BC Liquor Stores showcase local products from around the province during BC Buy Local Week and throughout the rest of the year.

Not only do made-in-B.C. products taste great, they also help grow the economy and provide jobs for thousands of British Columbians working in the liquor industry.

BC Liquor Stores started promoting B.C. wines in 1991 in 50 stores. In 2016, all 198 BC Liquor Stores carry 100% B.C. wines and more than 120 stores throughout the province have permanent displays of B.C. VQA wines. Each month, four to eight brand new local wines are brought into the stores, increasing the number of products available from throughout the province. 

A wide range of B.C.-made products are also promoted at BC Liquor Stores through the Buy Local program. First launched in 2013, the program features products from B.C.’s distilleries, breweries and vintners via different campaigns throughout the year.

“Showcasing local goods at BC Liquor Stores is one way we are creating more opportunities to connect British Columbians with increasingly popular products we make right here at home,” said Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch. “B.C.’s liquor manufacturers are always innovating and creating unique products, so highlighting these in stores helps ensure the small businesses who produce them can continue to thrive, create jobs and contribute to the economy.”

BC Liquor Stores work hard to ensure all different types of B.C. liquor products have their time in the in-store spotlight. Locations throughout B.C. offer samples of local products to their customers with up to 38 tastings a month, and displays promoting different products in all sections of the store are rotated monthly. These efforts expand during Buy BC Month in August, where all BC Liquor Stores promote BC VQA wines, craft beer and spirits.

Another way BC Liquor Stores support local manufacturers is by highlighting them in their quarterly Taste publication. The magazine, available free at all retail locations, includes stories from influential writers and thought leaders in B.C.’s liquor industry.

“British Columbia is home to many wonderful wineries, breweries and distilleries,” said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the Liquor Distribution Branch. “We are committed through various programs in our 198 stores to helping our customers experience these local products from across the province.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Liquor Distribution Branch contributes over $1 billion annually to the Province, providing financial support for vital public services including health care and education.
• Since 2001, the number of wineries in B.C. has grown from around 70 wineries to over 320 now.
• The B.C. craft beer industry has grown from 54 breweries in 2010 to 125 in 2016, with up to 20 new licences pending.
• According to the industry association, the craft beer sector employs an estimated 4,000 people in B.C.
• The number of craft distilleries in B.C. has grown considerably the past few years – from four in 2010 to 30 today.

Learn More:

BC Liquor Stores: http://www.bcliquorstores.com/

BC Liquor Distribution Branch: http://www.bcldb.com/

BC Buy Local: http://bcbuylocal.com/