Manitoba has many claims to fame. It’s the home of the recently returned Winnipeg Jets NHL team. It’s the site of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. And it recently marked the 100th anniversary of the 1919 General Strike — the largest worker strike in Canadian history.
For the 20th consecutive year, it’s also the Slurpee capital of the world.
Yes, Slurpees. The slushie, sugary frozen beverage available globally at 7-11 convenience stores. Whether you like plain Coca-Cola or a monstrous mixture of lime, cream soda, orange, grape and whatever else, it’s a treat a lot of people love despite the brain freezes. And for 20 years, Manitoba 7-11 stores have sold more Slurpees per location than anywhere else.
While they don’t release specific sales numbers, according to 7-11 Canada Manitoba has “by far” a higher consumption of Slurpees per capita than any other region in the world.
“Slurpee has been the centerpiece of so many Canadian memories and we’re very proud to continue to grow with our country for years to come,” 7-11 Canada vice-president Doug Rosencrans said in a statement.
In the hot days of Manitoba summers, Manitobans drink Slurpees. In the cold nights of Manitoba winters, Manitobans drink Slurpees. For two decades they’ve been chugging more of that saccharine slush than anyone else.
For perspective, Manitoba has been the Slurpee capital of the world longer than NHL number one draft pick Jack Hughes has been alive. When the prairie city first took the title, TLC’s “No Scrubs” topped the charts and “Shakespeare In Love” won Best Picture at the Oscars.
It’s a Slurpee dynasty.
And the city of Winnipeg is truly obsessed. In 2018, a stretch of street in downtown Winnipeg was named “Slurpee Way.” And in a recent concert, singer Shawn Mendes even acknowledged the fact.
In a constantly changing world of climate emergencies and political turmoil, it’s nice to see at least one constant in our lives. Forget cockroaches — the Manitoba Slurpee dynasty will last until the end of time.