LATEST REPORT
February 25, 2025 - Wine Grape Industry Task Force & More
February 25, 2025 – Wine Grape Industry Task Force & More
UPDATE: WINE GRAPE INDUSTRY TASK FORCE
The BC Wine Grape Industry Task Force (WGITF) is developing a strategic plan to guide the industry on how best to leverage opportunities and invest in strategic initiatives that will help the industry thrive during this initial two-year period. Grounded in the task force’s values of collaboration, trust, transparency, and adaptability, they are seeking input from all levels of the industry across the province. To ensure your insights help shape this plan, please complete the stakeholder survey by February 28.
UPDATE: SAVE-ON-FOODS (SOF) TASK GROUP
At the January 31, 2025, board meeting, the SOF Task Group provided the WGBC Board of Directors with updates on key discussion points and decisions:
- SOF Task Group Live Update: The SOF Task Group will provide an in-person update at the WGBC Insight Conference March 12, 2025.
- Store Commissions: Since the introduction of IDB wines, SOF has applied an additional 2.5% commission on these products. However, due to system limitations, SOF can no longer collect this fee. Moving forward, WGBC will calculate the additional 2.5% on IDB wines and invoice wineries selling IDB wines to SOF directly at the end of each month. Note: The additional 2.5% commission will only be applied on IDB wines.
- Marketing & Communications Plan: WGBC is pleased to announce a comprehensive year-long in-store thematic action plan developed in close collaboration with Save-On-Foods to support our members. This plan provides details on SOF’s merchandising focus throughout the year, outlining how wineries can participate and maximize engagement opportunities. The full plan is available by here or by logging into your member account on WineBC.com.
- Crafted in BC: At the January SOF Task Group meeting, WGBC reiterated industry recommendations to clearly separate Crafted in BC wines from BC VQA wines on store shelves to reduce consumer confusion. While SOF considered this request, logistical challenges made a separate section unfeasible requiring a significant investment. SOF confirmed its preference to merchandise Crafted in BC wines alongside BC VQA wines to maintain brand recognition for winery members.
- Strengthening BC VQA and 100% BC Wines: To reinforce the visibility of BC VQA and 100% BC Wines across SOF retail locations, WGBC will collaborate with the SOF Team to create point-of-sale materials to help consumers easily identify and differentiate 100% BC wines.
- Next SOF Task Group Meeting: Currently planned to take place in the first two weeks of April 2025.
UPDATE: CFIA WEBINAR ON LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
Following a February 10 webinar on labelling requirements for non-BC replacement wines, the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has come to a final decision on the rules on the labelling of wines made in Canada from Washington (or insert State) grapes. Wine, including domestically produced wine, requires a clear indication of country of origin. The CFIA reviewed the use of the statement “Made in Canada from Washington grapes” and concluded that the statement would not be false or misleading. As such, the CFIA would consider the proposed claim to be compliant with the mandatory country of origin requirements and would be permitted. However, should wines be made from grapes from a different region in the future, it would be necessary for the labels to be updated to clearly indicate their origin. More information on the mandatory country of origin requirements can be found on the CFIA website. The CFIA understands that labelling requirements, especially when it comes to labelling claims, can require additional support to navigate. If you require further assistance regarding the regulatory requirements on the labelling of wine, please contact Ask CFIA.
Resources from the Webinar:
- CFIA presentation
- LDB presentation
- Food labelling for industry
- Food labelling requirements checklist
- Labelling requirements for alcoholic beverages
- Labelling requirement for wine
- Guidelines for “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims
UPDATE: LDB WHOLESALE OPERATIONS MEMO REGARDING EXCISE DUTY RATE
On February 12, 2025, the federal government announced that the annual excise duty rate increase remains capped at two per cent for the coming fiscal year, starting April 1, 2025. The rates of excise duty are adjusted annually to the Consumer Price Index on April 1 every year. BC wholesale prices will be updated on April 1, 2025 to reflect the annual excise duty increase. The new wholesale price list will be available to vendors and wholesale customers on Monday, March 3, 2025 as per regular schedule. The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be extending the price change deadline for Period 1 of fiscal 2025/26 (effective April 1, 2025) from Thursday, February 20, 2025, to 11:59 PM (PST) Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in order to provide additional time for agents and suppliers to submit any price change requests for Period 1. More information about these changes is available here.
CFIA WEBINAR – LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
Monday, February 10, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Join industry colleagues and association representatives for an informative session on navigating labelling requirements for the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support “Crafted in BC” wines. Representatives from the CFIA, Vin-Star Consulting, and BCWA will clarify labeling rules, including legal terms, AVA usage, and regional designations. Get answers to key questions and submit yours in advance for the February 10 webinar.
WGBC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE – CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) is pleased to invite member wineries to submit their expression of interest to participate on the WGBC Marketing and Communications Operational Committee.
The purpose of the Marketing and Communications Committee is to provide input on strategies and plans for positioning and marketing WGBC and its brand titles (i.e. Wines of BC).
Deadline: February 6, 2025
February 4, 2025 - LDB Resumes Wholesale Operations
February 4, 2025
UPDATE: LDB RESUMES NORMAL WHOLESALE OPERATIONS FOLLOWING US TARIFF PAUSE
As announced yesterday, the Government of BC has directed the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to resume normal operations following the announcement that US tariffs will be put on hold.
This means that the LDB will resume normal wholesale operations, beginning 1:00 PM on February 4, 2025. Accordingly, all US-made liquor products, including those manufactured in states governed by Republican leadership, will be available for import and sale throughout the wholesale supply chain. This includes those products under the brands of Jack Daniels Whiskey, Bacardi Rum, Tito’s Vodka, Jim Beam Whiskey, and Bulleit Bourbon.
February 3, 2025 - Canada/US Tariff Dispute
UPDATE ON CANADA/US TARIFF DISPUTE
On February 1st, U.S. President Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian products entering the United States and the Government of Canada announced retaliatory tariff actions. Wine Growers Canada has prepared a briefing note and today’s update regarding recent developments, next steps and what imported inputs will be subject to Canadian counter-tariffs.
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby responded immediately by directing the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to stop buying American liquor from Republican-led “red” states. A few hours later, BCLIQUOR Stores pulled products from the top five selling brands produced in U.S. states governed by Republican leadership —Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jim Beam, Bulleit Bourbon, Ti to’s Handmade Vodka, and Bacardi Rum. The shelving space for these products must remain empty and will feature ‘Buy Canadian’ signage.
Click here for the LDB Statement to Industry
Here’s what’s happening:
- LDB Wholesale and BCLIQUOR Stores have stopped all sales of Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Bulleit Bourbon, Tito’s Vodka, and Bacardi Rum—except select Bacardi products produced domestically.
- Private liquor retail and hospitality businesses may continue to sell those brands as they see fit, but once current inventory is depleted you will be unable to re-order.
- In addition to those brands, LDB Wholesale will no longer purchase American-made liquor products from “red” states.
- American-made liquor products from red states currently in our liquor system (except those top five brands)—whether at LDB Wholesale or a third-party warehouse—will continue to be available while supplies last.
- Democratic states including California, Washington, and Oregon, which represent the majority of U.S. wine imports to Canada, will be unaffected by this action at this time and will continue to be imported and sold by the LDB but will be subject to the 25% tariff.
- Products manufactured in Canada by American-owned entities will be unaffected.
Wine Growers BC will continue to send information updates as becomes available.
January 31, 2025 - Vintage 2024 Relief & Support and more
January 31, 2025 – Vintage 2024 Relief & Support & More
VINTAGE 2024 RELIEF & SUPPORT “CRAFTED IN BC” COMMUNICATIONS & PR PLAN
Considering the July 25, 2024, BC provincial government announcement granting temporary relief for BC wineries to incorporate out-of-province grapes for the 2024 vintage, Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) has developed a strategic Communications and PR Plan and resource tools to support the wine industry through this transitional period.
It is important to note that WGBC remains committed to marketing and promoting 100% BC wine and BC VQA as the ultimate standard of quality and authenticity throughout this transitional period.
SAVE-ON-FOODS (SOF) TASK GROUP UPDATE
At the January 14 SOF Task Group meeting, WGBC reiterated industry recommendations to clearly separate Crafted in BC wines from BC VQA wines on shelves to minimize consumer confusion. While SOF considered the recommendation, logistical challenges made creating a separate section unfeasible, and they confirmed their preference to display Crafted in BC wines next to BC VQA wines on shelves to maintain brand recognition. Wine Growers BC continues to collaborate with SOF to explore differentiated strategies and tactics for in-store placement.
A detailed overview of Save-On-Foods’ year-long in-store thematic plan will be shared in the coming weeks via this Weekly Update and on the member portal, with updates on winery participation and engagement opportunities.
WINE GROWERS CANADA – FAQS ON U.S. TARIFFS
Wine Growers Canada has prepared some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff, as early as February 1, 2025, on all products entering the United States from Canada. This document includes a summary of the current situation and potential impacts.
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2025 BMO WINE MARKET REPORT SURVEY
Wine Growers BC is excited to partner with the BMO Wine and Spirits Group to create the 2025 BMO North American Wine Market Report. This is a valuable opportunity to elevate the profile of the BC and Canadian wine industry and contribute to critical market insights. Your participation in the winery survey is essential to the report’s success.
Building on the success of the 2024 BMO Wine Market Report (focused on the US market), the 2025 edition will expand to include Canada, providing a comprehensive North American perspective. This report will offer a detailed market overview, combining historical sales data, consumer trends, and insights directly from wineries like yours.
The survey is being conducted by Wine Business Analytics, a respected industry leader and the publisher of Wine Business Monthly. Their established protocols ensure the highest level of confidentiality. The aggregated, anonymized data will be shared with all participating wineries, providing you with valuable market intelligence to inform your business decisions.
Your timely response is crucial for the report’s accuracy and impact. The deadline for completing the survey is February 12, 2025.
CFIA WEBINAR – LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
Monday, February 10, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Join industry colleagues and association representatives for an informative session on navigating labelling requirements for the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support “Crafted in BC” wines. Representatives from the CFIA, Vin-Star Consulting, and BCWA will clarify labeling rules, including legal terms, AVA usage, and regional designations. Get answers to key questions and submit yours in advance for the February 10 webinar.
WGBC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE – CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) is pleased to invite member wineries to submit their expression of interest to participate on the WGBC Marketing and Communications Operational Committee.
The purpose of the Marketing and Communications Committee is to provide input on strategies and plans for positioning and marketing WGBC and its brand titles (i.e. Wines of BC).
Deadline: February 6, 2025
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Members of the WGBC are proud of their wines and are committed to ensuring their wines are promoted and enjoyed responsibly by those adults who choose to consume them for the continued enjoyment and prosperity of the BC wine industry.
To explore more and access resources visit resources.therightamount.ca
To explore more and access resources visit resources.therightamount.ca
