Tastes Like Summer: 2025 beverage alcohol trends
Tap into seasonal success with data, trends and innovations from beverage alcohol leaders.
Just in time for summer, Convenience Store News Canada is thrilled to launch an editorial series designed to help convenience store retailers and category managers prepare and position themselves for the first summer of beverage alcohol sales in Ontario.
We invited beverage alcohol insiders from across the country to provide exclusive data, insights and advice about consumer tastes trends, product innovations, category success and more.
Plus, we asked what traditional convenience foods and snacks would make for the perfect pairing during BBQ and picnic season.
Here's to a successful summer!
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Q&As: Click on images and quotes for full interviews
25 tips for summer success with beverage alcohol
- Stock Canadian-made products
Consumers are seeking Canadian and even hyper-local offerings—products made with local ingredients carry stronger appeal.
- Lean into full-flavour and high-ABV options
Bold, indulgent flavours and 7%+ ABV RTDs and beers are trending—think tropical cocktails and IPA-style brews.
- Maximize cold inventory
Cold drinks sell 20% better than ambient. Ensure coolers are stocked with fast movers, especially leading into long weekends.
- Follow the planogram
Treat planograms like GPS—they help optimize volume and shelf performance. Stick to them.
- Prioritize RTDs This is RTD season. Allocate prime space to this growing category.
- Stock larger formats and multipacks
19 oz king cans, six-packs and 12-packs cater to high-consumption occasions and drive higher basket rings.
- Organize RTDs by type
Group hard seltzers, canned cocktails, Caesars, etc., for ease of shop and discovery.
- Appeal to better-for-you shoppers
Low sugar, low calorie, and clean-label products are winning. Natural sweeteners and real ingredients are key.
- Get creative with cross-merchandising
Pair alcohol displays with snacks, greeting cards or ice to drive add-on sales.
- Build standout displays
Secondary displays near impulse zones and signage that calls out new or local products can boost sales.
- Create value by stocking variety packs
Shoppers love mixed packs for variety. They’re ideal for parties, trials and gifts.
- Offer in-Store product knowledge
Train staff to answer questions on flavour, sweetness and ingredients to upsell and educate.
- Embrace disruptive packaging
Unusual shapes, standout labels and colour can catch eyes in a sea of cans.
- Prepare for peak selling days
Long weekends are prime selling time. Stock up early.
- Leverage local loyalty
Supporting local brews or wineries creates loyalty and taps into consumer patriotism.
- Don’t ignore singles
Single cans still dominate for impulse and trial purchases—stock both chilled and ambient options.
- Track sales and rotate SKUs
Use data to monitor performance. If something isn’t selling, try placing it in the fridge before delisting.
- Offer sparkling and sessionable wines
Dry bubbles, chillable reds and small-format wines (375 mL) meet demand for lighter, lifestyle-friendly options.
- Drive sales through fridge placement
Eye-level coolers and high-traffic fridge positioning are essential for top SKUs.
- Don’t overcrowd the shelf
Space is tight—every SKU must earn its keep. Evaluate sales weekly and adjust.
- Utilize signage to educate and upsell
Highlight new flavours, ABV, or unique features (e.g., “made with cold-brewed coffee”).
- Capitalize on impulse buys
Strategically position seasonal products and add-ons near checkout.
- Respond to customer feedback
Listen to staff and customers. Stock what they ask for—and don’t be afraid to test new ideas.
- Focus on value without sacrificing taste
Consumers want full-flavour experiences at reasonable prices. Lower-calorie doesn’t mean bland.
- Plan for flexibility
Be ready to shift your assortment. What worked in May might not sell in July—summer drinking is dynamic.
