Published: 21 October, 2026
Across the on and off-trade thoughts turn to festive trading early in the year. This happens well in advance of bar-goers ordering warming cocktails as the days grow darker, or supermarket shoppers hunting retail shelves for the ideal whisky for Dad. Anticipating what trends will emerge in these oh so important weeks for spirits sales can help businesses gain a much-needed boost ahead of the competition. This is particularly important given the squeeze on consumers’ festive booze spend in recent years.
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Published: 16 October, 2026
Argentine producer Bodega Argento is returning to the UK off-trade after a hiatus, launching a renewed range of organic and Fairtrade wines.
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Published: 17 October, 2025
At the Co-op’s Autumn & Winter tasting fresh additions including a number of own-label propositions highlighted there is an appetite for exploration amongst the retailer’s customer base.
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Independent wine shop Seven Cellars in the Seven Dials neighbourhood of Brighton has been given an eviction date of 26th November by the Co-op. The date lands at the start of festive trading period, as the national retailer seeks to expand an existing store.
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Published: 16 December, 2024
Ahead of the hoped-for Christmas frenzy, James Bayley asks the Co-op’s Joe Turner what lies in store.
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Published: 16 October, 2024
The Harpers team invites you to sign up for a latest free webinar, Social Responsibility at the Cellar Door, to take place a week today.
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Published: 10 October, 2024
James Bayley finds the Co-op’s new wine range delivers across the board with traditional favourites and new finds.
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Published: 16 August, 2024
With eco-concerns and economic pressures pointing the way to alternative packaging, we look at which formats are making the most headway. Jo Gilbert reports.
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Published: 12 August, 2024
Co-op is marking 30 years of supporting Fairtrade with the launch of a limited-edition own-brand rum. The new product, a first for the UK, is available in stores from today (12 August).
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Female leaders from across the drinks trade have come together to launch a new business network aimed at driving inclusivity for women.
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Own-label and discovery ranges are in the spotlight as supermarkets refresh their wines for the season. By James Bayley.
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Published: 04 April, 2024
The Co-op has launched online wine tastings for its members, offering customers exclusive access to the producers behind its own-label ranges.
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Published: 23 October, 2023
Co-op, the UK’s leading convenience chain, has made major changes to its wine aisle layouts in over 2,000 stores, following research and feedback from its members. It has also introduced five new wines, under the retailer’s Irresistible premium range.
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James Bayley reports back from the Co-op’s latest tasting and hears what’s up the multiple retailer’s sleeve for the future of its wine range.
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Asda has appeared quiet on the drinks front of late, but big change has been brewing, as Angela Mount reports.
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Published: 18 April, 2023
For decades the Co-op has led the way in ethical trading and renewable energy in the grocery sector. In 2023, how is this reflected in its BWS offering? James Bayley reports.
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Published: 27 January, 2023
Co-op and Asda BWS buyers tell James Bayley how they are attempting to ensure their consumers can continue to enjoy value-for-money wines in the bleak economic landscape.
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Published: 12 September, 2022
The pandemic years have shown a marked alteration in the fundamental patterns of shopping. During the first lockdown, there was a noticeable shift to more local shopping, as consumers strove to minimise contact with others. Today it would appear this trend has embedded itself in the very mindset of the average shopper, with convenience stores now accounting for 28.9% of UK grocery shopping.
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According to Kantar, sales are falling at all the major multiples, but it’s not all doom and gloom. During the 12 weeks to 12 June, supermarket sales, including alcohol, groceries and softs, fell 1.9% year on year. Supermarket alcohol sales are also declining, down 12% year on year in the same period.
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It is a wine category often overlooked by keen officiants as being too delicate and perfume-y, lacking the panache and complexity of its rivals. However, multiples prefer profit margins over pretentiousness and have helped make rosé the fastest-growing wine category for over a decade.
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