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Kick off 2024 with LCBO’s Lighter Choices

TORONTO, January 3, 2024 – As Ontarians kick off 2024, many are looking to start the new year with positive drinking choices that support a healthy lifestyle. The LCBO currently offers more than 1,000 lighter wine, beer and cooler products; there is something for everyone.

The Lighter Choices trend – which includes non-alcoholic, dealcoholized, low-alcohol*, and low- and no- sugar options – shows no signs of slowing, regardless of the season.

Last year**, non-alcoholic beverages sales grew 67% from the previous year. LCBO currently offers 26 non-alcoholic products and this selection continues to grow.

The non-alcoholic beer category is not only growing in quality, but also in the breadth of styles and flavours. Released in fall 2023, Guinness 0 (0.05% alc./vol.) has been a huge hit, indicating that consumers are excited and eager to try non-alcoholic beers from their favourite brands.

Light and extra light beer sales are also up from the previous year, with LCBO’s portfolio boasting more than 240 products over the past year. These flavourful beers have less than 4% alcohol by volume.

Ready-to-Drink products (RTDs) are the most popular amongst younger consumers, and the LCBO plans to release 35 new no- and low-sugar seltzers and coolers that have less than 3 grams per litre of sugar, in spring 2024.

Not to be left out, wines are also getting in on the Lighter Choices trend. The LCBO currently carries more than 140 light wine products.  

Domestic wine producers have embraced innovation in this space, with new product releases including:

o   Low alcohol - Lola Light Rosé VQA (750ml, $14.95)

o   Low alcohol – Mindful Sparkling VQA (750ml, $19.95)           

o   Low sugar - Honest Lot Sauvignon Blanc 4L BIB (4L, $49.95)

o   Low sugar - Honest Lot Cabernet Sauvignon PET (200ml, $4.50)

o   Low sugar - Bask Crisp Rosé 3L BIB (3L, $41.95)
 

Meanwhile, other new dealcoholized wines include:

o   Henkell Dealcoholized Sparkling Wine (750ml, $11.95)

o   Nozeco Rose Dealcoholized Sparkling Wine (750ml, $12.95)

o   Tarapaca Dealcoholized Sauvignon Blanc in 2023 (750ml, $10.95)
 

Finally, the spirits portfolio continues to focus more on cocktails with lower alcohol and sugar content, including:

o   Bailey’s Deliciously Light (750ml, $32.25) – less calories than Bailey’s Original Irish Cream

o   Bailey’s Almande (750ml, $33.25) – made with almond milk rather than cream
 

“Customers who prefer lighter options don’t need to sacrifice taste or quality anymore,” says Abhay Garg, VP of Merchandising at the LCBO. “We continue to expand our catalogue to bring innovative and delicious non- or low-alcoholic products to Ontarians.”

For all Lighter Choices options at the LCBO, please see lcbo.com/en/light-and-easy

No matter how consumers choose to celebrate the new year, the LCBO has something for everyone.

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**Data is from November 5, 2022, to November 4, 2023