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Update on Distribution of Packaged Refreshment Beverages

As announced earlier this year, the expanded distribution model to allow for direct delivery of eligible packaged refreshment beverages follows the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) existing wholesale on-boarding and off-boarding framework. In line with this framework, refreshment beverage products must meet the minimum sales criteria of 25 cases per week for at least 9 out of the most recent 12 financial periods to be on-boarded to or remain part of LDB distribution.

Over the next few weeks, the LDB’s Wholesale Category Management team will send notifications to manufacturers with non-stocked wholesale product (NSWP) refreshment beverage SKUs that do not meet these criteria. In this phase, we will focus on NSWP SKUs, with LDB-stocked SKUs to be reviewed at a later stage. We will work closely with manufacturers to support them with off-boarding, taking into account operational readiness and business needs.

Each refreshment beverage SKU may be distributed through one channel only, either through LDB distribution or direct delivery. Wholesale Category Management will also be contacting manufacturers that are direct delivering SKUs currently registered as LDB distributed so that we can update our records to the accurate distribution channel.

 

To Request Off-Boarding

B.C. manufacturers may request to off-board refreshment beverage products from LDB distribution to direct delivery at any time by submitting the off-boarding form available on the Vendor Resource page of the LDB Wholesale Operations website.

For off-boarding questions or to initiate off-boarding a SKU, please contact Wholesale Category Management at wholesalecategorymanagement@bcldb.com.

 

Options for On-Boarding

Manufacturers have options available that support participation in the LDB distribution and on-boarding model, including:

  • Seasonal program for SKUs with limited selling period and pre-allocations

  • One-time distribution for SKUs that are 100 per cent pre-allocated

  • LDB distributed wait list for SKUs with sales of 25 or more cases each week, for at least 9 out of the most recent 12 financial periods

Additional information about distribution options, off-boarding forms, and the on-boarding and off-boarding model is available on the Vendor Resource page of the LDB Wholesale Operations website.