BC WINE INDUSTRY CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER SHIPPING TO ALBERTA
British Columbia: The BC wine industry welcomes the news that, following a new agreement between both provinces today, BC wineries can once again ship their products directly to Alberta consumers, reopening that vital sales and tourism channel for the industry.
“This announcement could not come at a better time,” remarks Miles Prodan, President and CEO of Wine Growers BC. “The end of the Calgary Stampede marks the unofficial start of summer when visitors from Alberta flock to BC, with many of them including a visit to their favourite BC wineries in their travel plans to enjoy amazing winery events and savour the abundance of 100% BC wines available.”
While Wine Growers BC estimates the Alberta direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel to represent only 1.1% to 2.75% of the of the Alberta BC wine market, DTC shipping to Alberta residents has been a critical component to the growth and success of the BC wine industry. Not only does it allow wineries to provide customers with high-end products often not available in the AGLC, but it also invites opportunities to create lasting connections via their wine club offerings.
“We are pleased to hear the news that the opportunity to connect with our valued guests in Alberta has been reestablished,” says Mark Sheridan, President of Hester Creek Estate Winery in Oliver, BC. “Hester Creek creates memorable experiences that serve as the foundation for building lasting relationships with our customers through our wine club and website sales. The ability to provide direct-to-consumer sales to our neighbours in Alberta further solidifies this connection and fosters a welcoming environment when they come to visit.”
Wine Growers BC has long been an advocate for interprovincial free trade across Canada, with Alberta being a specific focus given the proximity, long-standing relationship, and commitment to the free movement of goods, services, investment, and people within and between the provinces.
“Today’s announcement brings a bit of welcome stability to the BC wine industry. Wine Growers BC thanks Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and BC Premier David Eby for their commitment to removing barriers between the two provinces. We also acknowledge BC MLAs Harwinder Sandhu and Roly Russell for their support in ensuring the relationship between BC wineries and Alberta wine tourists and consumers continues to flourish and grow,” added Prodan.
KEY FACTS
- The BC wine industry generates approximately $3.75 billion annually, contributes over $440 million in federal and provincial tax revenues, and employs 14,000-plus full-time workers.
- BC wine tourism draws an annual estimated 1 million tourists with $452 million in tourism-related revenue and $147 million in wages across 2,615 tourism-related jobs.
- For every bottle of BC wine sold, $105 is contributed to the regional and national economy.
For more information about Wine Growers British Columbia, visit the Media page at WineBC.com and be sure to follow our industry LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest media updates.
