South Australian wine exporters are reaping the benefits of a shift in Canada’s shelves after the country’s biggest liquor retailer pulled American bottles in response to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
Latest ABS figures show South Australian wine sales to Canada jumped by $6.4 million between April and August this year, up 15.6 per cent on the same period last year. In total, $47.5 million worth of South Australian wine was sold into Canada compared with $41.1 million over the same five months in 2024.
The boost came after the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) took US wines off its shelves, creating space that South Australian exporters were quick to fill. The Malinauskas Government moved fast to back the industry with a promotional push through LCBO stores in April, alongside a delegation led by Trade Minister Joe Szakacs.
The Minister was joined by SA Wine Industry Association CEO Inca Lee and seven leading exporters, including Wirra Wirra, Mollydooker and Angove Family Winemakers. Meetings with senior LCBO and government officials in Toronto underlined the opportunity, with officials reporting that sales in the ‘Australia’ wine category had risen 15 per cent since US products were removed—the strongest growth of any country. South Australian producers were behind three quarters of those sales.
Mr Szakacs said the state’s rapid response was vital. “We acted quickly and decisively in response to the LCBO’s decision to ensure we delivered the best opportunities for our state’s wine industry,” he said.
“The wheels were in motion immediately to launch a promotional campaign into LCBO stores and we haven’t let up since. It was important to be in market with our industry to make sure we’re building those relationships with importers and to get South Australian wine on the consciousness and on the palate of Canadian consumers.”
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