Description
In January 2020, the Union québécoise des microdistilleries (UQMD) filed an application to reserve the Spiritueux 100% Quebec PGI. This designation was requested in order to protect the authenticity of artisanal spirits made from Quebec raw materials and distilled on the territory of the province. The project was put on hold in 2021 by the group.
During 2022, the Spiritueux Québec Association, which brings together 5 microdistilleries that are members of UQMD, resumed discussions as well as the promotion and protection work towards spirits made with Quebec fermentable raw materials in order to submit a new designation project. In June 2023, the Association submitted a request to the CARTV to authorize the added-value claim “Spiritueux d’origine agricole du Québec” and its variation “À base de Spiritueux d’origine agricole du Québec”.
These two terms are requested in order to protect the authenticity of spirits made from Quebec fermentable raw materials, fermented and distilled on the distillery’s site located in the province.
Any other product made by the distillery from a certified “Spiritueux d’origine agricole du Québec” could also bear the mention linked to the added-value claim “À base de Spiritueux d’origine agricole du Québec”. However, all of the alcohol contained in the product will have to meet the certification criteria.
These products have experienced exceptional growth in recent years. Quebec has issued more than 130 spirits manufacturing permits on its territory. The number of products as well as their diversity are growing significantly, whether it is, among others, gin, vodka, whiskey or spirits.
The project is being analyzed by an expert committee made up of specialists selected for their expertise who represent the complete value chain for these products.