BRITISH COLUMBIA – A new agreement between British Columbia and Alberta allows B.C. wineries to once again ship their products directly to Alberta consumers, reopening an essential sales and tourism channel for B.C.’s wine industry.
British Columbia and Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding, which creates a path for B.C. wineries to sell directly to Alberta consumers.
“Reopening direct sales to Alberta is a welcome boost to grape growers and orchardists,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “Expanding the sales market is a great benefit to producers who are facing challenges with the impacts of climate change on their crops.”
Direct-to-consumer sales provide wine clubs and other customers with greater choice and access to premium B.C. wines that may not be readily available in their region. Tourists from Alberta often place orders after visiting B.C. wineries, allowing them to enjoy B.C. products after returning home.
Miles Prodan, president and CEO of Wine Growers B.C. welcomed the announcement and said it would bring stability to the BC wine industry.
There are approximately 350 grape wineries in B.C., with the greatest concentration in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. The B.C. wine industry generates approximately $3.75 billion annually, contributes more than $440 million in federal and provincial tax revenues and employs over 14,000 full-time workers.
Business Examiner Staff
