Beer Sales in Canada Reach an All-Time Low – Down 2.8%
It’s not just a U.S. thing. The volume of beer sold per person in Canada last year reached an all-time low since tracking began in 1949, according to Statistics Canada. The report, which examined the sale of alcoholic beverages between April 2021 and March 2022, found the volume of beer sold during that period decreased by 2.8%. Wine had an even bigger slump, down 4.0%
Of interest was that ciders and coolers continue to grow in popularity with the total for both combined increasing by 13.5%.
Overall alcohol sales based on volume decreased by 1.2%
The results preceed a planned federal tax increase of 6.3% on all beer, wine and spirits, set to take effect April 1. The tax, introduced in 2017, climbs every year in accordance with inflation.
See more on the story here.
It’s no wonder that sales are down. COVID restrictions played a huge part in limiting discretionary spending. And, our government in their illustrious wisdom decided, without discussion in parliament to increase the liquor tax every April 1 until whenever,
For what benefit?
This only adds to the ever increasing cost of doing business in a country that has some the highest liquor taxes in the world.
There is a movement to force government to reduce these onerous fees. Everyone needs to let their government reps know that changes need to be made so that the beer industry can survive.
Stew Ward
Balzac Craft Brewing