Foodland Supermarkets is set to open a unique “community-minded” liquor chain in South Australia early next month.

Dubbed ‘Local Cellars’ – the stores will sell local wines, craft beers and spirits depending on the region or location – while providing customers with what Foodland describes as “a premium shopping experience”.

Foodland Supermarkets CEO, Franklin dos Santos, said launching the liquor chain was the “next step” in the retailer’s growth pipeline.

“South Australia has some of the best wines, beers and spirits in the world and we want to encourage local producers in the community to prosper.

“The benefit of this approach is that we’re creating less emphasis on the need for transport which will minimise our impact on the environment.”

The first Local Cellars store will open in Renmark with more than 10 planned across the state before March next year.

In addition to local alcohol, the stores will also stock other South Australian complementary beverage brands and mixers. The stores will operate either next to a Foodland supermarket or as a stand-alone separate family business.

In November 2020, the retailer invested $300 million into a five-year plan to refurbish and add new stores in South Australia.