ARCHIVED: Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
- Since 2001, the number of wineries in B.C. has grown from around 70 wineries to over 330 now.
- Commercial wineries in B.C. have grown from eight in 2001 to 40 as of January 2017.
- Land-based wineries in B.C. have grown from 59 in 2001 to more than 290 as of January 2017.
- According to the BC Wine Institute:
- The B.C. wine industry’s $2.8-billion economic impact is a significant driver of the province’s economy.
- More than 12,000 people in every region of the province have jobs as a result of this industry.
- B.C. wineries welcome over one million visitors a year, generating over $476 million in tourism-related economic impact.
- B.C. welcomes more visitors every year through the wine economy than the province drew for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
- Every bottle of wine produced in B.C. generates $42 in economic impact.
- In the five years between 2011-12 and 2015-16, the amount of 100% B.C. wine sold in the province increased 51%, from 9.6 million to 14.5 million litres, according to the Liquor Distribution Branch.
- B.C. wines are entering competitions around the globe each year and achieving amazing success.
- The BC Wine Institute expects B.C. wineries to enter close to 1,000 wines in the international competitions and hundreds more in B.C. and Canadian competitions.
- Last year resulted in over 1,200 top finishes for B.C. wines in prestigious industry competitions.
- Between 2012 and 2016, wine exports from B.C. vintners increased 26%, from $7.7 million in 2012 to $9.7 million last year according to Statistics Canada.
- Government has made several policy changes to support B.C.’s wine industry, including:
- Allowing wineries with lounges or special event areas to serve other types of alcohol, like a glass of beer or mixed drink, for customers to enjoy during their visit.
- Allowing the sale of 100% B.C. wine off the shelf in grocery stores – there are now 18 grocery stores in B.C. selling wine.
- Allowing slightly increased sample sizes, the ability for establishments to charge for samples, and up to two manufacturers to provide samples at the same time.
- Allowing land-based wineries to ‘free price’ wine or cider sold directly to hospitality customers to help improve price stability provided:
- The products are not listed with the Liquor Distribution Branch.
- The price must be applied uniformly to all hospitality customers throughout the province
- The prices can change only once a month and are not below the minimum wholesale price for wine.
- Allowing local producers to sell their wine at artisan and farmers’ markets – in 2015 there were about:
- 130 liquor manufacturers selling at about 70 farmers’ markets throughout the province, and more than 50 holiday artisan markets hosted close to 55 beer, cider, wine and spirits manufacturers.
Media Contacts
Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch778 678-1572
https://news.gov.bc.ca/13694
