Nicholas Hirons – President & Chief Bottle Washer
Nicholas Hirons is a simple man who simply loves wine, spirits and beer – and has the expertise to guide your brand in the Ontario market.
Sell Your Wine, Spirits or Craft Beer at the LCBO
Terra Firma Brands has earned a reputation for representing world-class wines, craft beers and spirits successfully through the LCBO.
LCBO Representation
We represent our clients to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the largest purchaser of beverage alcohol in the world, which retails to consumers and restaurants.
Terra Firma Brands prides itself on providing our clients the exceptional knowledge and resources to not only get their products on LCBO shelves, but to make sure customers walk out with them.
Getting On The LCBO Shelf
Terra Firma Brands submits proposals through the LCBO New Item Submission System (NISS) for a product to be considered for sale through LCBO retail stores.
In an average tender there are 1000+ submissions vying for 40 – 50 product slots. Because the LCBO receives significantly more new product submissions than they can merchandise, competition is extensive.
In each case, the product is evaluated by the respective category manager – considering quality, price, value, packaging and marketing plans – before a decision is made about purchasing.
Once the LCBO decides to purchase a product, we, as your agents, stay on top of how your products are selling in each market area.
Why Terra Firma Brands for Your LCBO Representation?
The Terra Firma brands team, led by Nick Hirons, is respected across all industry groups. We offer the expertise you need to feel comfortable that your products stand the best chance of getting on the LCBO shelves.
We have honed our internal sales and marketing system to provide professional, credible representation of your product at all stages of the process. With us, you get:
Contact with primary LCBO contacts & decision makers
We have an excellent reputation with the LCBO Retail Team – including the Regional Director, District Managers, Store Managers, and Product Consultants. This enables us to communicate transparently and discuss brand opportunity with directly with the decision makers.
Current knowledge of brands represented and being sold through the LCBO
Our team consistently follows the sales performance of each of our brands, including length of time in market and percentage sell-through by the end of the third month.
A comprehensive understanding of how the LCBO procures its products
With over a decade of experience in this business our team are experts in LCBO procedure, ensuring that all deadlines and protocol are adhered to.
A thorough command of Ontario’s liquor laws and LCBO packaging standards
We'll help you navigate all the regulations, including the primary information that must appear on a bottle label (e.g. % alc./vol., country of origin, type, metric size, etc.)
A familiarity with LCBO programs and how to best leverage them to sell products
We'll help you to strategically consider which programs are best for your wine or craft beer brands. More »
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LCBO EXPERTISE
Marnie Williamson – Marketing & Sales Coordinator, Wine Portfolio Specialist
The newest addition to the Terra Firma Brands team is Marnie Williamson, who brings her passion and knowledge of wine to Ontario tables.
Navigating the competitive Ontario market
At Terra Firma Brands, we are experts in helping you promote and grow your wine or craft beer brand in the intensely competitive LCBO (Ontario) market.
The Latest from TFB
New LCBO Release: Mas de Daumas Gassac Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Red 2022
Learn about the exciting vintages from Terra Firma Brands available now at the LCBO
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