NSLC reports 13.4 per cent increase in local sales in second quarter

An NSLC location is pictured in Cole Harbour, N.S. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV Atlantic)

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) released its second-quarter financial results on Tuesday, reporting a 1.9 per cent increase in both alcohol and cannabis sales compared with the same time in 2024.

Total sales from June 30 to Sept. 28 were $250.4 million, while earnings for the quarter were down 1.6 per cent, to $82.5 million.

“Despite the ongoing impact of removing U.S. products and the continued trend of declining beverage alcohol sales volume, overall sales rose this quarter,” says Greg Hughes, president and CEO of NSLC.

NSLC reports the warmer-than-average summer as a reason for a slight increase in beverage alcohol sales, which grew 0.6 per cent to $214.4 million. The ready-to-drink category led sales, with an increase of 7.7 per cent to $38.1 million.

“Sales also increased across all channels this quarter. Specifically, sales to Private Wine and Specialty Stores increased 6.2% to $6.0 million, NSLC Agency stores experienced a 2.1% increase to $21.3 million, and sales to bars, pubs, and restaurants grew by 1.4% to $14.8 million,” a release from the liquor corporation reads.

Spike in sales for N.S. products

Wine and spirits sales declined overall, but the removal of U.S. products from store shelves appears to have had a positive impact on local product sales, which increased 13.4 per cent to $44.1 million, compared to the same period last year.

Compared to the second quarter for 2024, local sales increased in each category:

• Nova Scotia spirits increased 22.3 per cent to $3.9 million
• Nova Scotia ready-to-drink (RTD) increased 21.8 per cent to $14.5 million
• Nova Scotia wine increased 19.5 per cent to $6 million
• Nova Scotia beer increased 5.8 per cent to $10 million

Cannabis sales

Cannabis sales increased in the second quarter by 10.4 per cent, to $36 million.

Local cannabis sales also saw a 3.8 per cent increase, to $9.6 million, and continue to account for 26.7 per cent of all cannabis sales.

The NSLC also highlighted its shopper satisfaction score of 94 per cent after surveying 3,880 shoppers in quarter two through the Air Miles partnership.

More information on the second quarter financial results are available online.

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