Sales of local alcohol are steadily increasing across Nova Scotia, despite returning U.S. liquor to the shelves.
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation says total beverage alcohol sales were up 1.1 per cent in the third quarter leading to a net income of $76.7 million.
U.S. liquor was returned to the shelf on Dec. 1, 2025, following the province’s decision to sell its existing stock.
“While the sell-through of existing U.S. products had a positive impact on overall sales, strong interest in local products and growing demand for cannabis and ready-to-drink beverages also helped drive our results this quarter,” Greg Hughes, President and CEO of the NSLC, said in a press release.
Sales of local wine, spirits and ready-to-drink beverages have each increased by over 14 per cent since the second quarter. Local beer and cannabis sales increased 5.3 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively.
While U.S. products contributed $6.7 million in net income, they won’t be on the shelf permanently.
“We remain committed to a Team Canada approach to tariffs and trade. We will not be ordering any more from the United States once this inventory is gone,” Premier Tim Houston said in a press release at the time of the decision. “But Nova Scotians have already paid for this product. We don’t want it to go to waste. That’s why we’re selling it and using the proceeds to help those in need.”
The province estimates it will take several months to sell off existing stock.
Local cannabis sales also increased 6.3 per cent to $9.4 million in the third quarter, representing 26.9 per cent of total cannabis sales.
Total sales of alcohol and cannabis amounted to $236.2 million, up 2.3 per cent from the second quarter.