El Rayo secured a nationwide listing for its Plata tequila in 525 Tesco stores, expanding its presence across the UK grocery market.

The deal adds Tesco to the independent spirits brand’s supermarket stockists, which already include Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

The 100 per cent agave tequila is listed on Tesco’s website at £35 for a 70cl bottle, with an ABV of 40 per cent.

El Rayo founder and chief executive Tom Bishop said: “Tesco is a major milestone for us.”

He said the listing would help the brand reach more shoppers as it seeks to broaden tequila’s appeal beyond shots into longer drinks and cocktails.

Tesco spirits buyer Antonia Karkides said the retailer was seeing growing interest in tequila across different occasions and serves, alongside demand for brands offering something different.

Founded in 2019, El Rayo has built its proposition around serves such as tequila and tonic. Its range also includes ready-to-drink Tequila Tonic & Grapefruit and Tequila Lime & Soda.

Alongside its retail distribution, the brand is served in more than 1000 hospitality venues nationwide, including Sushi Samba, Forza Wine and Cubitt House.

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