Newfoundland winemaker gains access to kosher markets

Newfoundland�s largest commercial winemaker, Markland Winery of Markland, has had four of its wines approved by the Ontario Liquor and Gaming Commission for addition to its kosher list. This means Markland�s kosher wines may be ordered by all general stores in Ontario and will be stocked in Ontario�s five Vintage Stores and 30 outlets designated as kosher stores. To assist Markland with its marketing efforts, the Department of Development and Rural Renewal will provide Markland with $10,000 under it�s Company Development Program towards an $80,000 marketing initiative.

"This makes us one of only three producers of kosher wine in North America and the only kosher producer in Canada," says Dr. Hillary Rodrigues, president of Markland. "Our wines are totally organic. We use no pesticides and have no contaminant with meat, milk, or fish." He added that many regular wines contain dairy products that are used as enhancers.

Markland Winery was founded in 1993. In its first year it produced 300 cases of blueberry wine. In 1999 production reached 12,000 cases and the company expects to produce 25,000 cases in 2000. Today it produces eight wild fruit berry wines and exports to Alberta, British Columbia, New York and Japan.

"There is much to be admired in what Dr. Rodrigues is doing," said Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. "Dr Rodrigues has worked for years to develop rural Newfoundland, first as a mayor and community economic developer, and now he is helping to diversify our economy as a small-scale manufacturer. He takes berries which grow wild and in abundance, and turns them into a high-value export product aimed at niche markets. There is a substantial Jewish market in Toronto and the North East United States. I am glad that the department is able to help him with his marketing efforts.

The funding will be used by Markland to offset the costs of implementing its marketing plan, including the design of labels and promotional materials.

Media contact: Clifford Grinling, Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-7066

Marie-France Rodrigues, Markland Winery, (709) 759-3003.

2000 02 01                                             10:40 a.m.