SPAR becomes UK’s first to launch own-label vegan wine

SPAR has become the first UK retailer to unveil its own-label vegan wine range.

The rollout has begun this month, just in time for Veganuary, and will stretch across Spar’s 1,700 licensed stores across the country, which comprise both independents and its regional wholesalers’ company-owned sites.

The news comes after the symbol group pledged in 2019 to become the first grocer to offer a plant-based range for the growing number of customer’s exploring veganism for health or environmental benefits.

According to reports, there are more than 70 wines in the vegan Spar range, including a Languedoc red on promotion at £6.49, a South African reserve Chenin Blanc on promotion at £5.49 and a prosecco Valdobbiadene, on promotion at £8.99.

Adam Georgiou, Spar’s brand manager for own-label alcohol in the UK, said, “More than half a million people took part in Veganuary 2021 and 85 per cent of those surveyed said they planned to at least halve their intake of animal products after January, but it’s not just vegans driving the demand.

“People are increasingly looking for vegan products, regardless of their eating habits or lifestyles.

“As a result, we decided that the time had come to create more inclusive ranges that tap into what our shoppers are looking for.”

“We are really proud to be delivering on our promise to become the first grocer offering an own-label wine range that is suitable for vegans,” Georgiou said.

“Our vast range boasts many multi-award-winning bottles, which offer shoppers great quality and fantastic value.

“The new range is exciting for vegans and non-vegans alike and we are looking forward to developing more products to cater for all dietary requirements.”

The launch comes just over two years when M&S announced plans to make an entirely vegan-friendly own-label wine range by the end of 2022.