B.C. is now home to the largest number of breweries of any province in Western Canada, despite consuming the least amount of beer per capita Canada-wide.

The province has a staggering 230 breweries, up 15 per cent year-over-year, according to the most recent .

B次元官网网址淲ith such a large number of beer options produced in B.C., local brews are becoming increasingly popular,B次元官网网址� said Rhandi Clarke, a category manager at JAKB次元官网网址檚 Beer Wine & Spirits.

B次元官网网址淏ritish Columbians are shopping hyperlocal, choosing to support the breweries that are right in their own community,B次元官网网址� she said.

Despite the increase in breweries, total beer sales have seen a steady decline since 2017.

Instead, consumers are opting for canned cocktails, non-alcoholic and lower alcohol beverages as their go-to summer drinks.

B次元官网网址淲e are seeing a huge increase in demand for locally-made tequila and gin-based drinks,B次元官网网址� Clarke said. B次元官网网址淭here is also massive growth happening in the non-alcoholic or lighter drink category, and thatB次元官网网址檚 likely to really take off in the coming year,B次元官网网址� she said.

This isnB次元官网网址檛 solely a B.C. trend, as Statistics CanadaB次元官网网址檚 latest found that beer sales hit an all-time low in 2019 and 2020, while Canadians bought $1.3 billion worth of ciders and coolers B次元官网网址� up 17.2% from the previous fiscal year.

Beyond preference, the price may be another factor influencing consumption. Consumer Price Index data shows the price of beer in B.C. increased 6.8 per cent year-over-year, while liquor only increased 2.4 per cent.

B次元官网网址淩egardless of price or preference, there are many local adult beverage options,B次元官网网址� Clarke said.

B次元官网网址淎s the hot and sunny weather kicks off and British Columbians venture out to parks, beaches, and campsites, we encourage everyone to drink responsibly.B次元官网网址�