When Ontario Premier Doug Ford proposed banning American alcohol from LCBO outlets in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, he overstated the monopoly’s influence. Ford claimed the LCBO is the world’s largest alcohol buyer, a belief echoed for decades. However, while the LCBO is a significant player, its dominance has long been surpassed. Retail giants like Costco, with its vast U.S. presence and higher consumer demand, now lead global alcohol sales, followed by major U.S. retailers such as Total Wine, Walmart, and Target.Even without the top spot, an LCBO-led boycott could still disrupt the industry. Canada is the largest market for American wine and spirits, with Ontario leading the way. A ban would hit American whiskey producers and Californian wineries hard, as they rely heavily on Canadian sales. (ICE TORONTO)

Fonte notizia: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/article-is-the-lcbo-the-largest-purchaser-of-alco