The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) released its year-end results today, June 28, for April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
Compared to last year:
–- net income (earnings) totalled $241.3 million; up $13.3 million or 5.8 per cent
–- total sales were $607.6 million; an increase of $16.3 million or 2.8 per cent
–- total volume of alcohol sold was up 1.7 per cent
–- overall retail customer transactions (purchases) were up 1.1 per cent, while the average dollar value of each transaction grew by one per cent
“I am very pleased to report a strong year for our company in 2015-2016,” said NSLC president and CEO Bret Mitchell. “While several factors contributed to these results, including our efforts to control costs, they confirm we’re focusing on the right things: customer service excellence, promoting responsible enjoyment and supporting local industry.”
Local product sales highlights:
— Nova Scotia wine sales, made with locally grown grapes, grew by 8.7 per cent to $9.6 million
–- Nova Scotia craft beer sales grew by 25.5 per cent to $7.6 million. The craft beer industry has grown significantly over the past year, and now comprises four per cent of all beer sold. There are now 32 micro breweries in Nova Scotia and more than 40 craft beer listings available at NSLC stores
— Nova Scotia spirit sales grew by 177.3 per cent to $1.5 million. Nova Scotia distillers had a very strong year in sales through NSLC stores. Awareness and popularity of local spirits continued to grow and was helped along after several of the local varieties carried by the NSLC were recognized and won medals this spring at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco
–- Nova Scotia commercial wine sales, produced here with imported grapes, were up 7.3 per cent to $21.7 million
–- Nova Scotia commercial beer sales were stable in 2015-2016, at $160.5 million
— Nova Scotia ready-to-drink products, which are largely ciders, had a strong year with sales increasing by 44.4 per cent. The popularity of ciders in Nova Scotia continues to grow, and now comprises 22 per cent of all ready-to-drink sales
A detailed news release can be found by following the News Releases link on the NSLC website at www.myNSLC.com .
Source: Release