culinary experiences to the world, Taste of Nova Scotia is fueling local growth and long-term prosperity.”
- Senator Michael L. MacDonald, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“The Good Cheer Trail is an innovative way to encourage visitors to see (and taste) more of Nova Scotia while experiencing what our artisanal wineries, breweries and distilleries have to offer. Culinary spending is an important tourism revenue and experiences like this are a way to help us reach our goal of doubling tourism in Nova Scotia.”
- Patrick Sullivan, CEO, Nova Scotia Tourism Agency
“We know that food, drink and culinary experiences help define travel choices. We want tourists to choose Nova Scotia, we want locals to be proud of our products...the Good Cheer Trail is all about showing the world our quality wines, beers and spirits made by talented, passionate people who are proud to call Nova Scotia home.”
- Janice Ruddock, Executive Director, Taste of Nova Scotia
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Lori Selig
A/Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477 (cell)
E-mail: Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Janice Ruddock
Executive Director
Taste of Nova Scotia
902-492-9291 / 902-802-0819
E-mail: janice@tasteofnovascotia.com
