NB Liquor sales and earnings up despite growler setback

NB Liquor's total sales for the year ending March 29, 2015were $393.9 million, up $9.5 millionfrom the previousyear, according to preliminary unaudited financial results released on Tuesday.

Net earnings increased by $5 million to $166.1 million, the figures show.

This, despite the Crown corporation's disappointing foray into selling growlers.

NB Liquor also released the expenses of itsboard membersand the president and CEO, which totallednearly $96,000.

Wine sales accounted for much of the growth, jumping 6.5 per centan increase of $5.1 million,president and CEO Brian Harriman said in a statement.

"Continued interest and successful promotions contributed to strong growth in the wine category," Harriman said.

Growler sales flat

"Weather-driven demand was high in the second quarter, driving the beer category and positively impacting the 'other beverages' category," he said.

Beer sales increased 0.6 per cent, ($1.2 million), while 'other beverages' jumped9.1 per cent ($1.7 million) at the Crown corporation's 44 retail outlets and 84 private agency store outlets.

The statement does not mention craft beer specifically, but NB Liquorpurchased 40,000 growlers last year as itprepared to becomethe first liquor agency in Canada to allow customers to buy craft beer in the refillable beer jugs in September.

It spent $124,210 on the bottles, but flat salesleft tens of thousands of themsitting on shelves, as of December.

Spirit sales improved during the past year, however, increasing by1.6 per cent ($1.5 million),Harrimansaid.

Harriman, whohas been at the helm of the NB Liquorsince early 2014 aposition that pays between$150,000 and $175,000 a yearisthe first president and CEO of the Crown corporation to be hiredin a non-political process.

He filed $24,800.62 for expensesfor the fiscal year, including travel and meals, both in- and out-of-province, as well as attendance fees.

Chairman Ron Lindala, who is also paid an annual salary,had the highest expenses among the board members at $31,122.97.

The others ranged from just under $6,000 to to nearly $7,800.

Directors are paid a quarterly salary.