News

Spar bolsters wine department

29 November 2010 By db staff writer

Convenience store Spar UK has brought in two new buyers, Xenia Irwin MW and Charles Craven, both of whom are promising to build on the foundations laid down by their predecessors.

Last week Irwin (pictured), the convenience store’s new trading controller – wine, told the drinks business: “Last year Spar did a huge range review, upped the ante immensely and brought the company [in wine terms] from the dusty backward end of convenience to a major player in the field.

“Spar UK has something that’s rare in convenience – it’s not just brands. Our own label range is a thoroughly comprehensive range and my priorities going forward include seeing this range bedded in (as many of our regional distributors have only just taken these wines on board) and ensuring our partners practice the best quality control possible while keeping our customers happy,” added Irwin.

Craven, Spar UK’s new trading manager – wine, noted: “Spar UK is all about the local community and fitting in with what each store wants. It’s a great but complex tool.”

Speaking of her plans for the future, Irwin hinted that she was tempted to look at the possibility of creating its own “small but cross-continent brand. As we’re seeing some of the big brands move away from deep discounting, we’re seeing them produce their own brands, like Ogio for Tesco, or Palastri at Sainsbury’s,” she said.

Irwin is the second Master of Wine appointment for Spar in as many years, with the retailer having originally appointed Laura Jewell MW (Irwin’s predecessor), who has since joined Tesco.

Irwin joins Spar from St Austell Brewery Company, where she’s been the company’s wine buyer since June 2006.

Craven has moved to Spar from Majestic Wine, where he was employed as regional business development manager, helping clients to grow their sales with customer tastings and wine selections.

Craven’s role will see him sourcing and developing the Spar range to “meet customers’ needs, and building relationships with regional wholesalers to ensure strong communication with all stakeholders.”

Both new recruits will report to Chris Lewis, head of wine buying at Spar UK.

Lewis said: “I am confident our new starters will help further develop and grow the already highly successful Spar wine range.”

In anticipation of the further growth of the sector, Spar is currently planning a second wine festival, following the success of its first ever summer wine festival campaign.

“The Wine Festival firmly established Spar’s reputation as a credible retailer that sells excellent quality wines at good value, helping to improve consumer price and quality perceptions of the Spar wine range,” Lewis added.