In May, the price of Quebec alcohol will increase

Quebec's alcohol council, SAQ, will raise prices in May. Wines priced at $15 or less will not increase in price.

SAQ President and CEO Jacques Farcy made the announcement at a press conference in Montreal on Monday, accompanied by CFO Edith Fillion, who said he would be raising his price.

“The markup represents the corporation's gross margin after paying the supplier for the bottle,” Fillion explained.

Farsi explained that the “moderate adjustment” to the price was necessary due to rising operating costs of the SAQ.

The executive noted that SAQ will reduce prices from 2017.

“For example, a price adjustment for a $25 wine would mean a 0.6 percent increase, while the increase would be the same for a $45 spirit,” Farsi explained.

SAQ also gives suppliers more flexibility in when they can demand price increases. They cannot apply more than twice a year.

– This Canadian Press report was first published in French on February 12, 2024.