Drinks Supermarket of the Year awards: judges' deliberations
On 23rd January, the judging panel gathered to share their findings and deliberate on each entrant’s performance. After rigorous discussion, they identified standout achievements, emerging trends, and what makes some supermarkets shine above the rest.
Key takeaways
Quality, range, and in-store experience were themes that came up time and time again during deliberations. This was especially true when performance exceeded expectations, particularly in innovation and quality, and led to lively discussion amongst the panel. Anne Jones commented “What stood out was the differentiation in the offerings, the fact that, we always fear that supermarket wine has become this kind of grey amalgam and that was absolutely not the case.”
The top supermarkets were noted for their distinct strengths and innovative approaches. Consistency in excellence and long-term commitment were praised. Cat Lomax noted, “It's interesting in terms of which supermarket was doing what. We have seen some innovative and really exciting things in terms of PR campaigns and engagement, great product innovation and some beautifully displayed and curated in store environments and foods”
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are increasingly important, with supermarkets integrating these values into their wine offerings. Anne Jones said that sustainability “had previously been used for quite, standard commercial objectives, but we now see the messaging coming through, because it's being led by consumer demand. It'sreally exciting to see supermarkets taking that seriously at a category level.”
How the competition works
Entrants were evaluated using a comprehensive framework that ensures fair and detailed assessments. Each supermarket’s alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks range was reviewed, alongside key factors such as commercial performance, sustainability efforts, and customer experience. These areas reflect the IWSC’s commitment to setting the gold standard for drinks industry accolades.
Next steps
The winners of the Drinks Supermarket of the Year Awards will be revealed on 13th February at an exclusive ceremony in Central London. Alongside the results, a report will be published on the IWSC website, offering insights into how each supermarket performed across the six judging categories.
Stay tuned for more updates, including insights from our judges. Discover the trends and achievements that set this year’s winners apart, and learn what the future holds for supermarkets in the drinks industry.
To discover more about the competition, the different awards categories and the judging process visit our website.
The 2025 IWSC Drinks Supermarket of the Year Awards have been judged by a panel of four leading industry experts, each bringing their unique insights and experiences to the whole judging process.
Cat Lomax has held prominent buying and senior trading roles across key premium wine retailers in the UK market, with an illustrious career spanning renowned establishments such as Laithwaites, Waitrose, Majestic, and most recently Marks & Spencer.
Anne Jones has worked in the wine and spirits industry since 2008, most recently she was the Category Manager for Wines, Beers and Spirits at Waitrose, before moving to the company’s Drinks Experience position.
David Kermode is a prolific contributor to leading publications such as The Buyer and Club Oenologique and a familiar face on television and BBC radio, where he shares his passion and knowledge, captivating listeners with his engaging discussions about wine and spirits.
Ivan Dixon began his career in independent wine retail before moving to Harvey Nichols to work as an Assistant Buyer, and then moving to the position of Head Spirits Buyer. During his time at Harvey Nichols, Ivan developed a highly successful own-label range under the HN guise.
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