Drinks Ontario is the leading advocate for agents and associations in the beverage alcohol industry; a membership-based provincial trade association representing manufacturers, agents, marketing groups and trade offices in Ontario.
Partnering with the LCBO and government ministries, Drinks Ontario navigates industry opportunities and challenges on behalf of our members. Our strong relationship with LCBO representatives is driven by the professionalism of its team and the quality of our member volunteers and collaborative approach.
The foundation of our Association is 10 committees and its volunteer members. Click here for description. These committees mirror LCBO and industry activity and advocate on behalf of members to develop additional strategies, resolve issues and challenges, and develop additional opportunities.
Finally, and most importantly, Drinks Ontario regularly communicates value-add industry insights and information so that Members can best develop their business strategies.
Source
We source both Canadian and global products, allowing LCBO customers to ‘shop the world’. Drinks Ontario members source thousands of products from over 80 countries to create a unique and diverse product assortment for Ontario consumers.
Present
We present these products to the LCBO, driving a vibrant marketplace. Virtually every item in the LCBO has an agent responsible for bringing it to market. Drinks Ontario members represent 95% of alcohol products sold in the LCBO, by volume.
Promote
We promote these products when they reach the market, partnering with LCBO and the Trade to ensure product success. In fiscal 2018 the LCBO offered 26,000 domestic and imported products through various channels, including LCBO, Vintages, Consignment/Private Ordering, Online, Special Offers and Duty Free.
Mandate
Since 1958, the mandate of Drinks Ontario has been to inform, support and advocate for its members. Our board and committees work closely with all Ontario beverage alcohol stakeholders including Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), government and industry representatives.
With a membership base of top performing companies and committees made up of senior industry professionals, our strengths combine to form a powerful voice to assist members in the Ontario marketplace. In addition, we strive to stay up to date with each major key driver of our sector.
We appreciate the efforts of our close to 100 volunteers on our board and committees - they are the foundation of our association.