Association of Canadian Distillers - On the Issues: Canadian Whiskey and International Trade

Position

In order to enhance its place as a vitally important Canadian exporter, the distilled spirits industry requires a more level domestic playing field. International competitiveness is critical for export success, and a healthy domestic market is essential to the distilled spirits industry's ability to compete. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the industry and governments to work together to ensure the survival of the distilled spirits industry in Canada. The Association of Canadian Distillers [ACD] wishes to work with governments to ensure that the viability of the industry -- both domestically and internationally -- is maintained.

Distilled Spirits Exports Facts

The spirits sector of the beverage alcohol industry has been the most aggressive in developing export sales. The distilled spirits industry generated $558 million in export sales of Canadian Whisky -- principally to the United States but increasingly to other markets in 1998.

As Canada's unique spirits beverage product, Canadian Whisky is appreciated world-wide. The ACD is committed to having this important product recognized as Canada's own "appellation" distilled spirits product. Canadian Whisky is already recognized as distinctive to Canada by the United States, Australia, Switzerland and Mexico.

The ACD seeks to ensure that the standard of identity for Canadian Whisky is properly recognized and complied with domestically and internationally.

The ACD is an active participant -- through the federal Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and alliances with international organizations -- in ongoing efforts to identify and remove restrictive and discriminatory barriers to trade.