Morrisons
MULTIPLE BEER RETAILER WINNER
Judges were impressed with the attention to detail when it comes to beer at Morrisons. The retailer carries the big brands and celebrates local brewers through initiatives to support food and drink makers. It also hosts beer festivals to champion the range. From the Isle of Skye Brewing Co to Vocation, Thornbridge and Buxton Brewery, there’s plenty of interest.
Sainsbury's
MULTIPLE SPIRITS RETAILER WINNER
Sainsbury’s has put a lot of effort into its spirits range and our store visits saw the rewards. Low-level fixtures and back-lit shelving add to the premium feel and our judges praised tasting notes for gin and whisky as well as cocktail suggestions for liqueurs and aperitifs. Gift packs and cocktail-making equipment are also well merchandised.
Tesco
DRINKS BUYING TEAM WINNER
Led by Jason Godley, the Tesco BWS team was praised by judges for its collaborative approach. Recent innovation in the department includes redesigned Finest labels across the wine range, with fresh packaging continuing into spring 2024. The retailer has also championed PIWI grape varieties with the launch of Floreal, a new diseaseresistant hybrid grape.
Sainsbury's
SUPERMARKET OF THE YEAR WINNER
A strong showing across the board made Sainsbury’s a contender for the big award. From innovation in low and no alcohol to new Taste the Difference wines, well-merchandised spirits and fun formats for RTDs, the team has worked hard to drive excitement and value across the entire BWS division.
Waitrose
MULTIPLE RTD RETAILER WINNER
Waitrose continues to evolve and premiumise the ready-to-drink category. Judges praised buyers for making it the go-to place for new innovation, both from brands and with in-house products. In autumn last year, the company made several changes to its premium own-label range, including the addition of the No 1 Vesper Martini.
Co-op
CONVENIENCE DRINKS CHAIN WINNER
Co-op continues to provide a first-class example of what can be done with a small space. From innovation in Fairtrade to launching a multi-store trial featuring chillers dedicated to single-serve cans across different categories, the retailer has a BWS answer for every drinker. The team also continues on its mission to make wine more accessible to its customers.
Majestic
MULTIPLE WINE RETAILER WINNER
Barely a week has gone by when Majestic hasn’t been in the headlines. From rapid delivery partnerships to store openings and the purchase of Vagabond, the retailer has been busy. The company reported that sales of organic wines across its retail and on-trade supply businesses rose 94% during the 12 months to the end of July, compared to the same period a year prior. And if that wasn’t enough, chief executive John Colley has been extremely vocal in the fight against duty reform.
Ocado
MULTIPLE LOW/NO RETAILER WINNER
It’s tough to dedicate a lot of shelf space to a small (but growing) category, so Ocado has an advantage in being an online retailer. Whether consumers are looking for big-brand alcoholfree alternatives or more esoteric options, there is something for everyone. And it’s working. Over the first two weeks of the Euros, Ocado reported sales increases across the low and no board. The retailer counts M&S’s range in its portfolio as well as listings such as non-alcoholic aperitif spritz brand Wilfred’s.
Aldi
SUSTAINABLE DRINKS RETAILER WINNER
Aldi has been making waves in sustainability over the past 12 months, with key innovations including a super-lightweight bottle in partnership with Lanchester Wines. The 300g glass bottle offers a 25% CO2 reduction compared to the UK standard 400g bottle. The first wine packed in the bottle was the retailer’s Kooliburra Sauvignon/Semillon. Aldi also launched two ownbrand wines in paper bottles.
Tesco
MULTIPLE CIDER RETAILER WINNER
The cider category has seen trends shift
over the past year or so, and Tesco has kept
ahead of what consumers want. As well as a
bountiful selection of big-brand apple
variants, the retailer stocks
more craft-style products
such as Galipette, Pulpt
and Angioletti Riserva
Italian cider.
Booths
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
This small but mighty team was praised for
the care and attention taken to put together a
premium and interesting drinks selection. No
surprise, then, that Booths was recently awarded
both the wine and spirits gongs at the People’s
Choice Awards. The team features just five
people: wine buyer Victoria
Anderson, sparkling wine
buyer Rachael Machin,
beer and spirits buyer
Pete Newton, supply chain
analyst Leah Pilkington and
buyer’s assistant Gail Jordan.