M&S backs English wine and adds new spritz serves in BWS revamp

M&S has listed more than 75 new beers, wines, spirits and RTDs as part of a shake-up of its booze aisle.

The retailer has this week added 30 new beers to its shelves, after launching 16 RTDs, bottled cocktails and spirits last week, and 32 wines earlier this month.

The overhaul includes a growing focus on English wine, alongside new lower-abv spritzes and more branded craft beers.

“We’ve landed over 75 brand-new beers, wines, spirits and cocktails on shelf in recent weeks – from bolstering our popular Found wine range and refreshing our branded beer offering, to introducing four super summery spritz tinnies and expanding our iconic The Marksologist range of five-star bar-quality cocktails,” said Caroline Thompson-Hill, head of BWS at M&S.

English wine was one of M&S’ “heartland areas for innovation” said Thompson-Hill. The retailer now stocks 20 different locally produced wines, including its first ever-own label English orange wine – made using an amphora and from grapes grown in Kent (rsp: £15/70cl).

“My top picks for summer have to be our new Rockferne English Sparkling Brut and Sparkling Rosé, made exclusively for M&S by the experts at Roebuck Estates in Sussex – just a few minutes away from where I grew up,” Thompson-Hill added.

Spritz summer hits M&S

Meanwhile, M&S’ updated spirits and RTD offer includes Limoncello, Sake and Hugo spritzes, alongside alcohol-free versions of its popular Piña Colada cocktail and new Aperitivo Spritz.

They were made by the same supplier as the full-strength versions, ensuring “no compromise on taste”, said M&S.

“We’ve seen spritzes gradually increasing in popularity in recent years. However, it’s fair to say they’re having a real moment this summer,” explained Jenny Rea, lead product developer for cocktails & spirits at M&S. “We’ve seen the likes of hugo spritzes and limoncello spritzes explode on social media as shoppers look for lighter, refreshing flavours.

“As the market leader in innovation for tinnies, we also always want to be offering customers something slightly unique or with a twist, which is why we’ve also launched a delicious Sake spritz with lychee, which we believe is the first sake-based ready-to-drink cocktail on the high street.”

Finally, new branded beers have been selected to reflect the latest market trends. Small Beer Co’s Lager and Hazy (rsps: £7/4x330ml) have both been added, as have Jubel Peach and Grapefruit (rsps: £2.25/330ml).

Rob Grimes, buyer for beers & ciders at M&S Food, said: “We’ve carefully selected high-quality brands that our customers will love, including seasonal beers perfect for summer, mid-strength options for those looking for something lighter, and a selection of branded craft beers that showcase the best of independent breweries.

“We’re especially proud to bring in a number of regional favourites in order to highlight the incredible work of brewers from across the country, spanning from Aberdeen down to Bristol, as well as our first sparkling meads from Wales.”