In 2023, the provincial government announced the modernization of the marketplace to create more convenience and choice for consumers. In addition to more retailers selling alcohol, it was announced that LCBO will become the exclusive wholesaler for all retail, bars and restaurants selling alcohol and a new ‘cost-plus’ wholesale pricing would be developed that was consistent for all retailers.
At the same time, LCBO has embarked on a multi-year program called Future State Modernization (FSM) that will strengthen our IT systems, and streamline our business processes, improving our operations for our company and our stakeholders.
FSM is a critical enabler of marketplace modernization, and both will result in changes for suppliers in the coming months.
Key changes for LCOs starting April 1, 2026
- In April 2026, LCBO will become the exclusive wholesaler to LCOs, which means that LCOs will now purchase products, including domestic beer, through the LCBO or via domestic suppliers who have been authorized as part of LCBO’s Direct Delivery Program.
- As directed by the provincial government, LCBO is implementing a new wholesale pricing model based on a formula that adds taxes, mark-ups, and fees to the supplier’s quote. The new pricing model closely aligns with industry standard best practices and will streamline and simplify the current wholesale pricing model. An update on wholesale pricing will be provided in the coming months.
- There will be targeted enhancements to wholesale.lcbo.com, improved fill rates for LCBO-supplied products and more Ontario suppliers managing fulfillment and delivery of LCO orders.
- We will be streamlining the way you submit claims; they will now be submitted through wholesale.lcbo.com. Expect training in 2026.
- Any refunds for valid claims (including damaged product and product recalls) will be refunded directly to your bank account.
- Dropshipping will be introduced, which means that if you purchase select Ontario-made products on wholesale.lcbo.com, they may be shipped directly from the alcohol supplier.
Key dates and ordering information in preparation for April 1
- February 16: Please submit any changes to customer information, including contact, account or banking details, prior to February 16.
- March 17 – 23 (6pm): This will be your last opportunity to order via wholesale.lcbo.com based on your regular scheduled ordering day.
- March 23 (6pm) until March 31: You will be unable to place orders on wholesale.lcbo.com, but you can continue to view information until the evening of March 30 when it will be offline. You are encouraged to plan ahead and order additional inventory in preparation.
- March 24 – 31: You will have an alternative ordering option which will allow you to manually place orders for select LCBO products during this time. Further details, including an order form, will be shared in the coming months.
Note: During this time, you may continue to order directly from suppliers participating in LCBO’s Direct Delivery Program, and continue to order beer supplied by The Beer Store following current processes.
- April 1: Since LCBO is now the wholesaler of record for LCOs, all products, including beer, must be ordered through wholesale.lcbo.com (or through domestic suppliers participating in the Direct Delivery Program). Claims will be submitted on the same platform.
- April 10: Last date to submit a claim on the B2B Claims App online. You will be able to view / download historical data until April 30. Starting April 1, all claims should be made on wholesale.lcbo.com.
A calendar of key dates for easy reference can be found here.
We will provide the information resources you need to ensure a smooth transition; they will be posted to this page as new information becomes available. Training details will be shared in February.
You can contact your Client Service Coordinator with any questions or email lco@lcbo.com.
