Could Craft Cider be Big Business for BC Liquor Stores?
BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch is opening up to BC craft cider. This is a promising step in the right direction, say local craft beverage producers and economic development experts.
Victoria, BC – Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse joins Creek & Gully Cider as the only two BC farm-based craft cideries selling products through BC Government Liquor Stores. On the cusp of Father’s Day, Sea Cider launched their Prohibition cider into 26 of the nearly 200 BCL stores in the province, with the hope that BCL stores will open their doors to more farm-crafted BC beverages. BC is home to more than three dozen farm-based craft cideries, most of whom are members of the BC Farm Crafted Cider Association.
“We are thrilled that BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch is exploring craft cider as a business opportunity, one that hundreds of private liquor stores in the province embraced a decade ago. It’s surprising that, at a time when British Columbians want to buy local, BCL stores are not fully mobilized to sell local,” says Kristen Needham, Sea Cider’s Owner and Cidermaster.
