Change is afoot at Co-op under the guidance of its two new BWS commercial leads, Francesca Jackson and Yseult Richeux-Stones, both of whom have been in their roles for less than a year. 

Ahead of the retailer’s spring/summer tasting, Jackson said these changes include the further expansion of Co-op’s RTD section. 

One of the fastest-growing categories for the retailer, Jackson explained that over the past year Co-op has dedicated more shelf space to the segment in stores. In turn, “we’ve seen double-digit growth, outperforming the market by 14.6% in the last 12 weeks”. 

Now, the retailer is continuing its growth plan with the launch of more products in the category, including two own-brand spritz cans set to be released in June: Co-op Aperitivo Spritz and Co-op Hugo Spritz, both of which will retail at £2 per can. 

Regarding wine launches, Richeux-Stones shared that Co-op is focusing on a broader range of rosés for spring and summer, which go beyond the obvious Provence choices. 

“We didn’t want just the classic French Provence style, though that’s very popular right now. We’ve also built a range that covers places like Spain and Italy,” he said.  

This includes new vintages from regions including Rioja in Spain; Veneto and Friuli in Italy; Kent in England; the Famatina Valley in Argentina; Marlborough in New Zealand; and Stellenbosch in South Africa. 

The retailer is also placing a strong emphasis on white wines, with more adventurous options including an Alvarinho from Portugal, a Bacchus from England and an Assyrtiko from Greece. 

In reds, of which the summer range includes several additions, Richeux-Stones said: “We’re trying to launch some more interesting choices, which customers are open to since they are travelling more and reading a bit more about wine.” 

However, Richeux-Stones noted that all wine-buying decisions at Co-op are balanced between being interesting and approachable. Understanding the retailer’s customer base, she told Drinks Retailing that wines are selected with ease of consumption in mind. 

“Recently, I learned that most of the wines bought from Co-op are consumed within two to three hours, and our range reflects that. They’re nicely chilled and ready to be enjoyed,” she said.

Finally, turning to beer, Jackson noted that the retailer is timing the launch of its summer beer range to coincide with the World Cup in June: “Premiumisation remains a key theme for us while still offering great competitive value on customer favourites.”

Among the premium beers entering the range are Modelo and Poretti, alongside a selection of fruit beers from brands including Jubel, Beavertown and Cruzcampo. 

In addition, Co-op continues to expand its range of exclusive beers, collaborating with brewers such as Pressure Drop and Lost and Grounded. The retailer is also in the process of launching an own-brand ale collaboration with Red Willow Brewery.