In terms of how it views alcohol, Canada seems to be going through a significant change. Canadians are buying less alcohol than they did the year before, according to Statistics Canada.

Numerous elements are involved.

It’s obvious that the drinking culture in Canada is changing, from changes in weather patterns to the attractiveness of non-alcoholic options to worries expressed by the World Health Organization about the connection between alcohol and cancer. But is Canada really sobering up?

In accordance with Ottawa’s most recent Retail Sales Update, sales of beer and liquor in Canada decreased by -0.9% from May to June 2023. Additionally, sales are down significantly from last year by -2.8 percent, although cannabis sales increased by 3.3 percent. Although other sources may provide different figures, it seems that Canadians are now purchasing less alcohol overall. These figures elicit fascinating queries regarding the variables affecting Canadian drinking patterns.

The weather is one possible reason influencing the drop in alcohol sales. In many areas of the country, the past few months’ unusual weather patterns have resulted in uncertain winters and a muted summer. Consumer behaviour may be impacted by the weather. 

For instance, greater alcohol consumption is frequently a result of Canadians gathering outside on patios and at barbecues during warm weather. According to the most current Retail Sales Update, sales may suffer when the sun doesn’t shine as brightly because individuals may feel less tempted to indulge in alcoholic drinks.

Read the full commentary by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois HERE. 

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

SOURCE: Troy Media
PHOTO CREDIT: Files