To Suppliers, Wineries & Distillers,

Below is some basic information about the the market in Western Canada.  If you are interested in representation we encourage you to contact us by email, phone or fax.  We would be happy to discuss the growing Western Canadian market.  Communication available in English & Italian.

Population* Liquor Distribution & Sale
Canada 32,378,122 Each province regulates the purchase and sale of liquor in that province
Western Canada 9,723,610
  • Alberta
 3,281,296

Privatized
Distribution:  The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) regulates liquor activities in Alberta. The AGLC registers all wines & spirits imported in to Alberta by private licensed agents.  Warehousing and distribution is through one central warehouse.

Sales: All sales in Alberta are through private retail stores.  As of January 2006, the AGLC website states there are 1121 retail locations throughout Alberta  

WineQuest headquarters are located in Edmonton.  Administration, promotion & Alberta sales are handled through the Edmonton Office.  
  • British Columbia
4,271,210

Government Monopoly

Distribution: The British Columbia Liquor Distribution Board (BCLDB) approves all imports of wines and spirits in to the province.  A purchase order  is required from the BCLDB for every product imported.  The BCLDB also controls the warehousing and distribution.

Sales: The majority (approximately 90%) of the retail market is through the more than 200 BCLDB stores.  The BCLDB website states that as of January 2005, there were 517 cold beer and wine stores, 229 rural stores, and 12 independent wine stores.

WineQuest has a full-time Sales Staff in Vancouver.
  • Manitoba
1,178,109

Government Monopoly

Distribution: The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) approves all imports of wines and spirits in to the province.  The MLCC also controls the warehousing and distribution.

Sales: The majority (approximately 90%) of the retail market is through MLCC retail stores.  There are a small number of private wine boutiques.

WineQuest headquarters handles sales in Manitoba.
  • Saskatchewan
992,995

Government Monopoly

Distribution: The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) approves all imports of wines and spirits in to the province.  The SLGA also controls the warehousing and distribution.

Sales: SLGA is the main distributor of, and sole licensing agent for the sale of  beverage alcohol in Saskatchewan.  According to the SLGA website there are 80 liquor stores and more than 190 franchise outlets throughout the province.

WineQuest headquarters handles sales in Saskatchewan.

*Provided by Statistics Canada as at Oct 2005