We’re delighted to share the news that Adnams has claimed a UK Top 10 spot in Harper's Wine and Spirit magazine’s annual review of independent wine merchants - The Top 50 Indies. We were thrilled to see our team’s rankings climb to 9th place in this year’s chart, a position that makes us the best in East Anglia.
We have made the Top 50 before, having previously placed 15th in 2024 and just outside the top ten at 11th last year. So, this is our highest placing yet!
The UK’s 50 Best Indies listing celebrates the best merchants in the business of selling quality wines, spirits and beers across the country. The judges consider the whole package when deciding who should rise up the ranks and a fantastic drinks portfolio that engages at every price point must be offered at this level.
Representatives from the shortlisted top ten were invited to special luncheon in London, where the final placings were announced and Adnams Director of Hospitality & Retail, Nick Attfield and Head Wine Buyer, Lydia Harrowven, had the honour of attending.
Speaking after the announcement, Nick said: “We were thrilled to learn we had broken into Harpers' top ten and are extremely proud to be ranked as the best in East Anglia. The judges applauded our inclusive and exciting own-label wine range, along with our commitment to elevating our customer experience and the role we play in the local community. To be awarded 9th place in the country by a respected industry leader like Harper's is a true validation of the hard work of our wine and store teams.”
Lydia added: “This year’s placing acknowledges our dedication to ensuring that each wine tells a story of passion, craft, and integrity. We are constantly thinking about how we can excite and inspire our customers with the wines they know and love, while also introducing them to new experiences. Our new collaboration with Private Cellar also enabled us to extend our fine wine’s range and reach. Our stores play a vital role in helping us champion the wonderful wine producers we work with, and they are also a fantastic place for customers to explore our beers and spirits too.”
Our competitive and exclusive trade wine list ensures we stay relevant in the on-trade as well, and the breadth of our range means we have been able to support our trade customers through the current economic demends on the hospitality industry. As well as delivery to retail and web customers locally, our store teams also handle Adnams' smaller trade customers directly from each store, adding to the community feel of our merchant business.
Aspects of judging include a company's ethos and how well that is met; their portfolio of drinks, including specialisms and points of difference; the services offered to customers and wholesale clients; promotions and events; marketing activities; training and advancement for staff; innovation in every shape and form; and sustainability in all its guises.
“It’s the sense of belonging expressed through the stores in our heartland, that offers a real point of difference, and this appears to have struck a chord with the judges", said Alison Bowers, our Head of Retail. “It’s in the relationships they’ve built up over years. They know their local customers personally and have celebrated key family milestones with them. We have been moving to a lifestyle-focussed range in our stores, to make the most of those moments, and that is really resonating. We continue to build connections, and our strong heritage enables our teams to offer the assurance of quality and expertise at every touchpoint.”
Speaking of the review, Harpers said: “Whether traditional or modern, solely bricks-and-mortar retail or hybrid operations, small or multiple-sited, all businesses are considered equally by our judges on their individual merit, making a placement in the 50 Best something to be coveted and celebrated.”
Congratulations to all involved!