CANADA: Wine industry eyes opportunity as vineyard numbers grow

Canada's CAD6.8bn (US$6.6bn) wine industry has major potential for growth as drinkers move away from spirits and beer, according to a new report. 

The study - Canada’s Wine Economy – Ripe Robust Remarkable – published yesterday (March 5) revealed that the number of wineries in Canada between 2005 and 2011 grew by 27% to 476. Domestic wine represents 30% of total wine sales, while imported products are 70% of sales.

“Wine consumption in Canada continues to grow as many Canadians are reaching for a glass of wine over spirits or beer,” said the Canadian Vintners Association, which co-commissioned the report. 

Among the other findings were: 

• Canadians drink more than 1bn glasses - or 220m bottles - of wine produced by the Canadian wine industry each year
• Canadian wine industry production has an annual national economic impact of CAD6.8bn 
• The wine and grape industry is responsible for "more than" 31,000 jobs in Canada
• Wine-related tourism attracts "more than" 3m visitors each year, generating around $1.2bn annually in tourism and employment
• The wine industry generates $1.2bn in federal and provincial tax revenue and liquor board mark up.

Dan Paszkowski, president of the Canadian Vintners Association, said: “The large and growing economic impact of Canada’s wine and grape industry is very compelling and will continue to spread across many sectors of the economy.”