‘Big crunch’: Supply chain issues have Alberta liquor stores struggling to find imports ahead of holidays

Supply chain issues are impacting liquor stores in Alberta, and buyers are struggling to find the imported alcohol they need ahead of the holidays, leaving holes on the shelves.

“We see that a lot in our luxury brands and in our gifting brands and it has been a challenge for our buyers, I’m not going to lie,” said Sergio Flores, the director of operations at Highland Wine & Spirits.

Flores says this year has been full of challenges.

“It started when the Suez Canal got blocked off, then we had the fires, we had frost, we had container issues since the beginning cause of COVID and now we’re starting to see the big crunch of it because of what happened in BC with the floods,” he explained.

Ongoing border closures also playing a role – all as they look to the holidays for their sure-fire sales.

“You also lose on tried, true products that we know that would sell in these programs that the consumer doesn’t have, and again, were hoping they’re willing to try new stuff.”

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In a statement to CityNews, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis says:

“There is not a liquor shortage in Alberta. AGLC deals with nearly 800 registered liquor agencies and has over 31,000 active liquor product SKUs, so it’s possible some imported products may experience upstream delays related to the global supply chain.”

Flores says they’re trying to supplement their stock with local products as much as they can but even that can be a struggle.

“Those guys are facing the same type of issues with a lot of their products with aluminium can shortages, glass shortages with costly goods and so on.”

That’s why when you’re shopping for certain imported alcohols this year, be prepared to look a little bit harder.

“Shop early, try to get what you can and be open to going outside of your box and trying new things.”