SAQ will sell selected U.S. products to benefit Food Banks of Quebec

The Quebec government directed the SAQ to sell select U.S. products beginning Feb. 12, 2026, and the SAQ will transfer an amount equivalent to the cost of the products sold—up to $8.6 million—to Food Banks of Quebec.

The Quebec government has directed the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) to sell selected U.S. products to consumers beginning February 12, 2026. The measure applies to U.S. products whose quality could begin declining as of March 2027. The SAQ will transfer an amount equivalent to the cost of products sold during the sales period to Food Banks of Quebec, its corporate cause for the last 15 years. The ban issued on March 4, 2025, on selling U.S. products that do not meet established criteria and on ordering new U.S. products remains in effect. Key details: - Eligible products will be offered on SAQ.COM and in SAQ Dépôt stores starting February 12, 2026. - A 15% discount will apply to all eligible products; items sold at SAQ Dépôt stores will also qualify for the banner's usual depot discount. - The SAQ will transfer an amount equivalent to the cost of products sold during the sales period to Food Banks of Quebec, which could total up to $8.6 million. - The March 4, 2025 ban on selling non‑compliant U.S. products and on ordering new U.S. products remains in force. - The SAQ operates a provincewide sales network and is the province's importer, distributor and retailer of wines, beers and spirits. Summary: The sales move is presented as an exceptional measure to manage selected U.S. stock while supporting Food Banks of Quebec through a transfer tied to product cost, potentially reaching $8.6 million. The government notes the earlier ban on non‑compliant U.S. products and new orders is still in effect. Undetermined at this time.