Ontario wine store opens in China

Editor’s Note: The Ontario government today announced an Ontario wine store opening in China. What follows is the press release.

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A new Maple Leaf Wines store is now open in China.  Minister of economic development and trade Sandra Pupatello and minister of tourism and culture Michael Chan attended the official opening of Maple Leaf Wines in the city of Zhengzhou, the capital of China’s Henan Province.

The owners of Maple Leaf Wines will feature Ontario wines including the
award-winning Pelee Island Winery’s table and ice wines to Chinese consumers.

Ontario is taking proactive steps to market its tourism, business and financial
sectors in China.

Working to attract international investment and attracting more Chinese visitors is
part of the government’s five-year Open Ontario Plan to strengthen economic growth and create jobs for families.

QUOTES

“More of our friends from China will now experience a bit of Ontario with the
opening of Maple Leafs Wine in Henan.  China’s Approved Destination Status with
Canada will permit Chinese visitors to explore Ontario’s natural beauty, dynamic
cities and warm culture.  This will help support the tourism industry and create
jobs here in Ontario.”

– Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture

“Ontario has more than 150 wineries producing a variety of wines that are
recognized around the world for their quality and taste.  Ontario has a vibrant
trade and business relationship with China and we are proud that China is promoting the Maple Leafs Wine Store, which will be offering Pelee Island Winery wines.”

– Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

QUICK FACTS

• For 2009, Ontario’s goods exports to China were valued at $1.64 billion, an
increase of almost 58 per cent since 2005.

• By 2012, visitors from China are expected to grow an average of 20 per cent in
Ontario to an estimated 111,000 visitors.

• Approximately one million tourists visit Ontario wineries each year.