How many breweries in Canada? New stats out

Ottawa, ON – By the end of 2014, there were 520 operating breweries across Canada, predominantly in Ontario and Quebec, according to the 2015 Annual Statistical Bulletin released today by Beer Canada. This is an increase of almost 70% in the last five years.

Based on 2014 trends, Canada could now have 600 breweries or more nearing July 2016.

Important statistics:

Canadians enjoyed over 22 million hectolitres of beer. Canadian beer accounts for 84% of this figure.

Since 2009 the Canadian beer category has declined by 795,295 hL or 3.4%.

An average of 99% of beer bottles are returned in Canada.

Increasing can sales show the container rose to a 51.1% share of the domestic packaged beer market in 2014.

Draught sales grew slightly by 0.20% and bottle sales fell 3.8%.

Domestic consumption of Canadian and imported beer in 2014 stood at 64.35 litres per person based on total population. At the provincial level, per capita consumption is highest in Newfoundland at 79.39 litres. Québec and Alberta have the second and third highest per capita consumption at 72.27 and 68.15 litres respectively.

View the 2015 Annual Statistical Bulletin in its entirety [PDF].