Spirits Show Strong Growth in Canada in 2018

TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Spirits sales volumes in Canada increased by 3.2% in 2018, the largest year-over-year increase since 2006, according to Spirits Canada.

"Canadian adult consumers demonstrated their great enthusiasm last year for Spirits, Spirits Cocktails and Spirits-based beverages", stated Jan Westcott, President & CEO of Spirits Canada.

Nationally, Vodka (including flavoured "Vodka") was the most popular spirits category in 2018 representing 28.1% of total sales, followed closely by Whisky at 27.9%.

Within the overall whisky category, Canadian Whisky and Canadian Rye Whisky continue to dominate with a 66.5% market share. Made from cereal grains, including barley, corn, rye and wheat, grown by Canadian farmers, Canadian Whisky remains Canada's signature alcoholic beverage at home and internationally. Irish Whiskey again last year also showed its appeal to Canadians growing by 17% and now represents 5½% of the overall whisky category.

Both Gin with an 11.2% and Tequila with a 10.6% volume increase in 2018 also both posted double digit growth. 

In addition to this impressive strength in traditional Spirits, volume growth in spirits-based ready-to-drink beverages including premixed beverages and coolers increased by 20.2%.

Additional sales volume detail may be found at http://www.spiritscanada.ca/industry-stats/.  

"The growing appeal of Spirits to Canadians is a testament to the authenticity, heritage and innovation of the domestic and global brands available in the market and to the strong partnership brand owners enjoy with liquor retailers, licensed bars and restaurants as well as bartenders and mixologists across the country", added Mr. Westcott.  

SOURCE Spirits Canada