Canada has emerged as a strong growth market for South Australian winemakers, becoming the state’s third-largest wine export market, overtaking the United States and behind only China and the United Kingdom.
Wine exports to Canada – 48.5 million litres – have jumped by more than 38 percent to $24 million in the year to August 2026 – now valued at $128 million.
South Australia now accounts for 68 percent of Australia’s total wine exports to Canada.
In March 2025 many Canadian provinces including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia removed US alcoholic beverages from liquor outlets and online platforms in response to tariffs imposed by the US.
The State Government has supported a series of retail promotions throughout Canada.
“The State Government and the local wine industry recognised an opportunity and moved quickly to get more wine on the shelves in Canada,” State Development Minister Chris Picton said.
“This has resulted in a major surge in sales through key Canadian retailers.
“While the global wine market is undergoing a period of challenges and transition, it’s clear that South Australia remains well positioned for the future.
“By investing in these types of growth opportunities and leveraging the state’s unique ability to produce an exceptional diversity of quality wines, South Australia can continue to build a more sustainable and globally competitive future.”
In September the Malinauskas Government announced the $109 million South Australia Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package, which features a suite of measures including government-backed loans, business support and the appointment of a wine industry coordinator.
The package also includes a $5 million extension of the Global Wine Growth Program, which has supported South Australian wines to be featured across two of Canada’s largest wine retailers – the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB).
The state government supported a four-week in-store promotion with the LCBO during July and August, featuring 16 South Australian wines – including Angove, Zonte’s Footsteps, Kilikanoon, Two Hands and Bleasdale – across nine flagship stores.
“It resulted in a 49 percent uplift in sales during the promotional period,” Minister Picton said.
In addition, more than 75 South Australian wine in-store tasting events were held at BCLDB locations throughout the Canadian summer months.
Canada is an increasingly important strategic economic partner and is our state’s eighth largest export market with total SA goods exports to Canada valued at $575 million, an increase of 4.4 percent.
Minister Picton recently discussed the growing opportunities in Canada with Ontario’s Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, while both at a major defence conference in Poland.
To further support South Australian export opportunities to Canada, the State Government will establish a new position based in Toronto.
Recruitment will soon start, and the position will help South Australian trade and investment across the country in opportunities such as food, wine, critical minerals and defence.
Previously Canada was served from South Australian trade officials in the United States.
Overall, South Australia’s merchandise goods exports reached new heights in the last 12 months, increasing by more than $2.2 billion to a record-breaking $18.8 billion.
The state’s exports grew 13.9 percent, far surpassing the national average of 5.4 percent growth.
Zonte’s Footstep director Brad Rey said, “Canada is a key market for Zonte’s Footstep, and with the support and focus of the South Australian Government on building awareness of the diversity and quality of South Australia’s wines, it has become a focal point across many provincial markets.
“We have benefited from this support immensely, with trade and consumers supporting our wines and experiencing strong sales amid the global pressures our industry is experiencing.”