Tesco
MULTIPLE BEER RETAILER WINNER
Tesco isn’t just big; it’s doing clever things with range, layout and shopper experience. Judges praised how Tesco manages to deliver mainstream favourites while still giving room to speciality beers, craft finds and low & no options, all the while still growing despite its size. Its beer aisles feel purposeful rather than stacked for volume, and availability is strong – all of which gives the sense that Tesco genuinely stewards the category, rather than just selling into it.
Sainsbury's
MULTIPLE SPIRITS RETAILER WINNER
Sainsbury’s emerged as a firm favourite thanks to a spirits aisle that feels genuinely shoppable and fresh. Judges praised its neat merchandising, consistent store execution and an off er that balances crowd-pleasers with fun, unexpected finds. Seasonal rotations, discovery style features and a solid tequila and premium segment all scored points. The range “feels supported from the top”, one judge noted. It’s not just about ticking boxes – Sainsbury’s spirits fixture has personality and momentum, making it a standout this year.
Booths
DRINKS BUYING TEAM WINNER
Booths was praised for its highly engaged, category immersive buying team that “clearly cares” and delivers a distinctive drinks proposition for its regional shopper base. Judges highlighted its close producer relationships, willingness to take risks and the sense that Booths buyers are genuinely hands-on with range development. Its off er feels curated, premium and local-minded, punching far above its weight.
Tesco
SUPERMARKET OF THE YEAR WINNER
Tesco was endorsed by judges this year for its category leadership. It continues to lead the market with breadth, delivery and category performance: over-trading in beer and cider, shaping spirits, embedding low & no and maintaining one of the strongest wine propositions. Tesco has been shortlisted for all the major BWS categories this year – a testament to its power, consistency and execution across BWS.
Ocado
MULTIPLE RTD RETAILER WINNER
Ocado earned its finalist spot by treating RTDs as a fast-moving, premium-leaning category rather than an afterthought. Judges praised its well-edited off er, which feels curated for discovery, from cocktail cans to higher-end single serves. Strong online presentation and easy navigation help RTDs shine within the wider drinks range. Ocado’s ability to balance convenience with exploration made it one of this year’s standouts.
Co-op
CONVENIENCE DRINKS CHAIN WINNER
Judges agreed Co-op remains the benchmark for convenience drinks retailing, with its disciplined store execution, ranging consistency and strong community focus making it difficult for others to match. BWS is a genuine footfall driver here and retail standards are reliably high. The panel noted that its drinks proposition feels authentic, consistently delivered and meaningfully embedded in stores, particularly when it comes to low & no, seasonal discovery and festival activations.
Aldi
MULTIPLE WINE RETAILER WINNER
Aldi has quietly become one of the most influential wine players in the UK, picking up share and turning heads with unexpected parcels and quirky finds. Judges singled out the discounter for how it constantly manages to broaden the vinous horizons of consumers without overcomplicating things. By zeroing in on seasonal specials and parcel-driven buys, Aldi has established itself as a standout wine retailer which engages shoppers with personality and affordability to the fore.
Waitrose
MULTIPLE LOW & NO RETAILER WINNER
Waitrose more than earned its high ranking this year by giving low & no alcohol products real space and visibility. Judges noted its premium leaning fixtures, curated feel and easy-to-shop layouts, which make discovery straightforward, whether in alcohol-free spirits, beer or RTD options. The retailer treats low & no as a lifestyle category rather than a token add-on.
Waitrose
SUSTAINABLE DRINKS RETAILER WINNER
Waitrose earned its spot for embedding sustainability into how it buys, merchandises and communicates drinks. Judges highlighted visible progress on packaging reduction, refi ll and recycled formats, alongside a range mix that increasingly champions lower-impact producers. The retailer’s premium positioning supports this, helping shoppers trade into products with stronger environmental credentials spanning greenhouse gas reduction and initiatives tackling plastic/food waste
Lidl
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
Our Outstanding Contribution award seeks to celebrate exceptional drinks retailing and this fast-paced, high impact team was praised by our judges. Lidl proved this year that it consistently punches above its weight. Judges highlighted its strong performance in beer, where a disciplined, private-label-led approach delivers value, simplicity and growing shopper appeal, helping Lidl compete effectively and win share despite a tighter range.
Asda
MULTIPLE CIDER RETAILER WINNER
Asda made its way confidently on to this year’s
podium thanks to its knack for tapping into
how people really drink cider. Judges liked the
way it leans into social and seasonal occasions,
bringing energy through formats such as
big packs and party-friendly
options. Cider clearly
lands well with Asda
shoppers and its stores
reflect that with a fixture
that feels built for real-life
drinking moments.