2024: A Year of Advocacy, Collaboration, and Progress for Alberta Craft Distillers
This past year marked a pivotal period for the Alberta Craft Distillers Association (ACDA). With a focus on advocacy and public awareness, ACDA achieved several key milestones that strengthened our industry and advanced the interests of Alberta’s craft distillers.
Key Highlights from 2024
Fire and Safety Codes Working Group
Securing a $75,000 grant from Alberta Municipal Affairs was a critical win for ACDA and our members. This funding enabled the launch of the Fire and Safety Codes Working Group, addressing long-standing issues with inconsistent enforcement and compliance challenges. By partnering with ProTrace as our contractor, ACDA took a major step toward developing practical, actionable solutions to ensure regulatory clarity and fairness for distillers across Alberta. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to creating a supportive operating environment for our members.
The final report with recommendations will be available in Q1 2025. The recommendations will be presented at this year’s Distillers Symposium on March 20th in Edmonton. There will also be a panel discussion with municipal affairs, as well as time for Q&A.
Distillers Symposium and Edmonton Cocktail Week
As part of Edmonton Cocktail Week, ACDA hosted a successful Distillers Symposium that brought together distillers, AGLC representatives, government officials, and industry leaders. This event fostered vital conversations on advocacy, knowledge sharing, and industry education. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, the symposium not only strengthened connections within our community but also served as a platform for collaborative dialogue on critical issues, including regulatory reform and growth opportunities.
As noted above, Distillers Symposium 2025 will take place on March 20th as part of Edmonton Cocktail Week. Keep an eye on your inboxes for more details on the program and registration.
Markup Reform: A Long-Awaited Breakthrough
After years of relentless advocacy, 2024 saw a major milestone as Minister Nally initiated a formal review of Alberta's liquor markup framework. This long-overdue process reflects ACDA’s persistent efforts to highlight the need for equitable and supportive policies for craft distillers. The summer engagement process provided a platform to articulate our members’ priorities, with recommendations expected to be included in the 2025 provincial budget. While we await the outcomes, this development underscores the power of collective action and sustained advocacy.
However, the process has not been without its challenges. Engagement has taken longer than anticipated, leaving distillers in a state of uncertainty. There is still no clarity on the list of proposals Minister Nally will include in the 2025 budget, raising concerns that the government may implement measures that fail to address the specific needs of craft distillers. Without additional engagement and transparency, there is a risk that this long-awaited reform could fall short of its potential to create meaningful change for our industry. ACDA remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the voices of Alberta’s craft distillers are heard as the process moves forward.
Amplifying Government Relations and Media Presence
This year, ACDA ramped up its communications strategy, securing prominent media coverage on issues like markup reform and excise taxes. Through targeted media releases, impactful blog posts, and engaging public relations campaigns, ACDA positioned itself as a trusted voice for Alberta’s craft distilling community. These efforts not only raised public awareness but also reinforced ACDA’s role as a leader in shaping the narrative around the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
The ACDA board was also able to develop new and productive relationships with key cabinet ministers within the provincial government. Over the course of the year we were able to advocate for our industry directly to Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver, which resulted in the fire and safety codes review. We engaged with Minister of Tourism Joseph Schow and are developing a closer relationship with Travel Alberta to promote distilleries as part of the Alberta tourism strategy. Minister of Agriculture RJ Sigurdson told us that he views craft distillers as an integral part of the value-added food manufacturing sector here at home, with his team supporting several distillers attending tradeshows in the United States.
The First Legislature Industry Day
On November 27, 2024, the Alberta Craft Distillers Association (ACDA) hosted Industry Day at the Legislature, a pivotal event to showcase Alberta’s craft distilling industry to provincial decision-makers. Held in the Legislature’s rotunda, the event featured a display of locally produced spirits, creating a unique opportunity for government officials, including cabinet ministers and MLAs, to engage directly with distillers. During the rotunda reception, we were honoured to have Premier Smith join us to top off the UCP whisky barrel, co-created proudly by ACDA members!
The day included targeted meetings with key policymakers, emphasizing the industry’s contributions to Alberta’s economy and the urgent need for policy changes, such as equitable markup reform and improved market access. A highlight of the event was a photo opportunity with the iconic whiskey barrel presentation, symbolizing Alberta’s vibrant craft spirits industry.
Industry Day underscored the vital role Alberta’s craft distillers play in creating jobs, supporting local agriculture, and promoting Alberta as a premier destination for craft spirits. This engagement reinforced ACDA’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue with government and advancing the interests of craft distillers across the province.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the progress made in 2024, we remain focused on delivering results for our members in 2025. Our priorities include completing the Fire and Safety Codes review, pushing for meaningful outcomes in the markup reform process, and expanding our advocacy and educational initiatives. ACDA is committed to building on this year’s successes and continuing to strengthen Alberta’s craft spirits industry. We also need to re-engage craft distillers throughout Alberta to determine if there is a desire for ACDA to continue. The Association needs resources and has to consider member dues, associate member opportunities, and grants in order to create the resources necessary to function.
Challenges Facing Alberta Craft Distillers in 2025
As Alberta’s craft distilling industry continues to grow, it faces significant challenges that require urgent attention and collective action. Among the foremost issues are:
Uncertainty in Markup Reform: While the government’s review of liquor markup policy is a step forward, the lack of clarity on proposals and timelines poses a threat to the industry’s financial sustainability. Without a fair and equitable system, craft distillers will continue to struggle against large producers and low-margin competitors.
Regulatory Barriers: The patchwork of fire and safety codes, inconsistent enforcement, and complex licensing requirements create significant operational hurdles for small producers. These challenges add costs and delays that can hinder growth and innovation.
Interprovincial Trade Restrictions: Alberta’s craft spirits often face limited access to markets beyond the province, due to trade barriers and regulatory discrepancies across Canada. These constraints stifle opportunities for expansion and collaboration.
Rising Costs and Economic Pressures: Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased operational costs are putting financial strain on producers, making it more difficult to compete and thrive.
These challenges, if left unaddressed, could impede the industry's potential to contribute to Alberta’s economy, create jobs, and showcase the province’s rich agricultural resources through premium craft spirits.
The Power of Collective Advocacy
In the face of these challenges, it is more vital than ever for Alberta’s craft distillers to unite and advocate through the Alberta Craft Distillers Association (ACDA). By working together, distillers amplify their collective voice and ensure that their concerns are heard by policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. ACDA’s ability to facilitate industry collaboration, provide resources, and drive strategic initiatives has proven essential in addressing complex issues like markup reform, regulatory clarity, and market access.
Unity within the industry is not just about shared advocacy—it is also about fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and elevating Alberta craft spirits as a whole.
Through ACDA, members have the opportunity to shape the future of the industry, celebrate their successes, and continue building Alberta’s reputation as a global destination for exceptional craft spirits. Together, Alberta’s craft distillers can overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Progress is never fast enough, but we are making headway. It’s time to keep the pressure on government and to keep building our industry’s brand.
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