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Canadian vintners’ group hopes to grow exports

November 16, 2012, Richmond, BC – Canadian vintners hope to uncork new international market opportunities with the help of the federal government.

The Canadian Vintners Association recently received funding of $160,000 to help support the organization’s ongoing international market development and trade efforts to increase the awareness of the value, quality, and diversity of Canadian wines.

“AgriMarketing Program funding has been instrumental in helping Canadian wineries gain access to new markets,” explains Dan Paszkowski, president and CEO of the Canadian Vintners Association. “Canada is known for its authentic icewine, and (federal government) funding is helping the industry build on its icewine reputation and raise awareness of the world-class sparkling and table wines coming out of Canada’s diverse wine regions.”

In 2011, Canadian exports of wine exceeded $36 million, with more than 21.6 million litres of wine going to international markets. The U.S. has developed a taste for Canadian wines, importing 20.2 million litres in 2011.