The owner of Brighton-based independent drinks retailer Seven Cellars has gathered almost 7,000 signatures in a bid to stop the site being taken over by a neighbouring Co-op store. Louise Oliver said the lease, which expires in 2025, had been sold by her previous landlord to the Co-op without her knowledge. She said architects had been sent by the Co-op to measure up…

Famille Perrin has produced a brand new Châteauneuf du Pape exclusively for Co-op stores. This Co-op exclusive collaboration with the Perrin family, Close Encounters, pays homage to Randall Grahm, who, back in 1984, was himself paying homage to the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape when he released his now-legendary blend of Rhône varietals called ‘Le Cigare Volant’ – meaning ‘flying cigar’, or French slang for UFOs. Eccentric Californian…

The Co-op has joined forces with Brewdog to launch an exclusive brew called United Planet. The new beer launches in stores this week and for every pack sold a tree will be planted by BrewDog, which is working alongside the Eden Reforestation Project. The 4% abv United Planet Hazy IPA, boasts a soft cloudlike base with melon, berry, lime and a smooth tropical finish. The…

It is no longer unusual to see queues at convenience stores across Britain and the pandemic has driven people to shop locally and less often, supplemented with online delivery orders. The Co-op, with 2,600 stores across the country, has had to deal with all these consumer trends, while also trying to keep staff and customers safe, including vulnerable and elderly shoppers. And with the on-trade…

Co-op has announced it has helped safeguard the future of its wine producers by providing vital funding and support, as part of its global wellbeing charter. It has also doubled its rate of ordering with South African, Argentinean and Chilean Fairtrade wine producers. The community retailer said it has “gone beyond its Fairtrade commitment” and has reallocated £10,000 of funding to provide vital food parcels…

Kingland Drinks has launched a new canned wine brand, which will is available in Co-op stores now.  Vin Crowd will initially comprise a range of lower-calorie drinks in cans. The trio (each priced at £2.25 per 25cl can) includes a White Spritz, described as “a breath of fresh pear”, a Pink Spritz, represented by the strapline “strawberry feels forever”, and a Botanical Spritz, badged up…

The Co-op is adding its first unfiltered and organic natural wine this month, to build on its “green” wine offering. The convenience retailer’s range of “green” wines, which are produced using eco-friendly methods, has grown over the last 12 months and its latest addition will join the offering alongside a trio of other sustainably-sourced wines from February 19. The 12% abv Terra Madre Organic (£6.50)…