The LCBO has revealed the most popular beverages of the year, highlighting trends that include a surge in non-alcoholic options, the enduring appeal of tequila, and growing interest in Asian spirits like Soju.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages Take Center Stage
The LCBO’s overall top seller this year was Smirnoff Vodka, but non-alcoholic products saw the fastest growth:
- Non-Alcoholic Beer: Sales skyrocketed by 69%, bolstered by the introduction of products like Guinness 0.0.
- Non-Alcoholic Options Overall: Sales increased 189% since 2022, with December being a peak month as many Ontarians sought alcohol-free choices for celebrations.
Popular Liquors in 2024
- Ready-to-Drink Cocktails (RTDs): Pre-mixed cocktails grew by 17%, driven partly by their availability in corner stores and gas stations starting in September.
- Tequila: Continued its popularity with a 6% sales growth, following a 16% increase last year.
- American Whiskey: Sales rose by 7%.
- Asian Spirits: Soju gained traction, along with Japanese whiskey, marking a growing interest in Asian liquors.
Changing Wine and Beer Preferences
- Wine: Ontarians shifted toward lighter styles like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and low-alcohol wines. Ontario Icewine stood out with a 7% growth this year, up 29% since 2022.
- Beer: Strong ales, stouts, and porters were in higher demand as customers sought bold and flavorful options.
Major Changes in Ontario Alcohol Sales
2024 marked a transformative year for alcohol retail in Ontario:
- Breaking The Beer Store’s Monopoly: In May, the provincial government announced $225 million to end The Beer Store’s exclusive retail contract early.
- New Retailers: Alcohol became available in convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations in September, adding 8,500 new outlets across Ontario.
- LCBO’s Exclusive Role: Despite the expansion, the LCBO remains the province’s sole liquor retailer.
This year reflected a diverse palate among Ontarians, embracing both traditional favorites and modern trends, with non-alcoholic options playing a starring role.