M&S slashes prices on wines, as it cuts core range

UK retailer Marks & Spencer has slashed the price on around 80 of its most popular wines following a major investment in its BWS range, and also reduced the overall number of skus.

M&S (Photo: Wiki)

BWS head of trading Rebecca Adams said the “attractive new prices” offered some of the best value on the high street, and were the result of a wide-ranging look at pricing recently undertaken by the retailer.

“We’ve just completed a large piece of work looking at our prices and have implemented a major investment plan, significantly cutting back the prices on some of our most popular lines, offering some of the best value on the high street,” she said.

A spokesman confirmed the price cuts – across around 80 products, or 20% of the range – supported the retailers’ everyday low prices strategy and was achieved by reducing promotions, looking at supply chain, packaging and improving efficiency.

However she also confirmed that the overall number of skus had also been cut, falling to around 400 lines, down from 500 in 2016.

Adams confirmed that the new strategy had not impacted quality of the wines.

“None of this work has impacted the quality of our wines. we haven’t changed a drop or a blend to save money, so customers can be reassured they are getting the same exceptional quality they’d expect,” she added.

Boosting rosé

The retailer is also boosting the space available on shelf for its rosés, as it widens the range, and will also feature rosé throughout its Food Halls, which it says will help customers discover and explore the range better.

Among the additions is La Dame en Rose from the new Terre du Midi IGP region in the South of France (a new region encompassing Aude, Herault and Gard in the Languedoc), an easy-drinking dry and fruity rosé which retails for £6, as well as a sparkling version retailing for £9. it has also listed a “classy and refined” Cotes de Provence Sainte Victoire in a square shouldered bottle (rrp: £12) and the Conte Priuli Pinot Grigio Blush (rrp: £8).

It is also adding a range of formats for its Coteaux Varois en Provence, including a 25cl single bottle, and 1.5L magnum and pouch.

“The popularity of Provence rosé is astonishing and seems to be continuing with fervour,” winemaker Belinda Kleinig said.

It is also boosted its Spanish range, with a new collaboration with Alava-based wine producer El Coto de Rioja, on a “vibrant, new wave” Rioja brand, El Duque de Miralta.

“El Coto… is one of the most popular Riojas on the domestic market and known for its soft, approachable style,” M&S winemaker Sue Daniels said.

Other new Spanish wines include a new Albarino called Candelilla, from the Martin Codax Cooperative.