As the last days of summer drag on, many Quebecers once once more took advantage of the beautiful season to discover local spirits or visit one of its producers.
Throughout Quebec, there are microbreweries, vineyards, cider houses, microdistilleries and mead producers who are happy to share the passion that drives them with the curious. More than 800 companies are established here and contribute to economic and tourist development as well as to the influence of our region and our cultural signature. Our companies certainly have different daily challenges but are united by the same flame for what they produce.
Things have changed
Another aspect that we share is the overriding legal framework that governs us. A framework that draws its roots from a time when barely a handful of us existed. In the last 30 years, many things have changed, starting with consumer tastes, the way people buy and even production techniques.
It is high time to modernize the legal framework surrounding alcoholic beverages. Most of the repeated requests from our associations do not require financial investment but only a political will to promote local alcoholic beverages.
For example, consider online sales and direct delivery to consumers by post or by the producer. Producers must be allowed to operate in a modern and efficient way.
As part of this election campaign, we are asking the various political parties to commit to implementing concrete actions aimed at supporting the development of our industry and modernizing our legal framework so that it reflects the reality of our era.
Everyone will come out a winner, both producers and consumers!
Martin Parrot, President of the Association of Microbreweries of Quebec
Louis Denault, President of the Quebec Wine Council
Marc Antoine Lasnier, President of Quebec Cider Producers
Joel Pelletier, President of the Union québécoise des micro-distilleries
Rene Bougie, President of the Association of Producers of Meads and Honey Alcohols of Quebec
