Many distilleries, restaurants, and bars in and around Ottawa are among the latest victims of global supply chain disruptions as the shortage of bottles has made them wonder how to serve their customers.

Adam Prirley, owner of Ogham Craft Spirits, a microdistillery, said he turned to selling spirits in maple syrup bottles due to the significant shortage this year.

He said his Kanata distillery may not see new glass packaging again until 2023.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Prirley said he could place an order for glass bottles and expect them to arrive within a week.

Now, he said he has to place orders at least six months in advance - and the available bottles are much more expensive.

Adam Prirley, owner of Ogham Craft Spirits, says the shortage of glass packaging means his company may have to wait until 2023 to obtain new glass bottles if they do not place their orders early, which could limit his company's profits.

"There is simply no stock"

The effects of the supply chain slowdown have been felt across many different Canadian sectors, causing furniture prices to rise, cattle producers to run out of animal feed, and automakers to halt production and lay off employees.

Conservatives say failing to act on the supply chain will make "empty shelves the norm"

The shortage of glass packaging also widely affects the liquor trade in Ottawa.

Meanwhile, Quebec’s liquor sales agency said in an email that it is experiencing shortages in items like glass, wine corks, and labels, causing "some shortages of alcohol or some delays in delivery."

They are stocking liquor for the next two months to avoid shortages in the summer.

At Deacon Brodie's, owner Ken Goodhue said he heavily relies on the LCBO for alcoholic beverages to serve his bar.

But now Goodhue fears he will not be able to retain customers beyond today.

These disruptions contribute to rising prices of bottles and their transport to Canada, where customers are likely to bear this burden.

There is concern about the future of the local beverage industry.

He added, "These accumulated costs will drive people away from supporting the local industry, because local products will become expensive."

Editing: Dima Abu Khair