Co-op’s vodka has been voted as one of the best in the world at the International Spirits Challenge 2018.
The leading convenience retailer’s award-winning vodka, which retails at £12.49, proved quality needn’t cost the world. A panel of experts agreed that the own label tipple is some of the best of the market, winning the top trophy.
Co-op vodka was in excellent company, with other winners costing up four times as much, with luxury brand Belvedere and Nikka Coffey Vodka retailing at £38 and £42 respectively.
1,500 spirits from nearly 70 countries entered the competition with expert judges’ blind testing each entry. Amongst the winners, Co-op’s Irresistible French Grain Vodka (£17.49) also won silver.
Simon Cairns, Co-op’s Category Trading Manager for beer, wine and spirits, said: “We’re proud to be bringing home the trophy for our English-produced vodka beating many worldwide rivals. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Co-op was also named ‘Convenience Store Chain of the Year’ by the International Wine Merchant Awards for the third year running for its wine range.
Cairns continued, “The team has been working exceptionally hard to continue to increase the strength of our entire beer, wine and spirit range and both of these accolades are great recognition for the fantastic work by our passionate buying team.”
Entries to the prestigious wine competition are judged by some of the biggest names in the industry and recognised the retailer for the quality of its wine and fizz range.
It also recognised the outstanding achievements Co-op has made in the last year, including landing the biggest ever Fairtrade wine deal in the UK after it converted 3.5million litres to the ethical label helping to grow the market.
The judges said, “Co-op has had another very strong year… They have shown real innovation in their sourcing as well as continuing to support Fairtrade.”
