Ontarians Continue to Show Strong Support for Local

October 1, 2025 – Toronto – LCBO continues to see a significant boost in demand for Ontario-made products amidst ongoing ‘buy local’ sentiment. LCBO is committed to supporting local products and producers year-round and connecting Ontarians to products from our own backyard through a wide-selection of new releases, local-themed initiatives and exclusive promotions in store and online.

“We have incredible producers here in Ontario, and we have more local products than ever in store and online in response to customer demand,” said George Soleas, President & CEO, LCBO. “Whether shopping for something local on ‘The EH List’, enjoying a complimentary Ontario VQA wine tasting in store, or asking for a product recommendation for your fall occasions, I hope customers discover new local favourites and feel good about supporting our local industry.”

“The “Buy Canadian” movement has given Ontario VQA wine producers an opportunity to get our products into the hands of new consumers and our soaring sales show that they are falling in love with us,” said Michelle Wasylyshen, President & CEO, Ontario Craft Wineries. Ontario VQA wine has always been an authentic Made-In-Ontario story, but Ontarians are tuning in like never before. Our partnership with the LCBO is critical in showcasing the exceptional quality and diversity of Ontario wines that belong on the world stage.”

Local product sales data, trends and growth*

Overall, demand for Ontario products has increased by 23%.
Ontario VQA wines – wine made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes – continue to outpace other Ontarian product categories with a 67% growth overall. Most notably, we continue to see a strong demand for VQA red wine (+80%).
Other Ontario-made wine categories such as International-Domestic Blends continue to have modest growth (5%).
Ontario craft beer and Ontario-made spirits are experiencing a boost in sales — 8.4% and 4.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, Ontario craft cider is experiencing positive growth in LCBO stores and online.
Outside of Ontario, Canadian products from other provinces are also experiencing increased sales such as British Columbia wines (+55%), Nova Scotia wines (+30%) and Alberta spirits (+13%).

*Year-over-year comparison of overall sales between February 9, 2025, and September 6, 2025

New local products to discover

LCBO has been working closely with local industry partners to bring more products to Ontarian consumers. In response to customer demand, we have added 130 new Ontario VQA wines in our premium section of the store, also known as our Vintages collection. Customers can find exciting new local releases from our wide assortment of Ontario VQA wines, and Ontario beer, cider, spirts and coolers:

Ontario VQA wines

Family Tree 'The Glass Eye' Pinot Grigio VQA #44290, 750mL, $16.95
Trius Méthode Cuvé Close VQA #45728, 750mL, $19.95
Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Reserve VQA #17290, 750mL $19.95

*Until October 11, 2025, customers can earn 75 bonus points when they spend $50 or more on Ontario VQA wines.

Ontario craft beer

Cowbell Oatmeal Vanilla Black Lager #45043, 473mL, $3.95
Left Field Brewery Ghost Runner IPA #45998, 473mL, $4.85
Great Lakes Brewery Fighting Weight Session IPA #45998, 473mL, $3.25

Ontario craft cider

Loch Mor Untamed Dry Cider #45958, 355mL, $3.55
Thornbury Spiced Apple Cider #480343, 473mL, $3.95
West Avenue Poundcake Cider #47004, 473mL, $3.95

Ontario craft spirits

Wolfhead Vanilla Almond Biscotti Cream Liquor #46430, 750mL, $34.55
John Sleeman & Sons Single Malt Whisky #47107, 750mL, $64.95
E.T.51 Espresso Flavored, #42900, 750ml, $39.95

Ontario coolers and canned cocktails

Donna Blood Orange Italian Spritz, #42798, 355mL, $3.95
Pelican Club Limoncello Spritz, #42797, 355mL, $3.25
Collective Arts Wild Berry Cosmo, #42360, 355mL, $3.75

How Ontarians can support local

This fall, and during Ontario’s harvest season, customers can discover an array of events and promotions and shop Ontario VQA wines, local craft beer, cider, spirits and coolers in store and online.

Shop The EH List

It’s easy to discover something local on ‘The EH List’, a curated list of over 3,000 Ontario and Canadian-made products or by looking for the maple leaf on LCBO shelves.

Sample Ontario VQA wines

Between now and October 11, LCBO is hosting complimentary tastings on Friday and Saturday in 75 LCBO stores featuring a selection from the 450-plus Ontario VQA wines LCBO carries.

For images and interview requests, visit our Media Centre and contact the LCBO Press Office.

MEDIA CONTACT:

LCBO Press Office
[Tel: 416.864.6700]
E-mail: PressOffice@lcbo.com