Hopefully you were able to join our recent call on important modernization changes that you can expect as we approach the end of the year. If you missed the call, a recording, as well as information and resources, are now available on the following web page.
Key points of discussion included:
· LCBO Gateway: As part of LCBO’s Future State Modernization program, alcohol suppliers will transition to LCBO Gateway on December 28, a new centralized portal to view and action purchase orders, and view payments and invoices. Oracle iSupplier, WebPO, Grocery Management System (GMS) (for supplying sources), and Direct Delivery Vendor Portal (DDVP) will be decommissioned.
· Temporary data & order freezes: While LCBO transforms its business and implements new technologies, there will be a migration period where new information cannot flow into our systems. As a result, data, orders and payments will be paused for a brief period in December as follows.
o Between 5 pm on November 28 and December 28, LCBO will not be able to update any supplier information – this includes contact details, billing info, and payment and delivery terms. We kindly request that you submit any known/anticipated changes by November 15 to allow our teams time to make all updates before the November 28 cutoff.
o Between 5pm on December 5 and December 28, suppliers will not be able to update product or pricing - this includes product SKUs, product descriptions, and price quotes. Any requests for product data changes on existing skus would need to be requested by Nov 24th to be implemented by the Dec 5th product freeze deadline.
o LCBO retail customers will not be able to order online for delivery (to a store or home) between 12pm on December 18 and December 31, but they will be able to order for same day pick (where applicable) through to December 21 (with a final pickup date of December 23 if shipped to or fulfilled at store).
o Most wholesale customers will not be able to order online for delivery between 6pm on December 18 to December 31. Hospitality licensees who order online for pick up in store will be able to do so through to December 21 (with a final pickup date of December 23). We are working on contingency measures for small operators who may have unique considerations to ensure that they can access product. LCBO will not be opening or amending any purchase orders for goods and services between December 23 and 28 and any purchase orders for alcohol from December 24 (noon) to 28
o Supplying sources to grocery & convenience stores: ASNs on GMS must be entered by 12pm on December 24. Any unshipped orders will be cancelled.
o Specialty Services agents will be unable to order between 12pm on December 23 through to December 28.
o Normal business and ordering resumes January 1, 2026.
· LCBO as exclusive wholesaler: On January 1, 2026, LCBO becomes the exclusive wholesaler for all retail, bars and restaurants selling alcohol. As a result:
o LCOs will order beer through the LCBO, and domestic beer will need to be listed on wholesale.lcbo.com to be sold to LCOs or authorized to sell directly to certain retailers under the Direct Delivery Program. Suppliers will be contacted this week, and relevant forms will need to be completed by November 14. LCBO is working with TBS to facilitate beer sales to licensees during this transition.
o All domestic brewers that currently sell directly to bars & restaurants must be authorized under the Direct Delivery Program, sold through The Beer Store who is an authorized distributor and facilitates sales on LCBO’s behalf, or be listed on wholesale.lcbo.com. Contact licensee@lcbo.com to get started.
o Breweries are invited to apply for a LCBO Direct Delivery Authorization, enabling them to sell and deliver products directly to customers on behalf of the LCBO starting January 1, 2026. Please submit the online application on Doing Business with LCBO to initiate the process.
· Dropshipping: The dropshipping model used with convenience and grocery customers will be expanded to all wholesale customers. Dropshipping is an ecommerce fulfillment method where an online store sells products without physically stocking or shipping them. Local manufacturers will decide if they want to manage some or all fulfillment and delivery for each SKU, by region and by customer type. Email groceryandconvenience@lcbo.com by November 7 if you would like to make any changes.
· Wholesale pricing: As announced, a new cost-plus wholesale pricing structure will be effective January 1, which moves away from the current model. The upcoming November quote submission deadline has been extended to November 20th, allowing suppliers time to understand the new pricing structure prior to the wholesale price change on January 1. We encourage you to read the recent trade update and refer to the pricing page which now includes frequently asked questions.