Our ten committees consist of a specific portfolio of responsibilities mirroring the structure of the LCBO’s major departments and sales channels in Ontario. Additional committees include Government Relations and Membership. Each Committee is led by an industry veteran and liaises with the Board bi-monthly. All committees are very active meeting on a continuous basis. Each committee comprises of 6-10 industry professionals from various types of companies.
Government Relations Committee
As the leading advocate in Ontario’s beverage alcohol industry, the Government Relations Committee works closely with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Attorney General (MAG), along with its agencies such as the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This committee is actively engaged in dialogue with decision-makers and is committed to advancing our members’ interests. Over the past two years, the committee has been involved in various stakeholder discussions and has been able to advance files both in retail and consignment. The committee also monitors changes in government legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines, rules and procedures that could affect the way industry operates and consumers shop. The committee continues to work with government to promote their objective to further modernize beverage alcohol in Ontario and provide more convenience and choice.
Chair - Dan Shorrocks (Select Wines)
Board Liaison – Ryan Keery (Suntory Global Spirits)
Ryan Cousineau (Mark Anthony)
Mark Cuff (The Living Vine)
Harris Davidson (Rogers & Company)
Camille Gemmell (Delegat)
Ted Kalaboukis (Andros Communications)
Will Predhomme (Predhomme Strategic Marketing)
Nicholas Saint-Martin (Diageo Legal Counsel Canada)
John Turco (Profile Wine Group)
Andrew von Teichman (Generations Wine Co.)
Spirits Committee
An original Drinks Ontario committee in which members are in close contact with the LCBO spirits team throughout the year. Based on the sales strategy, on-going collaboration with category focuses on promotions, releases and supply.
Given the vast market, this category presents annually to members providing a detailed overview of buying strategies. The committee consists of senior members of the industry with a wealth of experience. In addition, we have recently formed the Craft Distillery Committee in which works closely with the LCBO to facilitate domestic business in this segment at the LCBO. The committee also works closely with government agencies to further develop this Ontario industry.
Chair - Clayton Blakeley (Southern Glazers)
Board Liaison - Ryan Keery (Suntory Global Spirits)
Chris Collins (Campari Canada)
Trace Hanlon (Evergreen Beverages)
Will Martin (Noble Estates)
Jay Natt (Diageo)
Willie Nelson (Southern Glazers)
Cynthia Walkow (PMA Canada)
Rachel Woodman (Woodman Wine and Spirits)
Wines Committee
The Wines Committee liaises directly with both the LCBO’s New World and Old-World category teams. Meeting quarterly with the buyers the committee brings forward challenges and opportunities within the industry. Given the strong working relationships developed over the years and the LCBO’s partnership, many of the issues are successfully addressed – recent examples include the transition of Destination Collection and the advent of 100% push through on Vintages releases
The committee monitors sales, operational issues with submissions, samples, shipments releases and inventory, along with new trends in the industry. The annual address to Drinks Ontario members is always very engaging.
Chair / Board Liaison - Kevin Lynch (EPIC Wines & Spirits)
Chair / Board Liaison – Kristen Steiner (Arterra Canada)
Mark Bruni (Jackson Family Wines)
Alexander Gaunt (The Vine Agency)
Danielle Giroux (California Wines)
Taylor Meddick (Mark Anthony)
Kristen O’Connell (Declaration Wine & Spirits)
Alex Patinios (Dionysus Wines & Spirits)
Dan Rabinovitch (Azureau Wines & Spirits)
Dana Ryall (Deutsch Family Wines)
Linda Sinclair (Noble Estates)
Ready-to-Drink Committee
Drinks Ontario recently formed a stand-alone Ready-to-Drink committee. Over the past couple of years, this group has developed a very close working relationship with category based on the intensity of the annual life cycle. Quarterly meetings are held to discuss timelines, launches, promotions and shipments. Successful industry launches and distribution are excellent examples of industry working together for the betterment of the category and the customer.
Chair: Mike Pearce (Black Fly Beverage Company)
Board Liaison - Brock James (Ace Beverage Group)
Taylor Armstrong (Georgian Bay Spirits)
Jessica Boland (Moosehead Breweries)
Doug Port (Labatt / ABI)
John Volpe (Mark Anthony)
Specialty Services Committee
The Drinks Ontario Specialty Services Committee and the LCBO’s Specialty Services management have been teaming together for many years and have a strong working foundation. This committee monitors operational issues and helps manage challenges relating to LCBO’s High-Volume, Consignment and Private Ordering programs. Most recently, the LCBO engaged the committee with its warehouse move and the upcoming new guidelines for 2021.
Together, the committee and the LCBO continue to enhance the business experience for agents whether it be warehousing, ordering, lab or service. A successful example of government and industry working together.
Chair / Board Liaison - Nelson Abreu (30.50 Imports)
Alexander Abbott Boyd (Insider Wine)
Alana Fekete (Lexcellent Wines)
Margaret Hobbs (Buyers + Cellars)
Peter Lang (The Case for Wine)
Mark McFadyen (Abcon Wine)
Frank Romantini (Profile Wine Group)
Steve Stoddart (Rogers & Company)
Peter Wearing (Vin de Soif)
Retail Operations Committee
This committee was established to work directly with LCBO’s Retail Operations Division on practical and strategic issues that arise in its mainstream retail channel, including service levels, implementation of monthly promotions and new product roll-out, store-level inventory, and trade relations.
The senior LCBO retail management go out of their way to ensure that Drinks Ontario members feel part of the retail and it is much appreciated by all. The committee is engaged with the team to look to continue to enhance the customer experience by providing additional services to the LCBO retail personnel. One recent example includes a collaboration to introduce product information each perion on LCBOConnect.
Chair - Trevor Dawes (Heineken Canada)
Retail Planning Analysis and Improvement Sub-Committee:
Lesley Bloor (Mark Anthony)
Bobby Briones (Azureau Wines & Spirits)
Matt Romanin (Univins and Spirits)
Isabel Wai (Rogers & Co.)
Jeff Waines (Declaration Wine & Spirits)
Jordan Wilton (Andrew Peller)
Mike Wojtasik (Woodman Wines & Spirits)
Store Operations and Support Sub-Committee:
Rosanna Battistelli (Noble Estates)
Dave Charles (Corby Spirit and Wine Limited)
Mike Gillis (Suntory Global Spirits)
Richelle Morris (Molson Coors)
Reid Robertson (Philippe Dandurand)
Morgan Stewart (Campari)
Beer & Cider Committee
This committee was established to work directly with LCBO’s Beer & Cider teams – with the objective to support the LCBO in the continued growth of both categories. Given the wide array of skus in these categories, in conjunction with the buying team, the committee monitors programming and releases to provide the LCBO with on-the-ground feedback. Promotions and floor space are always critical topics.
Matthew started his career in the hospitality industry, then joined Sleeman Breweries Ltd in 2010. He has won several internal awards for recognition as a top performer, also recognized for his strong relationships with the LCBO having received 2 Elsie nominations for Beer Partner of the Year.
Board Liaison - Matthew Pelton (Sleeman Breweries)
Jorge Brauer Paulin (Diageo)
Rich Fortin (Colio)
Ben Gallagher (Ace Beverage Group)
Chris Goddard (Craft Brand Co.)
Brad McInerney (Wellington Brewery)
James Simpson (Carlsberg)
Grocery & Convenience Committee
Initiated to work with the LCBO’s Wholesale Operations to build relationships and education on these evolving channels in Ontario. The committee objectives include communications, operations, logistics and government changes between LCBO, Grocers, Convenience Outlets and the Trade.
Chair – Terry Sauriol (Pelee Island Winery)
Dave Avvampato (Philippe Dandurand)
Grace Costa (Trajectory Beverage)
Melissa Elia (Arterra Canada)
Steve Fessey (Escalade Wines & Spirits)
Eric Kan (Molson Coors)
Vanessa Sankar (Carlsberg)
Greg Tranah (Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd.)
Matthew Petre (Declaration Wine & Spirits)
Mikhail Polienko (United Stars)
Sean Walsh (Southern Glazers)
Member Services Committee
Enhancing professional, educational and social interaction between members and other industry stakeholders is the primary mandate of this committee. It oversees the financial administration of the association and is responsible for ensuring good value for members. The committee organizes member meetings and social events through the year to bolster networking opportunities and foster the positive exchange of information and ideas.
Chair / Board Liaison - Andrea Backstrom (a.m.c.c.)
Emilie Dyan (Business France)
Amanda Johnson (Predhomme Market Insights)
Paula Oreskovich (California Wines / Energy Plus Communications)
Despina Triantos (Azureau)
Drinkclusion Committee
Key goals for the committee include fundraising for a BIPOC Scholarship Fund administered by Vinequity, to develop career builder programs including mentorship and internship opportunities, and to provide Drinks Ontario members with resources to support the inclusion of under-represented individuals in the industry.
Liaison - Debbie Shing (Quve Group)
Ashley Clarke (Univins)
Mark Cuff (The Living Vine)
Margaret Hobbs (Buyers & Cellars)