RTDs: Momentum That Continues into 2026
Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages were once again a standout in 2025, building on several years of global growth. Convenience remains the top factor for the category’s popularity, but today’s RTD consumer is also looking for balance-seeking both low and high-alcohol options, premium spirit and wine-based choices, and flavours that feel both nostalgic and elevated.
Within the RTD category, coolers led the way in sales followed by seltzers, and sodas. Top-performing products reinforced these trends. Coors Seltzer Slushie Variety 12-pack ranked as the number one RTD by dollar sales. Coldstream Chilly Pop Mix 12-pack, a new product last year, earned its place as the “fan favourite” in 2025 for NLC customers.
Low-calorie options also remained high on NLC customer shopping lists, led by Smirnoff Light Cherry and Raspberry Soda. As we move through 2026, we’re already seeing continued interest in the next wave of flavour innovation and premium RTD offerings.
Spirits: Canadian Brands Stepping Forward
The spirits category saw a meaningful shift in 2025. With restrictions on U.S.-produced products, customers turned their attention to Canadian and local alternatives, discovering brands that delivered both quality and value. Canadian whisky led overall growth by value, with Wiser’s Deluxe emerging as the top whisky brand and the fastest-growing spirit across the category. Iceberg Vodka posted the second-highest growth by value, while Lamb’s Palm Breeze Rum retained its long-held position as the number one spirit in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Larger formats, particularly 1,750 ml bottles, continued to resonate, as did lighter spirit profiles like vodka and white rum. Sweet and indulgent flavours found an audience as well, with customers favouring Crown Royal Chocolate Whisky, Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, and JD Shore Rum Cream. These preferences remain popular as we carry on into 2026.
Wine: Lighter Choices, and Mindful Moderation
Wine trends in 2025 closely mirrored broader consumer behaviour for spirits. The removal of U.S. products meant shoppers gravitated toward wines from Canada, Chile, Australia, and Italy. Canadian wine led growth by value, with Jackson Triggs maintaining its position as the top-selling brand.
Lighter choices also continued to gain traction. Bask, a Canadian brand focused on zero sugar, saw the highest growth in volume and strong value gains. Consumers are also embracing mindful moderation, reflected in the growing popularity of low and no-alcohol wines. Shoppers are increasingly seeking beverages that allow them to enjoy flavour, quality, and social experiences while moderating alcohol intake. Lighter alcohol and lower-calorie wines are expected to accelerate further into 2026.
Cannabis: Convenience, Value, and Regulatory Change
Cannabis continued its upward trajectory in 2025, delivering double-digit growth across all sales channels. Dried flower remained the largest category, but the strongest growth came from ready-to-consume formats such as pre-rolls, infused pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, and beverages.
Within concentrates, growth was particularly notable. Infused pre-rolls led the segment, offering the same convenience as traditional pre-rolls but with higher potency and premium pricing. Hash was the second-largest concentrate category and posted the second-highest growth rate, reflecting continued consumer interest in concentrated formats.
Regulatory changes from Health Canada in 2025 are also shaping the cannabis market for 2026. Co-packing now allows multiple single-serve edibles in one larger package, offering value and convenience, and multipack cannabis beverages are expected to be available in the spring. Greater flexibility in packaging and labelling including transparent windows on certain packaging was also put in place. These shifts reflect a clear pattern - consumers want convenience, innovation, and choice, and suppliers are responding with new formats, higher-potency options, and user-friendly packaging, a trend set to continue into 2026.