NSLC second quarter results shows increase in local alcohol sales

Alcohol sales increased 1.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 when compared to the previous year, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) said.

Total earnings for the quarter were down slightly, but the data also represents a move to more local products.

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

In a response to U.S. President Trump’s trade war, the NSLC removed American alcohol from its shelves in March. The move follows other province’s like Ontario, Newfoundland and B.C. who wanted to encourage their residents to support their local economies.

According to the data from the NSLC, it appears the shift may have had an impact. While total wine and spirits sales decreased overall, every local category saw sizeable increases.

Compared to the same time last year, Nova Scotia spirits increased 22.3 per cent. Local ready-to-drink, wine and beer increased by 21.8 per cent, 19.5 per cent, and 5.8 per cent respectively.

Local cannabis sales also increased 3.8 per cent to $9.6 million. Nova Scotia cannabis products accounts for 26.7 per cent of all cannabis sales, the release states.

Announced at the end of November, American liquor will begin to may its way back to the shelves, but only for a limited time.

The province is selling off any remaining stock of U.S. alcohol, and will donate the proceeds to charity.

“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,” Premier Tim Houston, said in a press release. “But Nova Scotians have already paid for this product. We don’t want it to go to waste. That’s why we’re selling it and using the proceeds to help those in need.”

The province estimates it will take several months to sell. Once expenses are deducted, they say this will bring in about $4 million.

In the spirit of giving back, the expected $4 million will be donated to Feed Nova Scotia and groups that provide community service access.