After a high-stakes standoff involving poured-out whisky and threats of a provincial boycott, Premier Doug Ford has officially called off his plan to delist Crown Royal from LCBO shelves. The truce comes as parent company Diageo commits to a $23 million investment package across Ontario.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Breakdown of the $23 Million Deal
- Agricultural Support ($11M): A major commitment to buy spirits from Greenfield Global in Johnstown to support Ontario grain farmers.
- Production & Packaging ($5M): New investments in Scarborough packaging and Toronto-based canned beverage production.
- Marketing & Promo ($5M): A boost for Ontario-focused branding and retail presence.
- Community Support ($2M): Split between Windsor-Essex economic development ($1M) and various agricultural sustainability groups ($1M).
From “Whisky War” to Compromise
The conflict, which peaked in late 2025, saw the Premier publicly blast the company for moving jobs out of the province. The proposed ban on the LCBO’s second-most popular spirit drew criticism from industry experts and even Manitoba officials, who noted that the product’s Canadian roots (distilled in Gimli, MB) should be protected.
“We stood our ground for Ontario workers,” Ford stated regarding the settlement, though local leaders in Amherstburg remain vocal that the $1 million local allocation is cold comfort for the 200 lost jobs.
What This Means for You
- No Supply Disruptions: Crown Royal products will maintain their usual shelf space.
- Local Sourcing: A shift toward using more Ontario-grown corn and grains for Diageo’s broader supply chain.
- Economic Pivot: The government is framing this as a “pivot” from manufacturing to agricultural and marketing investment.
