Terroir BC and the BC Private Liquor Stores Association (BCPLS) are proud to announce a groundbreaking Agreement between the two non-profit organizations. The Agreement stands to dramatically improve education, awareness and distribution of the Best of BC wines at the retail level.
This Agreement will be a tremendous help to small and medium-sized wineries in marketing and selling their wines through an established network of 190 private liquor stores across British Columbia, and will stimulate strong growth in a burgeoning homegrown industry.
Most notably, this Agreement establishes a program with an annual quota of $22 million in sales through the 190 BCPLS member’s stores. This represents sales of approximately 108,000 cases of 100% pure BC wine, produced exclusively by our province’s small and medium sized wineries.
The program also outlines a comprehensive marketing plan with a budget funded by a set percentage of sales through the program. To initiate the project, Terroir BC has seeded the program with $150,000. First year direct marketing expenditures are estimated to be approximately $750,000. All funds will be spent solely to promote and educate the public on the Best of BC wines.
“This is a landmark Agreement in British Columbia. Two industries have agreed to work cooperatively together, not only for their mutual benefit, but for the benefit of the BC consumer. The public has spoken and they want greater access to BC products in an informed, educated and well priced manner. This Agreement delivers that in spades”
– Kim Pullen, Co-Chair, Terroir BC
Through this Agreement between Terroir BC and BCPLS, Terroir BC member wineries will be able to supply their wines to BCPLS members through a central database, constantly updated with the latest information from the wineries. This database will include history, philosophy, terroir, awards and accolades for each Terroir BC winery, as well as tasting notes and technical information for every wine. BCPLS members will be able to order wines directly through this system, as well as generate high-quality, print-ready marketing materials from within their own store, with up to the minute details straight from the winery. BCPLS members will also have direct access to our province’s leading winemakers and viticulturists through an innovative producer-to-retailer online forum.
“The BC Private Liquor Store Association and our members are proud to be a part of show casing the best wines from BC’s small and medium wineries that are only produced with 100% BC grapes Our Association will help set the stage to highlight and promote these exceptional wineries, to provide easy access to the consumer and to ensure that the BC wine industry continues to flourish and retains its unique diversity and character that created the industry”.
– Randy Wilson, Chair, BC Private Liquor Store Association
This Agreement also stipulates that the premium section of each BCPLS member’s stores will be dedicated to the Best of BC wines. This section will be the most prominent location within each member’s stores. These prime sections will be adorned with the Best of BC marketing materials and exclusively feature wines from Terroir BC member wineries. The project also outlines rotating features and promotions of all Terroir BC members’ wines, ensuring fair and equal representation for all members.
This new opportunity will be open exclusively to Terroir BC members. Membership in Terroir BC is contingent on applicants producing wine solely from grapes grown entirely in BC. This would preclude any winery producing wines from imported grapes, juice or wine, commonly referred to as “Cellared in Canada”. Terroir BC welcomes any winery to be in contact for more information.
Contact:
Kim Pullen
Terroir BC
kimpullen@lostinhibitionswine.com
Randy Wilson
BC Private Liquor Store Association
rwilson@liquorplus.ca