Spar rolls out beer and ale event

Spar is set to launch its first craft and world beer & ale showcase across its stores in February.

The symbol retailer has partnered with brands including Cobra, San Miguel, Corona, Brewdog and Old Speckled Hen to run three-week promo across stores in England, Scotland and Wales, from 2 February.

SPAR UK senior marketing manager Laura McNally said the event reflected the increased presence of the craft beer and ale category as well as Spar’s commitment to support regional and local suppliers.

“The craft beer & ale market has experienced huge growth and this is forecast to continue, as shoppers look for alternative specialist brands,” she said. This category will continue to dominate in BWS in 2017 and the in-store event will allow our retailers to maximise the extra sales opportunity and make their stores a destination point for beer buyers.”

“The event will provide shoppers with a glimpse of its increased presence in the craft beer and ale category,” she added.

The retailer’s Wine Festival, which has been run every year for the last seven years, is also set to return, starting at the end of February and going on into April, highlighting Spar’s own brand range of wines.

Last year Spar’s licensed director Chris Lewis told db around 80% of sales come from the core range of 150 wines that are stocked by the majority of the 2,300 independent stores within the Spar symbol group, with own label accounting for around 42% of value sales and 50% of volume sales, including 7 of Spar’s top ten best-sellers.