‘Tis the season to deck the halls and stock the fridge

This holiday season, three locally-owned beverage companies are hoping British Columbians will be serving their products to guests with support from the province’s Buy BC Partnership program.

One of those is Howling Moon Craft Cider, a family-owned business in Oliver.

Howling Moon got its start in 2012 when the Duriseks fell in love with the Okanagan. Since then, the family has been making cider from apples sourced from local orchards and a newly planted cider-apple demonstration farm at the cidery. With support from Buy BC, Howling Moon is participating in holiday markets, including showing off their Okanagan product at the Vancouver Christmas Market.

“The Vancouver Christmas Market has been an amazing opportunity to connect with our customers and bring our seasonal holiday ciders directly to them while allowing us to promote the benefits of locally produced premium craft ciders made from B.C. apples,” said Kate Durisek, owner of Howling Moon.

They’re receiving up to $8,400 to promote their product to B.C. buyers, through the Buy BC Partnership program, delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

“There are so many local options to choose from when shopping this holiday season,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “Bringing back Buy BC was very important to me. It ensures local products are easy to identify, and supports local economies all over the province.”

House of Rose Vineyards is hoping British Columbians will choose one of their holiday-themed wines to help celebrate the season. Based in Kelowna, this family-owned-and-operated company is focusing on marketing their Rudolf’s Red and Santa’s Kiss wines to buyers, as well as offering specialty labelled wine to businesses for their clients.

Locally owned and operated Cultured Kombucha is brewed in Victoria and uses a reusable growler program in an effort to be environmentally conscious. The specialty non-alcoholic drink is a fun addition to the holidays. With 14 flavours, including special seasonal offerings, the young and the young at heart can enjoy this probiotic-packed beverage. Cultured Kombucha is made with fresh flavourings that are sourced locally, mostly from backyard orchards on Vancouver Island.

All three B.C. companies are benefiting from the Buy BC Partnership Program, which provides $2 million in funding per year, over the next three years, for B.C. businesses marketing their products to a domestic audience.

House of Rose Vineyard is receiving up to $7,105 and Cultured Kombucha is receiving up to $28,575, to help with their marketing efforts, including using the Buy BC logo on their products and promotional materials.