The SAQ announces a new price increase

Wine and spirits lovers will have to pay more to indulge themselves, the SAQ will increase the price of 1,458 products available in its branches and on its website by an average of 2.

The SAQ announces a new price increase

Wine and spirits lovers will have to pay more to indulge themselves, the SAQ will increase the price of 1,458 products available in its branches and on its website by an average of 2.4%.

This increase will come into effect on Sunday 6 November. “Among the 1,458 products affected by a price increase, around 100 will be increased on January 29, 2023, since they are currently on promotion,” the SAQ said in a press release on Monday.

However, the SAQ has indicated that in return, an average reduction of 1.3% will be applied to 539 products and the price of 1,389 products will remain stable.

“The inflation that we have been experiencing for several months affects the majority of consumer products, and unfortunately, wines and spirits are no exception. Considering the upward trend and the legitimate demands of our suppliers related to the various challenges they face, our teams dedicated to supply management were able to negotiate at the right price," said Catherine Dagenais, President and Chief the management of the SAQ.

Cost increase

Many of the SAQ's suppliers are facing significant challenges that impact their production costs, including labor shortages and rising prices for bottling materials. Rising sea and land transport costs also complicate the movement of products.

For the A3 Quebec association, which brings together nearly 80 wine and spirits agencies, this price adjustment is “essential given the economic context”.

A3 Québec would like to remind you that to the starting price, i.e. the price at which the winemaker or distiller sells his product to the SAQ, are added transportation costs, customs and excise duties, service charges at the price of purchase to determine the base price to which the adjustment made by the SAQ applies. Thus, on a wine retailing for $17, the starting price represents approximately $6, or one third of the retail price. For a spirit sold for $28, nearly $6 also goes into the pockets of the supplier.

"As is the case with all other consumer goods, a quality product has value and it is essential that all the effort and know-how behind these products be recognized," said Catherine Lessard, General Manager of A3 Quebec.

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