The Government of Saskatchewan is creating business opportunities for Saskatchewan wine and spirit manufacturers by eliminating regulatory barriers to growth.
“Our local craft alcohol industry has grown from one cottage winery in 2001 to eight cottage wineries and eight microdistilleries today with more to come,” Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Jeremy Harrison said. “Consumers are recognizing the quality of Saskatchewan-made wine and spirits and these changes will help ensure that this industry continues to grow and create economic opportunities throughout the province.”
The changes include immediately increasing production thresholds for all craft manufacturers in the province and introducing a graduated markup structure based on annual production. A number of regulatory barriers are also being reduced, including allowing craft manufacturers the ability to direct deliver their products to Saskatchewan retailers.
Black Fox Farm & Distillery is one of the province’s newest microdistilleries. The Saskatoon-area business started producing in September 2015 and is already winning international awards for its unique, hand-crafted spirits and liqueurs.
“It is an exciting time to be a craft alcohol producer in Saskatchewan,” Black Fox co-owner John Coté said. “Seeing the government take steps in continuing to improve policy for entrepreneurs in this fledging sector is very important. The craft wine and spirits producers are all unique in the types and quality of products they produce, but they all need to have an opportunity to succeed. These changes are a step in the right direction in allowing that to happen.”
Changes related to the province’s craft beer industry are expected later this fall.
