Government of Canada increases international sales for Canadian wine

September 25, 2009

OKANAGAN CENTRE, British Columbia ─ The Government of Canada is investing $318,100 to help Canada’s grape and wine producers increase international markets for their top quality products. The announcement was made today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
 
“Canada is developing a strong reputation for its premium quality VQA wines,” said Mr. Cannan. “Our Government understands the importance of assisting our producers and processors to build on this success and increase global exports of world-class Canadian wines.”
 
Funded through the AgriMarketing Program under the Growing Forward framework, the contribution will support the Canadian Vintners Association’s ongoing international market development and trade efforts, including protection of Icewine interests and the development of promotional materials to reach new international customers.
 
The AgriMarketing program, with an $88 million budget over four years, is assisting producers and processors to increase exports of Canada’s safe, high-quality world-class products around the world. The program provides funding to develop and implement long-term international strategies and to undertake activities such as international market development, brand-building and industry-to-industry trade advocacy. Launched on April 7, 2009, the AgriMarketing program is part of the Trade and Market Development Program under Growing Forward.
 
For more information on the AgriMarketing Program, please write to agrimarketing@agr.gc.ca