By George Anderson
A panel of seven wine experts rated Tesco's private label champagne as the winner of a taste test that included some of France's best known brands, says the Scotsman newspaper.
Tesco Premier Cru Champagne Brut NV was the winner of the contest conducted by Which? magazine although it only cost about half the price of some of its competitors.
The Top 10 Best Tasting Champagnes
(prices in pounds)
1. Tesco Premier Cru - £12.99.
2. Champagne H Blin Brut 1996 - £18.99.
3. GH Martel & Co Prestige - £15.99.
4= Champagne Brossault - £12.49,
4= Waitrose Vintage Champagne 1996 - £18.99.
6. Deutz Marlborough Cuvée New Zealand - £10.99.
7. Champagne Vintage St Gall 1996 - £19.99.
8= Champagne Duchatel 1996 - £16.99,
8= Sainsbury’s Extra Dry - £13.99,
8= Champagne Mumm Cordon Rouge - £19.49.
Source: Which?
Moderator's Comment: What lessons can American retailers learn from the private label success of European retailers?
Tesco proves that better quality at a lower price always wins in head-to-head comparisons. Price has to be a focus, but quality needs to come first if retailers want to move from trial to continued usage. [George Anderson - Moderator]