News from the LCBO, Canada's largest province's government owned alcohol retailer, came through the beer blog's email slot this morning:
Ontario craft beer sales, helped by LCBO in-store promotional initiatives and dedicated staff to promote these products, rose by 27.6 per cent. Sales of imported beers at the LCBO increased by 8.2 per cent.As the LCBO is a major player in both craft and imported beer sales, this is interesting news. Plus both stats were ahead of overall growth of LCBO sales.
Update:The Toronto Star finds a way to turn the news release against beer:
Baby boomers with money in their pockets and a taste for something new are being credited with juicing Ontario liquor sales to new highs. No longer satisfied with drinking beer, these baby boomers are trying new products, trading up to premium drinks and entertaining more, according to president and CEO Bob Peter of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.Holy moley! I feel like Jay and Stan all of a sudden. The press release clearly shows fine beer sales increases leading the way.
