Waitrose has promoted a new wine trading manager as it gears up to launch new festive wine brands.

Nicola Jones is to step into the role of wine trading manager from 13 October, following 13 years in the upmarket grocer’s commercial and trading team, most recently acting as category manager.

Jones joins the wine team amid a flurry of new launches across the supermarket’s Blueprint, Love & Found and No.1 ranges.

Jones said: “I am truly honoured to join such a talented team of experts in a category that I am deeply passionate about, especially at a time when we have incredible opportunities to drive growth.

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“Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of collaborating closely with the Beers, Wines, Spirits, and Soft Drinks team as Category Strategy Manager, and I look forward to bringing my own knowledge and expertise to the team.”

Waitrose master of wine and head of beer, wine and spirits Pierpaolo Petrassi added: “As we enter the busy Christmas period, we have some really exciting newness landing in Blueprint, Loved & Found wines as well as our No.1 range and are working hard with our trusted suppliers to keep the magic and innovation that we are famous for.

“We are delighted to have Nicki join the team at this crucial time. Her customer focus, passion for product and in depth knowledge of the business will be vital as she leads our team of talented Wine Buyers as Trading Manager.”

Earlier this year, Waitrose, which currently offers more than 2,100 wines, beers and spirits, unveiled its first fully chilled beer, wine and spirits department, in its recently refurbished and modernised Finchley Road store.