Molson Coors grows wine offer

Brewer Molson Coors has beefed up its wine offer, as part of a bid to double its share of the wine market over the next two years.

Last week the company unveiled a new wine list, adding 350 stock-keeping units (SKUs) to its portfolio, increasing its offer to 750 wines.

The new wines include a Chablis from Laroche, a Palena rosé and an Australian Shiraz Viognier. Head wine buyer Robert Hilton said more unbranded wines had been added to the list, as "historically it had been a more branded portfolio."

Hilton admitted that the company under-trades in the wine sector, but said there had been heavy investment to increase this arm of the business, as part of a bid to become a "one stop shop" for independent pubs and bars.

Eight wine and spirit managers — to offer expertise, advice and training for pubs across the country — have been recruited, and a new wine buyer, Gary Keller, who has previously worked with both the Spirit Group and Mitchells & Butlers, has also been appointed.

The company has signed deals with wine partners such as Advini, Constellation Europe, Bibendum and E&J Gallo, which enables it to source wines from the best producers, Hilton said.

"We are committed to growing our wine business by offering customers a wide range," he said. "Our partnerships with companies such as Advini and Gallo add extra choice to our range."