E-Malt.com News article: Canada, Ont.: Local craft beer enjoy higher demand in 2010 - Liquor Control Board of Ontario

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario said on June, 2 the state saw higher demand for locally produced craft beer last year.

Total alcohol sales through Ontario liquor stores rose by 5.6 per cent to C$4.55 billion in the latest fiscal year, which ended March 31, the agency said.

It was the 16th straight year of record sales for the liquor board, which holds a near monopoly on wine and spirit distribution in the province.

The agency transferred C$1.55 billion to the Ontario government to help pay for health care, education, social programs and other government services. That was 9.9 per cent more than the previous year.

“The improving economy saw shoppers trading up to premium products again and this contributed to higher net sales,” said LCBO president and chief executive officer Bob Peter. “Good expense control and inventory management, combined with appealing products and promotions, helped us exceed plan and last year's dividend.”

The Ontario Convenience Store Association, which has long wanted the right to sell booze, recently released a study showing its members do a better job than either The Beer Store or the LCBO of checking customers’ ages before selling them restricted substances. There are age restrictions on sales of tobacco, lottery tickets and alcohol.

The LCBO, which doesn’t publish a full annual report until later this year, said it saw sales increases in all major product categories.

Ontario craft beer did particularly well, rising almost 53 per cent, which continued a trend seen in recent years.

“There's growing interest in buying local products and we're seeing very positive results from our promotional efforts in support of VQA wines and Ontario craft beers,” noted the LCBO’s Peter.

Beer sales were up almost five per cent, to C$905 million.


03 June, 2011