Wine industry launches campaign to lift restrictions on wine shipments

OTTAWA, June 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) and its members have launched a campaign encouraging Canadians to let their elected representatives know that interprovincial trade restrictions on wine are outdated and harm the growth of Canada's wine industry.

"Canada is the only wine producing country that doesn't allow consumers to order wine for direct delivery to their home from any Canadian winery located in any province," said Dan Paszkowski, President & CEO of the CVA. "We call that Direct-to-Consumer shipping and we're asking Canadians to contact their internal trade representative and demand that it be permitted."

The campaign, which features digital advertising and social media content, is timed to coincide with the anticipated release of the Alcoholic Beverages Working Group (ABWG) report. The ABWG, which was formed as part of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, is made up of federal, provincial, and territorial officials. It is tasked with making recommendations that will support the trade of alcoholic beverages within Canada, while being mindful of social responsibility and international obligations. The ABWG will submit its recommendations by July 1^st and on the basis of that report, the federal and provincial governments will determine how trade in alcoholic beverages within Canada can be improved.

"We know that nine out of 10 Canadians believe Direct-to-Consumer shipping should be permitted," said Paszkowski. "So, we're asking them to go to Act Now and make their voices heard. The Working Group report is a significant opportunity to make this right and for provinces to make this choice available to their citizens."

Direct-to-Consumer would lead to important growth for the country's highest value agricultural industry. Indeed, free interprovincial trade would positively impact the economy across the country. Industry research shows that for every $1.00 spent on Canadian wine in Canada, $3.42 in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated across the country.

The ‘Act Now' advertising campaign will run in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec for two weeks, and be distributed via CVA members throughout the country.

About the Canadian Vintners Association
Canadian Vintners Association (CVA), the national voice of wine in Canada, advocates for the national wine industry at the federal and international levels. CVA is dedicated to improving the business success and return on investment for individual wineries, while assuring the continued growth and prosperity of the entire Canadian wine industry.
@cvawine
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MEDIA CONTACTS

Asha Hingorani
Director of Government and Public Affairs
M. 613-462-7080
asha@canadianvintners.com

Lisa Brazeau
M. 613.807.0663              
Lisa@blueprintpr.ca       

Veronica Green
M. 613.867.9128
veronica@blueprintpr.ca