GRANBY, QC, February 16, 2016 - On the occasion of the special consultations and public hearings on the 11th of February regarding Bill 88, the Association des viniculteurs négociants du Québec (AVNQ) was invited by the Committee on Public Finance to present its position.
The AVNQ members support the Quebec viticulture development and hope to ensure that it brings added-value to the category of wines in the food and convenience store markets.
The Quebec products' integrity is the fondamental piece of this industry's development and it is in our best interest to see it grow. It is primordial that the Government makes changes to the current bill, in order to guarantee this integrity. Control measures at the input and output of products by the SAQ are the only way to ensure the authenticity of the products before they make their way to the grocery stores' shelves.
It is essential to respect consumer and detailer expectations. It is by showing them transparency, whether it be regarding the display of vines and vintages, as well as guaranteeing at 100% the authenticity of the products' Quebec origins that we will be able to answer to the expectations.
Product integrity and quality are everyone's business. The Association asked the Government to revise its bill while taking into consideration its recommandations.
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