Industry News

Industry News

In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.

Associations

Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.

British Columbian Associations

• Wine Growers BC (WGBC): WGBC members have access to communication, advocacy, and marketing program benefits, including perks like influencer relations and training and education opportunities. Their site also includes a listing of regional organizations and authorities that may be of interest. 
• British Columbia Grapegrowers Association (BCGA): The BCGA “is a non-profit organization that represents all commercial wine grape producers in British Columbia on agricultural issues and concerns.”

Canadian Associations

• Wine Growers Canada (WGC): As “the voice of the Canadian wine industry,” the WGC provides its members with industry leadership, advocacy, networking, and education and information sharing. As you conduct your market research, you may be interested in reviewing some of their resources, like industry reports or statistics.

International Associations

• Wine International Association (WIA): The WIA is a business-to-business wine network with reach to over 180 countries. Members gain “access to exclusive benefits such as the Winery Guide and the World Wine Expo where you are able to showcase your brand to an international audience.”
• International Wine Clubs Association (IWCA): The IWCA connects direct-to-consumer wine companies around the world. Among their list of benefits is access to market research and inter-member information sharing. 
• International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA): Joining the IWCA requires an application and completing an emissions inventory, leading to certification. They “welcome any winery involved in the production process from grape-growing to bottling, large and small, from all parts of the world.”

Magazines & Trade Journals

Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.

• Crush: This is a Canadian magazine “is dedicated to wine professionals and industry practice, legislative efforts, grower tips, regional news, and services and supplies that benefit vineyard management.” Their site also features a directory for winemakers and suppliers throughout the country. 
• Orchard & Vine: Available online or in print, Orchard & Vine has been published since 1959. Their content includes “innovative perspective on industry trends providing interesting articles specific to the tree fruit, berry, grape, wine, cider and spirit industry across Canada.”
• Wine Business Monthly: This magazine “features the latest in winemaking, grape growing, sales and marketing, and business and technology,” and is run by the same group who publishes the Wine Analytics Report.
• Wine Business Canada: This offshoot of the Wine Communications Group (who manage Wine Business Monthly) collates industry news specific to the Canadian context. 

Consultant & Other Websites

• Grape Growers BC maintains a list of consultants who specialize in vineyards, winemaking, viticulture, and other aspects of the wine industry.
• Grassroots Wine Consulting is a BC-based consultancy who provide a range of services, from tech and lab setup to planning your harvest.
• BCWineStudio offers both facilities for established winemakers and guidance for those new to the industry. As part of their services, they can help you identify an appropriate consultant to support your business venture.

MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.

PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.

Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.

Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.

• Fastest Growing Industries: Agrifoods 

Blogs 

• Majoring in Wine | blog dedicated to sharing news relevant to “students, wine industry professionals and college advisors.” Their site also features guides to educational programs, scholarships, and job opportunities for the wine industry.
• BC Wine Trends | A blog for BC wine enthusiasts featuring industry statistics and projected trends.
• Uncork BC | Lists events, updates, and stories of the BC wine regions.

Podcasts

• The Big Vin Theory | A podcast geared toward students in programs dedicated to the wine industry, or people interested in “the ‘viti gritty’ of the global wine trade.” 
• The Black Wine Guy Experience | Features a range of experts from the industry. It’s hosted by MJ Towler, “the world's first-ever African-American fine and rare wine auctioneer.”
• Interpreting Wine | Described as a “place to learn from thought leaders in the world of wine and marketing,” there are over 500 episodes of this podcast for you to explore and gain insights into the industry.
• Vint Podcast | This podcast talks about wine and spirits while “opening a window into a business that typically only insiders can access.”
• GuildSomm Podcast | Produced by GuildSomm International–a non-profit who “create and deliver the most accurate, comprehensive, and accessible educational content in support of the global beverage community”--this podcast features experts in the wine and beverage industry who help explore different aspects of the industry.
• The Business of Drinks | This podcast covers the full span of the beverages industry, taking a “holistic, consumer-focused approach to drinks, looking at new business opportunities and the products and categories that get customers excited.”

Discussion Forums 

• Wine Making Talk Forum | A forum discussing all things related to wine making - from beginner tips to recipes to storage.

TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.