Despite being one of the most heavily regulated sectors in convenience, the alcohol aisle still gets its fair share of new launches, as well as numerous introductions of lines from foreign climes and celebrity-endorsements.
Big name sponsorship deals and sports team associations also play their part in alcoholic drinks’ fortunes, with all the key suppliers (and challenger brands) competing in numerous clever ways for that valuable space in your chillers and on shelves.
So raise a glass as 2025 draws to a close, as Convenience Store looks back on some of the more memorable boozy launches of the year.
April brought with it an extension of alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint’s portfolio. with its 0.5% Radler Lemon Lager landing just in time for the summer months.
The NPD combined the brand’s original Superior Unfiltered Lager with “a squeeze of lemon juice,” and had been left unfiltered “for maximum flavour and body.”
“Since 1922, Radler - or shandy as it’s become known in the UK - has been providing an alternative to lager and soft drinks on those occasions that call for pure refreshment,” said founder, Luke Boase.
April also saw the arrival of Dolly Wines, a collaboration between country music superstar Dolly Parton and Accolade Wines, which rolled out in convenience exclusively through Booker Wholesale and Nisa.
“With strong demand for Prosecco and rosé wines, we’re delighted to offer retailers an opportunity to tap into these thriving categories with a brand that resonates across generations,” said Tom Smith, marketing director for Europe at Accolade Wines.
2025 was a big year for alcoholic ready to drink lines (RTD) in convenience, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) got onboard with the new Bacardí & Coca-Cola 250ml can in April.
The launch made reference to the Cuba Libre cocktail - Bacardí rum, Coca-Cola and lime - popularised in the 1900s that’s since “become one of the world’s most recognisable drinks,” said CCEP. The new RTD also marked the next step in CCEP’s strategy to “premiumise the category by bringing world-class brands together,” said Elaine Maher, associate director of alcohol RTDs at the supplier.
In October, iconic Scottish beer brand Tennent’s marked its 140th anniversary with the unveiling of a Bavarian Pilsner.
“This isn’t just a new product, it’s a celebration of Tennent’s heritage, our innovation and our future,” said senior brand manager, Joanne Motion. “It’s a chance to reconnect with the story of Hugh Tennent and the Bavarian roots that helped shape our iconic lager – brewed using traditional Bavarian methods but made right here in Glasgow.”
Also appearing in October, another iconic brand - this time from the USA - brought a duo of new lines out, as not one but two new bourbons were announced by Jim Beam – a Black version, as well as a Pineapple flavoured equivalent.
The latter was described at the time by Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller at Jim Beam, as to be “Celebrating both flavour and community. It’s a playful new spin on tradition, designed to be enjoyed together.”
Finally, in November, the world of wine welcomed the news that the Bolero Winery had secured UK distribution for three Georgian variants, described as being aimed at London’s premium independent retail sector, in partnership with CN Foods, a London-based distributor specialising in premium independents.
The range was set to target over 1,000 Greater London independent retailers, including 250 larger-format premium stores, it said.
Sarah Abbott, who heads up Wines of Georgia’s UK campaign, said: “With Bolero’s contemporary new label appealing to adventurous consumers, it’s exciting to see Georgian wines in a new channel. Georgia’s 8,000-year winemaking heritage is finding fresh relevance and new fans here in the UK.”
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