B.C. is now home to the largest number of breweries of any province in Western Canada, despite consuming the least amount of beer per capita Canada-wide.

The province has a staggering 230 breweries, up 15 per cent year-over-year, according to the most recent .

鈥淲ith such a large number of beer options produced in B.C., local brews are becoming increasingly popular,鈥� said Rhandi Clarke, a category manager at JAK鈥檚 Beer Wine & Spirits.

鈥淏ritish Columbians are shopping hyperlocal, choosing to support the breweries that are right in their own community,鈥� she said.

Despite the increase in breweries, total beer sales have seen a steady decline since 2017.

Instead, consumers are opting for canned cocktails, non-alcoholic and lower alcohol beverages as their go-to summer drinks.

鈥淲e are seeing a huge increase in demand for locally-made tequila and gin-based drinks,鈥� Clarke said. 鈥淭here is also massive growth happening in the non-alcoholic or lighter drink category, and that鈥檚 likely to really take off in the coming year,鈥� she said.

This isn鈥檛 solely a B.C. trend, as Statistics Canada鈥檚 latest found that beer sales hit an all-time low in 2019 and 2020, while Canadians bought $1.3 billion worth of ciders and coolers 鈥� up 17.2% from the previous fiscal year.

Beyond preference, the price may be another factor influencing consumption. Consumer Price Index data shows the price of beer in B.C. increased 6.8 per cent year-over-year, while liquor only increased 2.4 per cent.

鈥淩egardless of price or preference, there are many local adult beverage options,鈥� Clarke said.

鈥淎s the hot and sunny weather kicks off and British Columbians venture out to parks, beaches, and campsites, we encourage everyone to drink responsibly.鈥�