Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Reports 1.9% Increase in Local Alcohol Sales

Alcohol sales in Nova Scotia saw a notable increase of 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). Despite a slight decline in total earnings for the quarter, the data indicates a significant shift towards local products amidst ongoing changes in the market.

In a press release, Greg Hughes, President and CEO of the NSLC, stated, “Despite the ongoing impact of removing U.S. products and the continued trend of declining beverage alcohol sales volume, overall sales rose this quarter.” This increase follows the NSLC’s decision to remove American alcohol from its shelves in March 2025 in response to U.S. trade policies under former President Donald Trump. Other provinces, including Ontario, Newfoundland, and British Columbia, have also taken similar measures to bolster local economies.

The NSLC’s data reveals that while overall sales of wine and spirits decreased, local categories experienced substantial growth. Nova Scotia spirits sales surged by 22.3 percent, while local ready-to-drink products, wine, and beer saw increases of 21.8 percent, 19.5 percent, and 5.8 percent, respectively. Additionally, local cannabis sales rose by 3.8 percent, reaching $9.6 million, with Nova Scotia cannabis products accounting for 26.7 percent of total cannabis sales in the province.

U.S. Alcohol Return and Charitable Initiatives

At the end of November 2025, the NSLC announced that American liquor would return to store shelves, albeit for a limited period. The province plans to sell off any remaining U.S. alcohol stock, directing the proceeds to charitable causes. “We remain committed to a Team Canada approach to tariffs and trade. We will not be ordering any more from the United States once this inventory is gone,” said Premier Tim Houston in a press release. He emphasized that since Nova Scotians already paid for this product, the government aims to avoid waste and will donate the proceeds to assist those in need.

The province estimates this initiative will generate approximately $4 million for charity, specifically benefiting organizations such as Feed Nova Scotia and other community service groups. Once expenses are accounted for, the anticipated funds are expected to have a considerable impact on local charities. The NSLC projects that it will take several months to complete the sale of the remaining U.S. alcohol inventory.

In summary, the NSLC’s recent sales figures reflect a growing preference for local products among consumers, alongside a strategic response to changing trade dynamics. As the province moves forward with its plans to reintroduce U.S. alcohol temporarily, the commitment to community support remains a central focus.