IWSC Drinks Supermarket of the Year 2025: the top award goes to...

On Thursday, 13th February, UK supermarkets gathered to discover who had won the IWSC Outstanding Drinks Supermarket Award 2025.

The night featured awards in six categories, including classic, sustainable, and convenience supermarket. However, the top prize, Outstanding Supermarket, was given to the supermarket that excelled across all sub-categories and went the extra mile to offer customers an engaging and diverse drinks experience.

How Was the Decision Made?

For our re-launched IWSC Drinks Supermarket Awards, judges dedicated over 240 hours to evaluating entrants. This involved tastings, buying team interviews, and both online and in-store mystery shopping to assess the real customer experience.

Each supermarket received a 1-3 star rating for in-store experience, range quality, online offering, and sustainability. Judge Cat Lomax compared these ratings to IWSC bronze, silver, and gold medals.

And the winner is…Waitrose

Waitrose achieved an outstanding overall score of 11 out of 12, earning special recognition for its industry-leading sustainability initiatives. This focus aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable products—research shows that over three-quarters of UK Gen Z and 72% of Millennials actively seek eco-friendly options.

IWSC judge David Kermode commented, "Waitrose is really leading in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and regenerative practices. Their wine range is also top-notch, with a selection that's consistent and high-quality."

Susanne McInnes, BWS Trading Executive at Waitrose, said of the win: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win the Outstanding Supermarket Award from the IWSC. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our entire team, from our buyers sourcing the finest products to our in-store partners delivering exceptional customer service. It’s fantastic to know we’re offering the right products at the right prices, leading the way in a competitive market.”

You can read about all the IWSC Drinks Supermarket Awards category winners here and learn more about our in-depth judging process and the 2025 judges [here].

Christelle Guibert, CEO of IWSC, said: “Our new approach considers the entire customer journey, ensuring a truly comprehensive evaluation. From sustainability pledges to knowledgeable staff, we've scrutinised every detail to ensure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices."*

“It was a fascinating process to be part of. While every supermarket is different, some clear trends emerged.”