National Drinks Retail Awards

The IWSC is the oldest drinks competition in the world. During our 55 years, the brand has built a respected global drinks community, that is at the heart of this ever-changing industry. This recognition program provides holistic evaluation of a retailer's alcoholic beverage offerings, inclusive of non-alcoholic alternatives, reflecting the diversity and evolving preferences of consumers. We were pleased to expand our awards beyond the supermarket sector in 2025/26 to include a new category: Large Online Drinks Specialist.

Our 2026 results can be viewed here: National Drinks Retail Awards 2026 Results: Recognising retailers setting the pace. The Judging process for 2027 will take place between March 2026 - January 2027, with results due to be announced in February 2027.

• 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.

• Luke Flunder is on a mission to revolutionise the wine world to make it more relatable and accessible.
• Olivier Ward is a member of our Spirits Judging Committee and has joined the judging team this year to look specifically at the spirits, RTD & No/Low offerings of the UK's leading retailers.
• Helena Nicklin is an award-winning wine and spirits writer, consultant, TV presenter and judge - who regularly writers about the retail sector.
• Sophia Longhi is an award-winning wine writer, communicator and international wine judge. Her written work can be found in The Guardian and numerous wine trade publications, including Harpers and Club Oenologique.
• Andy Pincott, also known as the Affordable Wine Hunter, is an award-winning wine influencer and IWSC ambassador, regularly creating content on @affordablewinehunter. 
• Liam D'Arcy, also known as The Wine Wally, is a wine influencer and IWSC ambassador, regularly creating content @thewinewally.
• Lucy Shaw is a freelance writer/editor and regular contributor for IWSC & Club Oenologique.

By Category:

• Classic Supermarket, sponsored by The Standard 1894 Vodka: Waitrose 

• Convenience Supermarket: M&S

• Discounter Supermarket: Aldi

• Online Supermarket: Waitrose 

• Large Online Wine Specialist: The Wine Society 

Quality of the range:

• Outstanding Supermarket Wine Range, sponsored by Bibendum Off-Trade: Tesco

• Outstanding Supermarket Spirits Range: Sainsbury's 

• Outstanding Large Online Wine Specialist Range: Laithwaites

Sustainability:

Sustainable Supermarket, sponsored by Pommery: Waitrose 

Sustainable Large Online Wine Specialist: The Wine Society

2027 categories to be confirmed later in the year.

In order to gain a 360-degree understanding of each retailer's performance, we employ a 6-Part Judging Framework:

1. Range, quality and innovation
2. Commercial performance and strategy
3. In-store experience
4. Online experience
5. Trade and consumer engagement
6. Extra, value-add services

Additionally, our sustainability awards will be granted to retailers that has gone above and beyond in their quest to minimise their carbon footprint and improve their environmental credentials.

2026 results can be viewed here: National Drinks Retail Awards 2026 Results: Recognising retailers setting the pace.

The judging process is currently in progress for our 2027 awards, and following many months of meticulous judging, the results of the National Drinks Retail Awards will be announced in February 2027 (date & venue TBC), along with a comprehensive report on the IWSC website. Stay tuned for more details on our full results announcement.

The IWSC’s 2026 National Drinks Retail Awards are proudly sponsored by...

Pommery - Champagne Partner & sponsor of our Sustainable Supermarket Trophy 

Bibendum Off-Trade - Sponsor of our Outstanding Supermarket Wine Range Trophy

The Standard 1894 Vodka - Vodka Partner & sponsor of our Classic Supermarket Trophy 

Wines of Tejo - Branding Sponsor & Wine Supplier