Major supermarket first in the UK to launch white mulled wine in time for Christmas

A MAJOR UK supermarket has become the first to launch a white mulled wine just in time for Christmas.

The festive beverage has become a Christmas staple, and shoppers will be racing to stores to try the new variation.

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Marks & Spencers has stocked its shelves with new White Mulled Wine (75cl, 11 per cent), scanning at the tills for just £6.50.

The new Christmas-themed drink combines pear, vanilla and spice flavour mulled wine.

The retailer chose the white variation to offer a refreshing alternative to the "heavy, oaky, and often strong reds" that can feel overwhelming for drinkers.

Maddie Love, a product developer at M&S, added: "Lighter, fruitier notes will appeal to those who prefer a more delicate flavour profile."

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M&S's festive drink was inspired by the German and Austrian Christmas markets, where white mulled wine is a popular choice.

The popularity of alcoholic beverages has surged in recent years, driven by the rise of European-style Christmas markets across the UK.

However, some argue that introducing the festive drink is a strategy to boost alcohol sales over Christmas, as younger generations tend to drink less than their parents.

Honey Spencer, a restaurant owner in Hackney, east London, said: "I think this product development is more an attempt to keep consumers drinking alcohol in the first place rather than a reaction to changing tastes."

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Shoppers can head to their nearest M&S branch to grab the new festive drink.

It comes as the major supermarket chains announced more than 450 items including new and returning dishes to their Christmas range.

M&S is renowned for its Christmas food, it's the time of year when shoppers upgrade their usual food shop and spend a little bit more as a treat.

That means the competition is fierce as supermarkets battle for customers' attention.

Behind the scenes, workers at the iconic retailer revealed that Brits are drawn to classic products with a small twist.

Speculoo flavour is about as wild out as you'll find. Where you will see creativity though is the designs.

A so-called "hero" product - something M&S is betting on being a big talker and seller - is the Santa’s Workshop Musical Light-Up Tin.

Sparks is already known for its gorgeous light-up house tins - and they are coming back to shelves again.

But the newest invention that M&S expects shoppers to rush to stores for is a musical box.

Wind up the tin and you can watch Santa’s helpers prepare for Christmas. With lights, music, mirrors and moving parts, the £10 (400g) tin is a delightful keepsake for kids and adults. Oh, and it is filled with chocolate chip cookie stars.

Another new creation is a magical snowing forest. Not only does this box of chocs light up there's a flurry of snow when switched on, like a never-ending snow globe.

For £15 (200g) you get crunchy Belgian milk and blond ganache truffles, and a pretty decoration.

The flavour trend of the cold season is hot honey, which has been added to everything from crisps and popcorn to brie and pigs in blankets.

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Instead of sausages, the piggies are filled with halloumi and covered with a hot honey drizzle.

The combo of sweet and spicy glaze is moreish and seeps in to the cheese making it a deliciously soft and sweet eat. At £5.50 (240g) for 12, I'll be stocking up on a few to snack on between now and the big day.

Equally cheesy and delicious is the baked hot honey brie brulee (£7, 288g), which M&S hopes will be a viral hit on social media.

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It's a whole creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender hot honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar.

As you pop it under the grill for a cracking top, just like a sweet creme brulee, it's even more indulgent and warming. Perfect for cold winter nights.