September 14, 2009, Toronto – The LCBO, in
partnership with the Wine Council of Ontario, is launching goLOCAL, its
largest-ever annual promotion of Ontario-produced wines. The promo builds on
double-digit sales growth of VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines in LCBO
stores.
"Ontario VQA wines are in high gear at
the LCBO with net sales up more than 17.4 per cent in the last five months compared
to last year," says LCBO president and CEO Bob Peter. "This promotion
will help ensure continued success for Ontario VQA wines into the busy
Thanksgiving and holiday sales periods."
Ontario-produced table wines, which include
VQA wines, have also been outpacing imports at the LCBO.
"Ontario wines are really taking hold
with consumers, thanks to LCBO's support, the quality products being produced
by our winemakers and more shoppers taking pride in supporting local producers,"
says Wine Council of Ontario chair Ed Madronich. "It's great to see our
wines front and centre at LCBO stores, including many wines from 2007, probably
the best vintage ever for Ontario wines."
goLOCAL runs until October 10 at all 608
LCBO stores across Ontario. There will be 147 products featured from 44 Ontario
wineries, including a total of 104 VQA wines from LCBO's Wines Category and
Vintages, LCBO's fine wines and premium spirits business unit. More than 1,000
in-store tastings are planned, including four outdoor consumer events at major
LCBO stores featuring Ontario winemakers and their wines, as well as food
pairings prepared by local chefs.
Consumers are reminded to bring a reusable
bag when shopping at the LCBO and to take empty beverage alcohol containers
(large and small glass bottles, PET plastic, Tetra Paks, bag-in-box and cans)
to The Beer Store for a full deposit refund.
Canada leads all countries in LCBO wine
sales ahead of Australia, Italy, France and the U.S. The LCBO currently offers
some 470 Ontario-produced wines in its Wines Category. LCBO has also released almost
190 Ontario VQA wines through Vintages.
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