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Co-op claims UK supermarket first with introduction of Helix corks

Published:  04 October, 2018

The Co-op has claimed a UK supermarket first with the introduction of Helix wine corks - Portugal’s answer to the metal screw cap.

The Helix closure, which can be opened without a cork screw and can be re-sealed, will initially be introduced on Vila Real Rabelo Red 2015 (rrp: £6) - available from the retailer from 10th October.

Designed to offer the same convenience as a screw cap, the Helix closure was expected to be popular with “wine traditionalists”, who prefer to buy bottles sealed with cork over a screw top due to the pleasing ‘pop’ sound, said Co-op wine buyer Sarah Benson.

“This is a modern twist on the traditional cork, which has been used for hundreds of years to help age and store wine. This is a real coup for us a and an example of how we are continuing to look for ways to innovate the category to meet the needs of our ever-changing customer base,” she said.

Made by Portuguese cork producer Amorim, the Helix cork was four years in development and was designed with a thread finish to allow drinkers to twist out the stopper by hand and reseal, creating an airtight barrier to keep the wine fresh.

Carlos de Jesus from Amorim, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Co-op to bring our Helix cork closures and O-I’s specially-designed glass bottles to UK shoppers, that are now able to enjoy wine packaging convenience that is also environmentally-friendly.”

An Oxford University study revealed wines sealed with a cork were perceived as better quality by testers after listening to the sound of a cork being opened. Furthermore, the bottles was were persistently chosen over wines with a screw top by participants in the study.

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