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 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 two years, the committee has been involved in various stakeholder discussions and has been able to advance files both in retail and consignment. The committee also monitors changes in government legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines, rules and procedures that could affect the way industry operates and consumers shop. The committee continues to work with government to promote their objective to further modernize beverage alcohol in Ontario and provide more convenience and choice.
Chair - Dan Shorrocks (Select Wines)
Board Liaison - Ryan Keery (Beam Suntory)
Andrew von Teichman (Generations Wine Co.)
Mark Cuff (The Living Vine)
Harris Davidson (Rogers & Company)
Camille Gemmell-Johnston (Delegat)
Ted Kalaboukis (Andros Communications)
Nicholas Saint-Martin (Diageo Legal Counsel Canada)
Ryan Cousineau (Mark Anthony)
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.
Given the vast market, this category presents annually to members providing a detailed overview of buying strategies. The committee consists of senior members of the industry with a wealth of experience. In addition, we have recently formed the Craft Distillery Committee in which works closely with the LCBO to facilitate domestic business in this segment at the LCBO. The committee also works closely with government agencies to further develop this Ontario industry.
Chair - Clayton Blakeley (Bacardi)
Board Liaison - Ryan Keery (Beam Suntory)
Emma Herlihy (Perigon Beverage Group)
Chris Collins (Campari Canada)
Cynthia Walkow (PMA Canada)
Michael Waterston (Kinsip House of Fine Spirits)
Jay Natt (Diageo)
Willie Nelson (SGWS)
Trace Hanlon (Evergreen Beverages)
Craig Peters (Maverick Distillery)
Wines Committee
The Wines Committee liaises directly with both the LCBO’s New World and Old-World category teams. Meeting quarterly with the buyers the committee brings forward challenges and opportunities within the industry. Given the strong working relationships developed over the years and the LCBO’s partnership, many of the issues are successfully addressed – recent examples include the transition of Destination Collection and the advent of 100% push through on Vintages releases
The committee monitors sales, operational issues with submissions, samples, shipments releases and inventory, along with new trends in the industry. The annual address to Drinks Ontario members is always very engaging.
Chair - Kevin Lynch (EPIC Wines & Spirits)
Board Liaison - Kristen Steiner (Arterra Canada)
Alexander Gaunt (The Vine Agency)
Danielle Giroux (California Wines)
Alex Patinios (Dionysus Wines & Spirits)
Dana Ryall (Deutsch Family Wines)
Linda Sinclair (Noble Estates)
Rebecca Yates-Campbell (E & J Gallo)
Eric Gennaro (30.50 Imports)
Taylor Meddick (Bacchus Group)
Mark Bruni (Jackson Family Wines)
Ready-to-Drink Committee
Drinks Ontario recently formed a stand-alone Ready-to-Drink committee. Over the past couple of years, this group 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.
Chair - Brock James (Ace Hill)
Alex Strahan (Georgian Bay Spirit Company)
Brad Gamble (Sleeman Breweries)
Jessica Boland (Moosehead Breweries)
Mike Pearce (Black Fly Beverage Company)
Hilary Sheppard (Mark Anthony)
Justine Waines (Mike’s Beverage)
Chris Gojmerac (Molson Coors)
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. Most recently, the LCBO engaged the committee with its warehouse move and the upcoming new guidelines for 2021.
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.
Chair - Nelson Abreu (30.50 Imports)
Alana Fekete (L’Excellent Wines)
Peter Lang (The Case for Wine)
Mark McFadyen (Abcon Wine)
Frank Romantini (Profile Wine Group)
Steve Stoddart (Rogers & Company)
Peter Wearing
Margaret Hobbs (Buyers + Cellars)
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.
The senior LCBO retail management go out of their way to ensure that Drinks Ontario members feel part of the retail and it is much appreciated by all. The committee is engaged with the team to look to continue to enhance the customer experience by providing additional services to the LCBO retail personnel. One recent example includes a collaboration to introduce product information each perion on LCBOConnect.
Chair - Trevor Dawes (Heineken Canada)
Retail Planning Analysis and Improvement Sub-Committee:
Lesley Bloor (Mark Anthony)
Kevin Britton (Breakthru Beverage)
Geoff Bassett (Moosehead Breweries)
Bobby Briones (Azureau)
Michael Yagar (E. & J. Gallo Winery)
Jordan Wilton (Andrew Peller)
Matt Romanin (Univins and Spirits)
Store Operations and Support Sub-Committee:
Rosanna Battistelli (Noble Estates)
Dave Charles (Corby Spirit and Wine Limited)
Reid Robertson (Philippe Dandurand)
Laura Leroux (Molson Coors)
Morgan Stewart (Campari)
Jarrett Woodhouse (Georgian Bay)
Mike Gillis (Beam Suntory)
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.
Matthew started his career in the hospitality industry, then joined Sleeman Breweries Ltd in 2010. He has won several internal awards for recognition as a top performer, also recognized for his strong relationships with the LCBO having received 2 Elsie nominations for Beer Partner of the Year.
Chair - Matthew Pelton (Sleeman Breweries)
Rich Fortin (Colio)
Kevin Murray (Moosehead Breweries)
Chris Goddard (Craft Brand Co.)
Deanna Lichty (Ace Beverage Group)
Sam Kellerman (Diageo)
Clare Klingenberg (Wellington Brewery)
Craig Boutilier (Steam Whistle Brewery)
James Simpson (Carlsberg)
Grocery Committee
Initiated to work with the LCBO’s Grocery Division to build relationships and education on this emerging channel in Ontario. The committee objectives have evolved to include communications, operations, logistics and government changes between LCBO, Grocers, and the Trade. This committee actively liaises with the LCBO and Grocers to foster a coordinated effort that addresses all aspects of the in-store experience. Over the next couple of years, the committee looks to deepen our grocer relationship and continue to partner to develop additional opportunities.
Terry has worked in the beverage alcohol industry for over a decade holding a variety of senior level positions, including roles at Andrew Peller Limited and Hobbs & Co. Terry is now the VP of Sales for Colio/Thornbury where he is responsible for building the company’s brands in all channels including the LCBO, grocery channel, and The Beer Store. Terry is also the Vice-Chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association.
Chair - Terry Sauriol (Colio/Thornbury)
Matthew Petre (E.& J. Gallo)
Mikhail Polienko (United Stars)
Dave Avvampato (Philippe Dandurand)
Josh Lyuber (Carlsberg)
Agnes Dybenko (Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd.)
Grace Costa (Trajectory Beverage)
Sean Walsh (Noble Estates)
Steve Fessey (Escalade Wines & Spirits)
Nathan O’Brien (Arterra Canada)
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.
Chair - Andrea Backstrom (New Zealand Wines)
Amanda Johnson (Predhomme Market Insights)
Paula Oreskovich (California Wines / Energy Plus Communications)
Despina Triantos (Cavinona)
Emilie Dyan (Business France)
Stephanie Guth (The Living Vine)
Tim Ralphs (EZ Focus)
Drinkclusion Committee
Key goals for the committee include fundraising for a BIPOC Scholarship Fund administered by Vinequity, to develop career builder programs including mentorship and internship opportunities, and to provide Drinks Ontario members with resources to support the inclusion of under-represented individuals in the industry.
Industry Liaison - Debbie Shing (Quve Group)
Mark Cuff (The Living Vine)
Margaret Hobbs (Buyers & Cellars)
Tim Keenleyside (Georgian Bay Spirits)
Pam Panesar
Ashley Clarke (Univins)
Shaun Merritt (Le Sommelier)