Consulting Services

Do you need consulting advice for the Canadian liquor market?

The AI team has been providing advice on regulatory compliance, business operations and liquor policy for over 12 years. There\’s no one better to provide you with the vital information that you need to make smart business decisions in this sector. 

All work is performed by or supervised by our CEO, Mark Hicken, who is one of Canada\’s most respected wine and liquor industry lawyers. Mark\’s full background and CV can be viewed here: Team

We understand the issues that businesses face in Canada due to this unusual (by global standards) system. We have been deeply involved in the major issues, ranging from modernization of liquor regulation to direct to consumer shipping to privatization. Our network of industry contacts will ensure that you are up to date on critical regulatory, compliance and economic issues that may affect your business.

We can help with:

Regulatory Compliance

The AI team has been performing regulatory compliance analysis in the liquor industry for over 11 years. We are intimately familiar with the “post-prohibition” approach to regulation and compliance. We understand the issues that businesses face in Canada due to this unusual (by global standards) system. We have been deeply involved in the major issues, ranging from modernization of liquor regulation to direct to consumer shipping to privatization. Our network of industry contacts will ensure that you are up to date on critical regulatory and compliance issues that may affect your business.

Trade Policy Analysis

Do you need advice on how trade compliance issues may affect your liquor business? The AI team has been monitoring and analyzing trade compliance issues related to the liquor business for over a decade. In this rapidly changing area, it pays to be ahead of the curve and to anticipate and plan for unexpected developments. We can provide a deep analysis of the ramifications of potential changes which will allow your business to thrive no matter what the outcome.

Market Research

Do you need answers or in-depth analysis on an issue related to the liquor industry in Canada? The AI team has been conducting policy research in the legal and regulatory area for close to 30 years. We are experts at digging deep and exploring the hidden corners that others may miss. If you have a project that requires top-notch research skills coupled with extraordinary analysis, we can help. We deliver on time and on budget … and always with the highest quality results.

Wholesale Market Analysis

Questions regarding the wholesale liquor market in Canada? The AI team understands the unique structure of the Canadian wholesale liquor markets, which are all governed to varying degrees by government-controlled liquor monopolies. We recognize the differences between the provincial marketplaces and the unique regulatory controls and structures that govern each marketplace.  We have identified the pros and cons of these systems and can advise you on how best to deal with these distinctive systems.

Whether you are looking for advice on a single market or upon a national strategy, we can help you navigate the singular Canadian approach to liquor distribution.

Retail Market Analysis

Questions on the retail liquor market in Canada? The AI team are experts at the analysis of Canadian retail liquor markets. We understand the structures and restrictions imposed by the various provincial liquor monopolies. We appreciate how the retail markets have adapted and developed in each of the jurisdictions. We recognize the opportunities that are created by and the disadvantages of these highly regulated markets. We are in constant touch with the major players and know the retail landscape inside out.

Whether you are looking to sell products into these market, have an existing retail business or are considering launching a new retail venture, we can help you analyze the ins and outs of your business and how you need to adapt in order to take best advantage of these unique marketplaces.

Private Labels

Interested in creating a private label wine or liquor brand for your business? We can help. This is a burgeoning and profitable area of the business. It can increase your bottom line and provide a great opportunity for connecting directly with your customers. However, it\’s also an area that has complex regulatory requirements where you can easily go off-side. We are experts in both regulatory compliance and marketing. Let us answer your questions and find the right private label structure for you.

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