Made-in-PEI alcohol products will benefit from increased sales thanks to a new retail merchandising program announced today by the Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission (PEILCC).
Under this program, the PEILCC has purchased specially designed product display units and will display and promote made-in-PEI alcohol products in high-profile locations in the Commission’s 19 retail stores. Island products are also being promoted by the PEILCC in this year’s edition of the official Prince Edward Island Visitors Guide and on local radio stations.
The PEI products being promoted this year include Potato Vodka from Prince Edward Distillery; Strait Gin, Strait Lightening, Strait Vodka and Strait Shine from the Myriad View Distillery; handcrafted ales from Gahan House Brewery; Honeydew Mead from Honeydew Apiaries; and a selection of artisan wines from Rossignol Estate Winery.
“In relation to national or global producers, our local manufacturers produce small volumes and have very modest marketing budgets,” said Fred MacDonald, marketing director for the PEILCC. “Our Island product is of the highest quality and we saw an opportunity to assist our local producers by promoting these products to Island residents and visitors alike in our stores.” According to MacDonald, current trends show a growing preference by consumers for locally produced food and beverages.
“Producers of PEI wines, ales and spirits are hands-on craftspeople who take great pride in the care and quality that goes into small batch production,” said Allan Campbell, Minister responsible for the PEILCC. “And that makes a big difference in the taste that a consumer enjoys.”
Employing more than 300 Islanders, the PEILCC is one of the largest retailers in Prince Edward Island, offering beverage alcohol products from around the world through 19 Commission retail stores and one agency store. In 2009, the Commission will offer residents and visitors a record number of more than 1,300 listed products.
A complete listing of the PEILCC’s products and pricing can be found at www.peilcc.ca.