To mark World Cocktail Day (13th May) and 40 years since pioneering the canned cocktail, M&S has released The United Tin-dom report, a first-of-its-kind study into Britain’s “tinnie” habits.
Since launching the UK’s first canned cocktail in May 1986, M&S has seen the trend explode into a cultural phenomenon. The supermarket now sells over 15 million tinnies annually, equivalent to one every second. While the classic Extra Dry Gin & Tonic remains the nation’s overall favourite (famously boosted by a 24% sales surge following its appearance in Fleabag), the research reveals a country “delightfully divided” by regional preferences.
The Mojito dominates in 28% of regions, including Bristol, Birmingham, and much of London. Meanwhile, the Spritz trend has firmly moved North; Hugo Spritz is the top pick in Manchester and Liverpool, while the Limoncello Spritz has taken the crown in Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle. Tropical flavours like the Piña Colada reign supreme in Essex and Scotland, while Northern Ireland stands out for its love of the Pink Passion Star Martini.
Jenny Rea, Lead Product Developer for M&S Food, said:
“It’s great to see that the Gin & Tonic is still going strong 40 years after we launched it, however The United Tin-dom research also really shows just how much tastes have evolved. I’m particularly excited to see our new tequila-based tinnies this summer. Spritz cocktails have completely taken off in the past year, especially in the North—as a proud northerner myself, I was pleased to see Limoncello Spritz coming out on top in Leeds!”
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, M&S has launched a Limited Edition G&T in retro St Michael packaging. With tequila sales up 50%, the range is also expanding with new Tequila & Tonic and Tequila Spritz options, alongside a Peach Bourbon Smash and an alcohol-free Lime Margarita.
