We are thrilled to announce the supermarket shortlist for our Drinks Retailing Awards 2026 – the annual list of the most forward-thinking and resilient players in drinks-focused FMCG.

Two months out from our annual gala dinner, we can now reveal the businesses which have risen to the top in our multiples category and are which now in the running to receive one of our hotly contested trophies.  

We very much look forward to the 3 February, when we will be announcing the winners at London’s Dorchester Hotel. Be sure to also check out our March issue (w/c 16 March), where we will be publishing the list of winners in full.

The finalists:

Wine Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Freixenet Copestick

Aldi

M&S

Tesco

Beer Retailer of Year – Sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic

Lidl

Sainsbury’s

Tesco

Spirits Retailer of the Year – Edinburgh Gin

Sainsbury’s

Tesco

Waitrose

Cider Retailer of the Year – Kopparberg

Aldi

Asda  

Tesco

RTD Retailer of the Year – White Claw

Morrisons

Ocado

Waitrose

Low & No Retailer of the Year – Damm Brewery UK

Ocado

Sainsbury’s

Waitrose

Sustainable Retailer of the Year – MOTH Drinks

Co-op

Majestic

Waitrose

Convenience Chain of the Year – Felix Solis

Best One

Budgens

Co-op

Drinks Buying Team of the Year – Aston Manor

Booths

Sainsbury’s

Waitrose

Supermarket of the Year – Hawkstone Brewery

Aldi

Sainsbury’s

Tesco

Our previously published list of independent merchant finalists can be found here.