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Select Wines in the Canadian marketplace

 
  • National coverage
  • Regional teams
  • Select Wine Merchants’s 68 people service every province in Canada

Canadian market facts:

  • 2nd largest country in the world
  • Total Population 33 Million (USA 301 Million)
  • Total imported still wine consumption of 24 million 9l cases for 12 months (total still wines: 33.6 million)


 

Map of Canada

Select Wines key insights on the Canadian Market

The Consumer

  • Today’s customer is more sophisticated and he is strongly influenced by trends and the media. He demands better products and greater value.
     
  • The emergence of economy brands and alternate enviro-packaging has recruited consumers into the wine category. As these consumers progress through the wines categories they gradually trade up to more premium and more interesting wines.

Wine Consumption

  • Over the next three years wine consumption is estimated to grow nearly 17%. Red wines dominate (nearly 60% share of total market) but white wines are growing after stagnating for the past 3 years. Finally, rosés, although on a more seasonal basis, are showing the strongest growth rate of all wine categories.
  • The most significant growth rate will occur in the premium segment (wines retailing over $15 CDN) 
  • Sparkling wines and Champagnes are expected to grow over 8% over the next three years 
  • The spirits market should grow roughly 6% with Vodka increasing its dominance and growing at more than 15% 
  • Cognac/Armagnac sales are expected to grow almost 4%, roughly the same as  Scotch Whisky and Gin

Distribution Dynamics

  • Off-premise sectors continue to set the trends. More varied and greater access to quality wines and spirits through the expansion of private retail in all markets. Surge of important chains in the private markets such as Alberta.
  • A key trend on-premise, is the development of chain concepts, many having evolved in the upscale casual dining segment, in suburban areas, now with increasing attention to downtown locations.