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MOLSON COORS CANADA: Patrick D’Anjou

"We’re seeing a clear trend toward premiumization—shoppers want to invest in quality, seeking out elevated experiences, whether that’s a smooth craft lager or a sophisticated hard seltzer."
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Patrick D’Anjou

Patrick D’Anjou

VP of retail sales

Molson Coors Canada

 

Based on your data, insights and experience, what’s trending for summer 2025?

Summer 2025 is all about bold refreshing taste with a personal twist that are brewed in Canada. Alongside their favourite beers, adult consumers are also reaching for full-flavoured beverages that deliver on full flavour taste. Simply Spiked does just that, offering juicy flavours like peach and strawberry lemonade that are perfect for summer. New this year, we’re excited to also offer Simply Spiked Limeade. 

Personalization is also redefining the drinking experience—people want drinks that reflect their unique vibe. Coors Seltzer Mixables invite adult consumers to mix and match flavours—so whether you want lemonade, strawberry or peach as-is, or a mix of different flavours, you are invited to create a customized drink that’s as unique as you are. Products like Vizzy Cream Pop are also leaning into nostalgia, bringing back the iconic orange-and-vanilla flavour that evokes memories of carefree summers and familiar favourites in a fun, fizzy format. And with hard seltzers still the largest RTD subsegment in Canada (35% of all sales) and full-flavour coolers and teas growing at approximately +9.0% over the last 12 months according to Beer Canada*, the message is clear: adult consumers are looking for drinks that are flavour-forward, emotionally resonant, and made for how they summer.

When it comes to the beer category, adult consumers are similarly looking for flavour without compromise, which is why they reach for lower-calorie, lower-carb options like Miller Lite, and Coors Light (proudly boasting the #1 beer in retail in Ontario according to Beer Canada*). These brews deliver crisp and refreshing full taste without sacrificing balance or drinkability. As temperatures rise, light beers are a go-to choice for every summer drinking occasion, from backyard barbecues to holiday celebrations and everything in between. With their 4% ABV profile and widespread appeal, proudly Canadian brewed Coors Light and Miller Lite continue to gain popularity in convenience stores nationwide. To make the most of this surge in demand, retailers can spotlight these summer staples with prominent cooler placements and endcap displays—turning high-traffic moments into high-impact sales.

Which of your products do you anticipate being hot sellers this summer?

Our portfolio of brewed-in-Canada products are built to deliver for every occasion—whether it's a crisp lager, a flavourful light beer, or a bold RTD. According to Beer Canada, Coors Light continues to lead as the #1 beer in Ontario* and Miller Lite is gaining momentum as more consumers seek lower-calorie options without compromising on taste. Molson Canadian is also seeing renewed growth, fuelled by a wave of cultural pride and strong seasonal campaigns.

According to Beer Canada, Molson Coors is one of only two brewers in Canada growing share of flavour in the total industry in Canada with RTD’s like Simply Spiked, Arizona Hard, and Coors Seltzer, thanks to their bold flavours and go-anywhere versatility. They’re perfectly positioned for casual get-togethers, weekend getaways, and everything in between.

Shoppers are also thinking bigger—larger pack sizes of fast movers like Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Heineken, and Coors Seltzer are in high demand, especially around long weekends. With strategic marketing and innovation behind every brand, we’re helping retailers meet demand and drive growth—no matter the occasion.

Any new innovations in the mix?

Madrí Excepcional is returning for its second year on shelves, offering a crisp, smooth Spanish-style lager. Positioned in the Above Premium segment, Madrí’s unique flavour profile and signature chalice experience continues to captivate consumers looking for authentic, elevated beer options.

This summer, we’re also excited to introduce several new innovations that elevate refreshing flavour. Vizzy Cream Pop brings a playful twist to hard seltzers with its fruity flavours inspired by classic frozen treats—offering Orange, Raspberry, and Strawberry Cream Pop. We also have new Coors Seltzer Mixables Packs, allowing consumers to mix and match three distinct flavours—Lemonade, Strawberry Bliss, and Peach Dreams. The new offering gives consumers the freedom to craft unique, personalized drinks perfect for any summer occasion. Finally, we’re also adding Simply Spiked Limeade, a juicy, spiked lime beverage at 5% ABV, delivering a refreshing balance of sweet and tart that’s both satisfying and sessionable.

What are the outside influences shaping the space? 

One thing we know for sure is adult consumers want drinks that deliver great flavour and support a balanced lifestyle, fuelling the opportunity for brands like Miller Lite. At the same time, trusted brands remain a cornerstone of consumer choice. People are looking for reliability and familiarity, especially in a crowded market, and we can deliver on that with brands like Coors Light and Molson Canadian, both brewed in Canada.

We’re also seeing a clear trend toward premiumization—shoppers want to invest in quality, seeking out elevated experiences, whether that’s a smooth craft lager or a sophisticated hard seltzer. Finally, mindful drinking is changing how adult consumers approach alcohol, as they seamlessly shift between full-strength options like Molson Cold Shots, lower-alcohol choices like Heineken Silver, and no-alcohol alternatives such as Coors Edge (less than 0.5% ABV) —based on their preference and occasion. This shift opens exciting opportunities for brands that deliver versatility and authenticity, meeting legal drinking age drinkers wherever they are in their journey. Together, these trends are driving innovation and shaping a beverage landscape that’s as dynamic as Canadians themselves.

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This is the first sales summer for convenience retailers in Ontario. What advice can you share in terms of seasonal demand, sales cycles, category management, planograms etc.?

For convenience retailers diving into their first full summer sales season for alcohol in Ontario, preparation is everything. Summertime brings many drinking occasions—it’s a time when we know consumers are looking for our products. Because of those spikes, it’s critical to prepare and stock up for those moments.

It’s also important to think beyond just six-packs for quick grab-and-go trips. Customers are also planning for larger gatherings and reaching for 12-packs and even 20-packs to entertain a group. Make every inch of cooler space work for you—summer shoppers crave cold drinks, and a well-stocked cooler with variety supports those buying decisions.

Don’t miss the chance to drive incremental sales with smart cross-promotions—pairing popular drinks with chips, salty snacks, or even ice cream taps into natural basket-building behaviour. This not only boosts average sales but also enhances the overall shopping experience.

How are you partnering with or supporting convenience retailers this summer?

This summer, our full portfolio is built to help us and our retailers win across every occasion. For example, Molson Canadian continues to show up strong with impactful promotions and flexible pack sizes—making it a natural choice for everything from backyard BBQs to weekend getaways. It’s a brand rooted in bringing people together, and it shines wherever Canadians gather.

In RTDs, we've expanded our single-serve offerings to better meet on-the-go demand and drive trial. We've also invested in high-impact out-of-home advertising and brought convenience to life through our Vizzy Cream Pop campaign. The commercial kicks off inside a c-store, featuring a fridge fully stocked with Vizzy—reinforcing the role of convenience in summer sips.

In terms of perfect pairings, what other convenience items go well with you offering?

Coors Light’s crisp refreshing taste pairs perfectly with salty classics like chips and pretzels—ideal for game nights or casual hangs. Coors Seltzer and new Mixables match well with almonds or cashews, appealing to quality-seeking shoppers.

Arizona Hard Green Tea’s sweet finish balances spicy chips or jerky, creating enjoyable combos that appeal to a grab-and-go adult consumer.

And Simply Limeade with vanilla ice cream or citrus sorbet turns any moment into a summer treat.

Anything else you would like to add?

As summer sales heat up, our Molson Coors sales reps become an invaluable partner to convenience retailers, bringing deep category knowledge and experience right to your doorstep. They work closely with store owners and managers to fine-tune inventory, optimize cooler and shelf space, and ensure the perfect product mix is in place for those high-demand moments. Whether it’s identifying your top-selling SKUs or introducing the latest innovations tailored to your customers, our team is here to help you stay ahead of trends and maximize sales opportunities. Partnering with Molson Coors means you’re making smart, insightful decisions designed to boost both traffic and profitability all summer long.


 

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