Alcohol purchases saw biggest decline in 2022: report

According to Statistics Canada, alcohol purchases in 2022 saw their biggest decline in a decade.

Wine sales dropped by 4 per cent, the largest decrease in Canadian history and beer sales decreased by 2.8 per cent, the largest decrease in beers per person in history.

While inflation contributed to rising prices, a shift in how many people view drinking could also play a role.

Lauren Hunter from Sonic 102.9 gave up alcohol for the month of February to fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society

“I never thought Dry February would change my perspective on alcohol as much as it has. I started out more for the fundraising aspect as opposed to going dry, because I know a lot of people affected by cancer, so that was really my motivation to stop drinking, was to fundraise on their behalf,” Hunter explained.

“Not only the benefits you get from stopping alcohol and just challenging yourself to do that, I think it can change your lifestyle habits for the better, and give you a new perspective on life.”

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The federal government has planned a 6.3 per cent tax hike on alcohol, set to take effect on April 1. Add the rise in prices to the new guidelines from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction, which recommended no more than two drinks per week earlier this year.

“After stopping drinking alcohol for a month, realizing wow, I can feel more mentally clear, I’m spending less money, it’s definitely something I’m going to carry forward for the rest of my life,” said Hunter.

Non-alcoholic options at restaurants and liquor stores have been increasing in demand. Edmonton’s Sea Change Brewing Co. offers their own non-alcoholic beer along with their traditional lineup.

Director of Operations, Bryan Schmidt, says they’ve seen a rise in popularity of their aptly named “straight edge” zero per cent beverage.

“Even in our taprooms, people enjoying you know, one or two with their friends who aren’t driving will go three or four, but then their friend has something to drink still. The driver’s still like, ‘oh, I’ll have a few Straight Edge,’ and enjoy the rest of the night, and still have a beer and feel like you’re enjoying beers with everyone, but obviously still be socially responsible and driving home safely,” said Schimdt.

Sea Change does currently have plans to expand their non-alcoholic beverages, saying they recognize that as consumer preferences change and evolve, the beverage business will have to evolve along with them.

“We’ve already decided to do a couple of variations this summer, so we’ll have a couple of different styles coming out as well. And it tastes like you’re drinking a beer. Like, you’re not going to notice anything too different about it from your regular kind of pale ales, just 0.5 per cent,” said Schimdt.