More grocery stores in Ontario can now stock alcohol.
This week 87 more stores across the province started stocking beer and cider on their shelves. Sean Lucey of Windmill Brewery says this is great for smaller breweries. Lucey says the large beer companies actually own the Beer Store and this can make getting a craft beer through for sale very difficult.
Grocery stores on the other hand have to stock at least 20 per cent of their beer and cider from small producers according to the province. Lucey says they’re in the early stages of getting into grocery stores but the LCBO has standards companies must meet to be eligible. Products that want to be sold in the LCBO, and in turn grocery stores, must pass through their Quality Assurance department. This includes a testing process and label approval according to Lucey, who admits they’re so early in the process he isn’t comfortable commenting in much detail.
The provincial government also announced they would be making changes to the Small Beer Manufacturers’ Tax Credit. If the initiative passes some of the changes would include increasing support for breweries between 75,000 and 200,000 hectoliters and doubling the worldwide production eligibility. Lucey says every little bit helps the craft companies cut a little further into the profits of bigger brewers like Molson, Sleeman or Labatt.
Lucey finished by pointing out craft brewers have been steadily increasing their market share in Ontario over the last few years and initiatives like the grocery stores have been helpful. The Ontario Government says by law grocers who are selling beer, cider or wine must have designated areas that operate during standard hours, while also meeting all standard staffing training requirements. A complete list of grocers in the province who are allowed to sell beer and cider can be found here.