Spirits the Engine of Canadian Beverage Alcohol Exports in 2013

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - The value of Canadian Spirits' international exports, crafted from local grown barley, corn, rye and wheat, surged 20% in 2013 to reach well over a half a billion dollars.

International shipments of Spirits were led by exports of Canadian Whisky and Canadian Rye Whisky whose values rose by 18% to surpass $360 million. In addition, exports of Liqueurs passed the $100 million benchmark for the first time in history.

"Renewed global consumer interest in quality Whiskies, particularly those brands with legitimate heritage and authenticity like many of our finer Canadian Whiskies, are key drivers to this success internationally" said Jan Westcott, President & CEO of Spirits Canada.

In addition to outstanding brands, other key drivers for Spirits growth include a resurgent Cocktail culture, product innovation, and access to newly opened foreign markets.

"The aggressive international trade agenda of the Canadian Federal Government to push for real market access on a par with local domestic products is starting to pay real dividends here in our plants that make these products and on the nearby farms who grow our cereals in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec", said Mr. Westcott.

Spirits exports in 2013 represented nearly 70% of all Canadian beverage alcohol exports, far surpassing the combined value of beer, cider and wine exports.

Chart 2012 -2013 Canadian-Sourced Beverage Alcohol Exports

Category	2012	2013	% Change	2013 Share
Beer	$193.7 M	$192.5 M	-0.6%	22.8%
Wine	$41.3 M	$54.6 M	+32.4%	6.5%
Cider	$17.0 M	$23.2 M	+36.1%	2.8%
Spirits:
Canadian Whisky	$308.7 M	$363.7 M	+17.8%
Liqueurs	$79.7 M	$108.1 M	+35.8%
Bulk >80% a.b.v.	$63.3 M	$71.4 M	+12.7%
Vodka	$18.6 M	$23.5 M	+26.5%
Other	$7.1 M	$6.0 M	-15.6%
ALL SPIRITS	$477.4 M	$572.7 M	+20.0%	67.9%

 

SOURCE: Spirits Canada

Jan Westcott, 416 707 8851