Welcome to the OCSA Blog
Explore thought leadership updates on a wide range of topics relating to the OCSA and convenience store industry.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcohol Industry Trends
Explore the booming RTD alcohol market. Learn why spirit-based RTDs are rising and how convenience stores can profit with smart strategies and compliance.
How to Capitalize on Red Stripe Beer During the Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Retailers, take note — the summer season brings not only rising temperatures but rising demand for Red Stripe, the iconic
How to Get a Tobacco License in Ontario: A Simple Guide for Convenience Stores
If you sell tobacco in your convenience store in Ontario, you need two important licenses: a provincial Tobacco Retail Dealer’s
OCSA and American Express Partner to Support Ontario Convenience Store Retailers
OCSA Partners with American Express to Support Ontario Convenience Store Retailers The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is pleased to
Tax Verification Needed for Alcohol Permit Renewal
Attention Ontario Convenience Store Owners: Don’t Miss Your Liquor Licence Renewal – Important Tax Step Now Required If you sell
From NASA to TikTok: The Snack That’s Taking Over the Candy Aisle
Why Freeze-Dried Candy Should Be Your Next Top-Selling Treat Once a niche novelty rooted in space food technology, freeze-dried candy
The Future of Protein Snacks: Key Trends Driving Category Growth in 2025
The protein snacks category is entering a new era of opportunity. Once a niche offering focused primarily on fitness consumers,
Kenny Shim Profiled by NACS as Industry Advocate
We are proud to share that OCSA President Kenny Shim was recently featured in the February 2025 issue of NACS
Ontario’s Alcohol Marketplace Expansion: Cost Analysis
The Financial Impact of Expanding the Beverage Alcohol Marketplace in Ontario The Ontario government’s decision to expand its beverage alcohol