Although growth in liquor sales slowed in the last quarter of 2008-09, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. still reported a record profit of $212.6 million for the year ending March 2009.

That’s a $14 million profit increase compared to last year, with a higher volume of alcohol sold in beer, wine, spirits and ready-to-drink products.

President and chief executive officer Bret Mitchell said the continued increase in sales is a testament to the employees’ dedication and an emphasis on improved stores and better product selection.

“While this performance is strong, it is not a guarantee that NSLC sales will remain unaffected if
the economy gets worse in Nova Scotia,” Mitchell said. “The products we sell are discretionary purchases made by our customers. The volume of product purchased has declined in past recessions and only a strong focus by all employees, combined with smart retailing practices, will enable the business to continue to produce future short-term growth.”

All regions of the province showed an increase in profit, but only the Halifax and Dartmouth areas saw an increase in the volume of alcohol sold. There were volume decreases in Cape Breton, and the rest of the mainland.

The fourth-quarter profit was $40.7 million, up about $3 million from the previous year.