Natural market forces

Earlier, we reported the liquor distribution branch missed its target to increases sales of British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance wines by 20 percent in fiscal 2006/07. But it wasn't for lack of trying, according to the British Columbia Wine Institute. In an interview with Public Eye, communications manager Lisa Cameron explained, "Because there was a short crop in British Columbia in 2005, there was significantly less product available to sell," in government-owned liquor stores. "It effected the 2006 whites and then effected the 2007 release reds. And we're still just finishing that cycle now."