The NSLC reported that approximately $1.5 million worth of American alcohol remained in its inventory a month ago, representing only 10% of the original stock before the removal of U.S. products. Nova Scotia’s Crown-run alcohol retailer and distributor disclosed in its first-quarter financial report that over $1.8 million of American alcohol was sold from April 1 to June 28.
As of August 17, the NSLC stated in an email to CBC News that around $1.5 million worth of American stock was still available, indicating that 90% of the U.S. alcohol inventory has been sold, with no intention to restock. The decision to cease purchasing American alcohol was made in January 2025, leading to the removal of these products from shelves in March 2025 as part of Canada’s response to the trade conflict with the U.S.
The retail value of the pulled alcohol was $14,896,652, comprising more than 600,000 units. In December, the NSLC resumed selling the warehoused products, with proceeds benefiting community food organizations. Subsequently, 315 groups were awarded grants totaling $5.3 million, ranging from $1,000 to $350,000 per organization.
The revenue generated from American product sales continues to support food security initiatives, as confirmed by a Finance Department spokesperson. Different provinces across Canada have varying availability of American alcohol, with Alberta having full access while the LCBO in Ontario, one of the world’s leading alcohol buyers, does not offer U.S. products.
The decision by several Crown-run alcohol retailers to halt American alcohol purchases has negatively impacted the U.S. alcohol industry and created trade tensions. Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, expressed concerns about the adverse effects of these actions on their industry. The global export of American spirits decreased by 3.8% in 2025, mostly due to the ban on U.S. alcohol in various Canadian provinces.
Last year, Brown-Forman, the parent company of prominent brands like Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, reported a 62% drop in sales to Canada in its first fiscal quarter. In Nova Scotia, American alcohol products are defined as those made or manufactured in the U.S., allowing certain products like Southern Comfort, produced in Montreal, to remain available for sale.
The ongoing revenue from American product sales continues to support food security initiatives. The availability of American alcohol varies across provinces, with Nova Scotia and others adopting a middle-ground approach.