The Western Cape will be sending a trade delegation to Canada in November to explore the export potential of wine and table grapes after about 50 importers of viticultural products from South Africa attended CapeWine 2025 from September 10-12.
This was confirmed by the province’s Minister for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer.
Developing Canada as a potential alternative market for South African table grapes and wine started in March, when Ontario Premier Doug Ford ordered the removal of all American-made alcohol from the province's Liquor Control Board (LCB) shelves.
The decision, well ahead of certain South African exports experiencing the imposition of 30% tariffs, has since seen other Canadian provinces follow suit, creating a void in the market for US wines and spirits.
Meyer has indicated that South Africa is poised to fill that gap.
At a recent Nedbank roundtable at the Cape Nampo agricultural fair, Meyer recounted how the sight of Canadians pulling Napa Valley wines off shelves sparked the idea that “every crisis presents an opportunity”.
Meyer’s optimism was confirmed during a recent G20 Summit preparation dinner with Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who said: “Canada is open for business.”
Maryna Calow of the Wines of South Africa (WoSA) organisation confirmed that Canada looked like a prospective alternative market for South African wine and table grapes.
This was further evidenced at the wine show earlier this month at Cape Town International Convention Centre, which attracted over 50 importers of South African viticultural produce, where LCB attendees – and visitors from Canada – supported the growing interest in local product.
Champagne said Canada was committed to forging strong international partnerships, reducing trade uncertainty, and lifting existing barriers at recent G7 and G20 finance meetings held in South Africa.
His visit with Meyer confirms the growing economic ties between Canada and the Western Cape, offering promising prospects for South African exporters in the Canadian market.
