DIONYSUS WINES AND SPIRITS: Alex Patinios
Alex Patinios
President
Dionysus Wines and Spirits
Based on your data, insights and experience, what’s trending for summer 2025?
Consumer trends in the RTD space are shifting. Consumers are looking for full-flavoured products that taste great and are well balanced. Products with a touch of sweetness are a strong fit for summer. We’re seeing a shift to more balanced profiles.
Which of your products do you anticipate being hot sellers this summer?
We just launched Pop Shoppe Hard Cream Soda and Pop Shop Hard Lime Ricky with 7% alcohol. They’re exclusive to convenience stores. We’re doing some social media and PR, and we’re also getting samples out to key influencers.
That’s exciting. Any other new innovations in the mix?
Yes, we just launched a great craft cider called Brunch Rosé Cider. It’s made by a local craft producer in the Niagara region and offers excellent value—it’s the only 473 mL can of cider under $3. It fits the 20% requirement and is a product that will drive both profit and sales velocity. It’s an apple cider with added flavour, giving it a rosé colour with notes of strawberry, peach and apple. It’s just off-dry, with only about 10 g of residual sugar—low, but still present.
What do you think will make this a hit this summer? The rosé colour? The flavour profile?
All of that. It’s fun and ties perfectly into the Brunch brand. It’s about being fun, unpretentious, casual—just enjoy it. Especially now that it’s legal to drink in many Toronto parks, these are a perfect fit for convenience stores in neighbourhoods near those spaces.
What outside influences are shaping the RTD space?
We’re seeing a lot of innovation in flavours and more premium cocktail-style offerings. We’re also seeing different alcohol bases—products with gin or rum, for example. There’s a ton of choice, and it changes every season. That’s what makes this category so exciting.
You’ve mentioned that you’re supporting convenience retailers with c-store-exclusive products. Tell us a bit about how this came about.
Exactly. These were launched as convenience store exclusives. They’re sourced through the LCBO, but the LCBO doesn’t stock them. This is a new program the LCBO opened up, and we were one of the first to participate. It’s a great advantage for convenience stores because there’s no price comparison, so they can earn a little more margin.
This is the first summer of sales for convenience retailers. What advice can you share around seasonal demand, sales cycles, category management and planograms?
First, have a good assortment of styles and brands to fit the range of RTD occasions. My other big piece of advice is to stock up two weeks before long weekends.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Yes—regarding how we partner with stores, product information and knowledge are absolutely critical. Being able to answer customer questions is key to upselling and giving shoppers the info they need. That’s where we focus—providing product knowledge sheets or meeting with stores directly to give them the tools to sell.
It’s not like selling potato chips, where everyone knows what they’re getting. With RTDs, customers want to know how sweet something is, or what the flavour profile is. We’ve got info sheets and resources to support them. Under Ontario’s regulations, our hands are tied when it comes to other forms of advertising, so it’s all about giving retailers the tools they need to boost sales through product knowledge.
In terms of perfect pairings, what other convenience items go well with your offerings?
RTDs are a perfect match for convenience stores—great for a casual snack or between-meal occasion. A hot dog, chips and a can of The Pop Shoppe Hard Lime Ricky is an ideal summer combo.
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