Just Drinks

Australian wine exports see boost in Canada as US alcohol restrictions continue

In the year to the end of March, Australian wine exports to Canada rose 24% in value to A$188m, Wine Australia data shows.

Australian wine producers have seen growing demand in Canada, benefiting from a boycott on some US alcohol beverages and bans in some of the country's provinces.

Multiple provinces across Canada began pulling US liquor from their shelves in March last year after a tariff was placed on the country's goods by the US.

Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces ended their bans in June but sales of US alcohol products remain restricted in other parts of the country.

In the 12 months to the end of March, Australian wine exports to Canada rose 24% in value to A$188 million ($134.7m), new data from the sector's statutory body Wine Australia shows.

Exports to the country were also up 15% in volume in the period to 69 million litres.

The number of Australian exporters active in the market also rose to 220 businesses.

In a statement, Wine Australia said: "While 2025 restrictions on US wine imports reduced the availability of American products across Canadian liquor boards, producers say the strong performance of Australian wine over this period reflects groundwork laid over several years.

"Sustained engagement with buyers, retailers and sommeliers has strengthened understanding of Australia’s quality, diversity and regional strengths, positioning Australian wine to expand as shelf space became available."

Citing sales data from EzFocus, Wine Australia said Australian wine was increasing in both volume and value in Canada's four largest provinces.

Ontario has seen sales volumes rise year-on-year by around 30%, according to the data.

Wine Australia also noted all price segments were seeing growth in the country, including mid-priced wines (ranging from A$8 to A$14.99). Cabernet Sauvignon has also "emerged as the stand-out performer", it said, where volumes have risen over 70%.

"While some US products are gradually returning to shelves in parts of Canada, producers expect the structural changes combined with ongoing consumer scepticism toward US products, to support continued opportunity for Australian wine in the near term," Wine Australia said.