Our ten committees consist of a specific portfolio of responsibilities mirroring the structure of the LCBO’s major departments and sales channels in Ontario. Additional committees include Government Relations and Membership. Each Committee is led by an industry veteran and liaises with the Board bi-monthly. All committees are very active meeting on a continuous basis. Each committee comprises of 6-10 industry professionals from various types of companies.
Government Relations Committee
As the leading advocate in Ontario’s beverage alcohol industry, the Government Relations Committee works closely with the LCBO Senior team, Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Attorney General (MAG), along with its agencies such as the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This committee is actively engaged in dialogue with decision-makers and is committed to advancing our members’ interests. Over the past few years, the committee has been involved in many stakeholder discussions given the marketplace modernization. The committee also is engaged on government legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines, rules and procedures that affect the way industry operates. The committee continues to work with government to promote their objective to further modernize beverage alcohol in Ontario.
Spirits Committee
An original Drinks Ontario committee in which members are in close contact with the LCBO spirits team throughout the year. Based on the sales strategy, on-going collaboration with category focuses on promotions, releases and supply.
The committee monitors sales, operational issues with submissions, samples, shipments releases and inventory, along with new trends in the industry for all retail and wholesale channels.
Wines Committee
The Wines Committee liaises directly with both the LCBO’s New World and Old-World category teams. Meeting and communicating frequently with the buyers the committee brings forward challenges and opportunities within the industry. Given the strong working relationships developed over the years, many of the issues are successfully addressed.
The committee monitors sales, operational issues with submissions, samples, shipments releases and inventory, along with new trends in the industry for all retail and wholesale channels.
Ready-to-Drink Committee
The Ready-to-Drink committee has developed a very close working relationship with category based on the intensity of the annual life cycle. Quarterly meetings are held to discuss timelines, launches, promotions and shipments. Successful industry launches and distribution are excellent examples of industry working together for the betterment of the category and the customer. Many of the recent legislative wins are the result of the RTD committee’s efforts.
The committee monitors sales, operational issues with submissions, samples, shipments releases and inventory, along with new trends in the industry for all retail and wholesale channels.
Specialty Services Committee
The Drinks Ontario Specialty Services Committee and the LCBO’s Specialty Services management have been teaming together for many years and have a strong working foundation. This committee monitors operational issues and helps manage challenges relating to LCBO’s High-Volume, Consignment and Private Ordering programs.
Together, the committee and the LCBO continue to enhance the business experience for agents whether it be warehousing, ordering, lab or service. A successful example of government and industry working together.
Retail Operations Committee
This committee was established to work directly with LCBO’s Retail Operations Division on practical and strategic issues that arise in its mainstream retail channel, including service levels, implementation of monthly promotions and new product roll-out, store-level inventory, and trade relations. This will be critical committee as the LCBO moves to central allocation. New for the committee, will be reviewing opportunities in the Grocery and Convenience channel in order to add value to Members
Beer & Cider Committee
This committee was established to work directly with LCBO’s Beer & Cider teams – with the objective to support the LCBO in the continued growth of both categories. Given the wide array of skus in these categories, in conjunction with the buying team, the committee monitors programming and releases to provide the LCBO with on-the-ground feedback. Promotions and floor space are always critical topics.
The committee monitors sales, operational issues with submissions, samples, shipments releases and inventory, along with new trends in the industry for all retail and wholesale channels.
Grocery & Convenience Committee
Initiated to work with the LCBO’s Wholesale Operations to build relationships and education on these evolving channels in Ontario. The committee is now fully engaged in all aspects of this channel including Grocers, Convenience operators, and LCOs. We foresee this committee to evolve and create strong relationships with leadership teams from LCBO, Grocers, Convenience operators, and LCOs.
Operations Committee
This committee was recently formed with a goal of achieving measurable efficiencies gains in reducing red tape and administrative challenges that impact daily operations of both Members and LCBO teams. The committee would collaborate with LCBO divisions, especially important during this time of dramatic change in the marketplace.
Member Services Committee
Enhancing professional, educational and social interaction between members and other industry stakeholders is the primary mandate of this committee. It oversees the financial administration of the association and is responsible for ensuring good value for members. The committee organizes member meetings and social events through the year to bolster networking opportunities and foster the positive exchange of information and ideas.