Quebec’s liquor board, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), donated nearly 4,000 cases of American alcohol to over 180 organizations across the province last year, after pausing sales in support of a boycott of U.S. products. Documents obtained through an access to data request reveal the scale of the distribution, which focused on products nearing their expiration dates, including wines, cream liqueurs, sake, and tequila, with recipients ranging from hospitals and food banks to cultural institutions and hospitality schools.the SAQ initiated the program in August 2025 to avoid destruction of inventory amid the ongoing trade dispute.
Quebec’s liquor board distributed over 3,700 cases of unsold American alcohol to nearly 200 organizations across the province following a politically motivated boycott initiated in March 2025. The move came in response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Publié à
With no immediate plans for resuming sales, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) announced in August it would begin disposing of products with shorter shelf lives or approaching their expiration dates. The SAQ’s decision to donate rather than destroy the inventory reflects a unique situation stemming from the trade dispute.
A list obtained through an access to information request reveals that a total of 3,763 cases of American alcohol were distributed to 183 organizations throughout Quebec. According to legal counsel for the SAQ, Daniel Collette, the company does not maintain a comprehensive document detailing the exact products and quantities donated.
As a result, the total value of the donations remains unknown.
The documents show that numerous foundations, many focused on health or food security, received products likely used for fundraising events or other initiatives. Community centers, cultural organizations like the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Théâtre National de Montréal, and smaller regional events were also among the recipients.
Some organizations received particularly large donations, with the Charles-LeMoyne Hospital Foundation and the Sacré-Cœur Hospital Foundation receiving 134 and 77 cases, respectively.
Products with Limited Lifespans
The SAQ has not disclosed a detailed breakdown of which organizations received specific products. However, Collette stated that wines and cream-based liqueurs were prioritized for donation due to their shorter shelf lives compared to, for example, a Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir.
While American wines were included in the donations, they were selections “not designed for long-term aging, and their conservation could potentially alter the taste, rendering them unmarketable,” Collette explained.
The Centre d’action bénévole du Bas-Richelieu received 67 cases, including sake, tequila, and wine, according to the organization’s director general, Ando Andrianady. Some of the alcohol was served at a volunteer appreciation event last month.
“It was a very nice Christmas gift,” said the director, who did not anticipate receiving such a substantial quantity.
Volunteers were able to enjoy California Syrah and Chardonnay, including bottles of the popular Cupcake wine brand, with ample supplies remaining for future events.
In addition to foundations and community groups, training centers for sommeliers and hospitality schools, such as the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), which received 22 cases of alcohol, were also beneficiaries.
The SAQ confirmed that no individuals received bottles as part of the initiative and that no products were sold. The program concluded on December 31, 2025, and no further initiatives are currently underway to dispose of American alcohol.
With collaboration from William Leclerc.
