Albertsons Expands Its Private-Label Wine Portfolio.

Albertsons has announced the expansion of its private-label wine selection with the introduction of Bee Lightly, a new addition to the grocer’s Own Brands wine portfolio. This move reflects the growing trend in private-label wine sales, which have surged in recent years, prompting not only traditional grocery chains like Albertsons but also convenience stores such as Circle K to enter the wine business.

A standout feature of Albertsons’ new Bee Lightly line is its environmentally friendly packaging. The flat bottle design, made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is the first of its kind in the U.S. market. Both the 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee Lightly Rosé have earned impressive 91-point rankings from The Tasting Panel, a renowned wine and spirits publication.

Curtis Mann, a master of wines at Albertsons, shared, “At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously looking for ways to distinguish ourselves within the wine sector and to expand our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers. By launching our new Bee Lightly selection, we are offering shoppers quality, affordable wines from France while also redefining wine packaging standards.”

The Bee Lightly wines are now available at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, and ACME stores, with delivery options in California through Safeway’s Vine & Cellar line, which also offers high-end wines. This launch further strengthens Albertsons’ private-label wine portfolio, which already includes brands like Vinaforé, O Organics, Nadia, Quail Oak, and Creamery.

Private-label wine sales continue to rise, with a 2023 Circana study reporting a 9.1% year-over-year increase in sales, reaching $52.2 million as of June 2023. Aldi, another major player in the private-label wine industry, also expanded its offerings with the release of its Specially Selected premium wine line.

As consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality wine grows, especially with inflation impacting budgets, private-label wines are becoming a go-to option for shoppers seeking value without compromising on taste.