Up to 80% of retailers could see a 10% profit increase from sales of spirits in the next 18 months according to the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD).
FWD Blueprint initiatives chairman Alan Toft says that trials of the Putting Leaders On Display (PLOD), launched last year, are going so well that c-stores could be on the brink of a dramatic revolution in the way in which spirits are merchandised in the sector.
The PLOD iniative encourages retailers to move 70cl and 1-litre spirits and fortified wines from behind the counter to the main aisles of the store. The problem of theft is tackled by a security cap for each
bottle, which can only be removed by the retailer.
Around 20 retailers will have taken part in the trials by the time the project is completed next month. Initial results are good and no retailers have reported a fall in sales.
Londis retailer Sunder Sandher of Leamington Spa has reported a sales leap of 26.8% volume and 20.6% value during January and Febuary compared to the same period last year.
Following the trial's completion, a programme advising independent retailers on the results and possible future roll-out will be published.