LCBO reveals what Ontarians drank the most this year

When it came to what Ontarians brought home during their liquor runs at the LCBO, the company said customers went for options that gave them more bang for their buck.

When it came to what Ontarians brought home during their liquor runs at the LCBO, the company said customers went for options that gave them more bang for their buck.

“As Ontarians looked to reduce their spending, there was a clear shift in their drinking choices,” Abhay Garg, LCBO’s Vice President, Merchandising, said in a release.

On Wednesday, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) revealed Ontarians’ liquor choices throughout the year, which it gathered through data from Nov. 6, 2022 to Nov. 4, 2023.

Though some customers remained brand loyal, many scoured the aisles for more budget-friendly options, the LCBO said.

The “tequila frenzy,” which was popular last year, continued to be a common choice for Ontarians, though at a slower rate. Overall, the LCBO noted there had been 44 per cent growth for the spirit in the last two years.

“Catching customers’ interest were brands with celebrity backing, innovative finishes (e.g. wine-barrel aging), eye-catching packaging, and 100 per cent agave,” the release reads.

When it came to beer, Ontarians chose mainstream Canadian choices, outpacing the demand for premium and craft beer by 10 per cent. Craft beer lovers, however, hopped on more adventurous choices, with IPAs among the most popular.