db awards Archives - The Drinks Business

Week in pictures: 18-24 May

James Evison — Fri, 24 May 2024 09:06:34 +0000

This week saw the Drinks Business Awards 2024 and the London Wine Fair, Jessica Mason with Dea Latis, Douglas Blyde with Never Say Die and Joe Wicks at Hog's Back Brewery.

The Drinks Business Awards 2024

On Tuesday at the London Wine Fair, the Drinks Business Awards 2024 were announced. Find out all of the winners of the awards here.

Dea Latis

Yesterday, Dea Latis co-founder and beer sommelier Annabel Smith delivered a report that looked at how woman’s relationship with beer has evolved. The report, titled The Gender Pint Gap: Revisited uncovered how the beer industry has taken backward steps in terms of gender equality and showed fewer women than five years ago would choose to buy beer, work in beer or consider it as a drink marketed to them. Dea Latis set out a manifesto for how the beer industry can adapt to become more inclusive and change. Jessica Mason attended with db was the media partner for the event. The guidance and more information on the situation and the ways the sector can tackle the barriers women face when considering beer can be found here and here.

Never Say Die Rye Whiskey

To Origin City, Smithfields, where drinks consultant, Ruchira Neotia unveiled her “Black Stallion” cocktail starring Never Say Die Rye, which now features on the nose-to-tail restaurant’s cocktail menu. “Black Stallion is my ode to Never Say Die Rye,” she said of the drink, realised in tandem with house mixologist, Giacomo Falcicchio. “Built on the spicy, smooth charm of the Rye, combined with the minty herbal depth of Cynar, elevated by a few drops of Chartreuse Elixir, chocolate bitters and a final kiss of a Maraschino cherry,” she added. “A winning combination that embodies the sleek, muscular and powerful beauty of a Black Stallion, captured running in slow motion to the finish line. a homage to the eponymous horse-that-lived…”

London Wine Fair

A number of events took place at the London Wine Fair this week, including the Judgement of London event, and also the DB Awards and the 'Stop the Press' event, featuring db editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW. The drinks business and Global Masters stand included many of our Masters and Gold winning spirits and wines with members of the trade able to sample the bottles from the db and Spirits Business teams.

Hog's Back Brewery

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) arrived in style at Hogs Back Brewery last Sunday. The Tongham-based brewery was the last stop on the group’s Surrey Hills ride, with 742 riders – making it the UK’s second-biggest DGR event – who have so far raised an impressive £48,000 for prostate cancer and men’s mental health charities. Among the riders were celebrity bikers Charlie Boorman and Joe Wicks, who led the lengthy procession on the final leg of the ride through Farnham and into the brewery, as crowds of enthusiasts and onlookers lined the streets. The ride started in Guildford, taking a 28-mile route through the Surrey Hills.

The Drinks Business Awards 2024: open for entries

James Evison — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 09:54:51 +0000

Now in its 22nd year, the db Awards has become the most authoritative and internationally respected badge of achievement in the alcoholic drinks industry. The Drinks Business Awards were conceived to celebrate outstanding achievements in drinks in an array of categories, from on-trade champions to pioneering PR companies.

Entries for this year’s awards are now open. Click here to sign up.

Melianthe Leeman, Global Marketing Director, Wine and Spirits, O-I Glass, and award sponsor, said: “The Drinks Business Awards are the perfect partner for O-I : EXPRESSIONS. We both focus on innovation, quality, brand appeal and sustainability across the wine and spirits sectors. "O-I : EXPRESSIONS provides customisable glass packaging at speed and we look forward to celebrating the best in packaging design and decoration alongside the drinks business.”

This year's categories are:

Personality Awards:

Man of the Year
Are you the Man of the Year? Has your contribution to our industry over the last 12 months set you apart from the rest? Judges will be looking for unparalleled leadership, business acumen, and/or major deal broking success. This award may also recognise outstanding contribution to the industry as a whole.

Woman of the Year
Are you the Woman of the Year? Has your contribution to our industry over the last 12 months set you apart from the rest? Judges will be looking for unparalleled leadership, business acumen, and/or major deal broking success. This award may also recognise outstanding contribution to the industry as a whole.

Young Achiever of the Year
Are you on a meteoric rise to the top of your game? You must be under 35 and have delivered beyond what is humanly possible this year. If so, then you could be the db Young Achiever of the Year.

Retail Buyer of the Year
This award goes to the retail buyer who has done the most in the last 12 months to push the boundaries in wine (or spirits) retailing, promoted quality throughout the range and innovated within the category or area of buying for which they are responsible. Whether leading a team or in charge of a specific area, from the multiple or the independent sector, this buyer will be respected for their negotiation skills, integrity and ability to spot quality and value.

Retail Buying Team of the Year
This award is for the retail buying team that has put their wine and spirit range on the map by striving for quality in their offer while meeting consumer needs. The judges will be looking for innovation within the range and the team’s commitment to green issues when it comes to sourcing and supply.

Business Awards

Drinks Company of the Year (Wine, Spirits & Beer)
This is the big one, coveted by one and all. Under scrutiny: your business development and diversification, sales/profit growth, employee management, new product development, market penetration, brand development and corporate responsibility… line up brand owners, agents and producers, it could be you!
Logistics Company of the Year
For those who think logistics is all about long-distance lorry drivers, bacon sarnies and bonded warehouses who won’t take your stock because it hasn’t got the correct AAD, think again! Judges will be looking for excellence in service for customers (trade or consumer). This may include direct mail, internet or traditional on-trade and off-trade premises; recognising reliability, flexibility, competitiveness and the ability to meet customers’ needs effectively. The greening of operations, with measurable evidence, is also key.
Distribution Company of the Year
This new category has been introduced to award the essential service provided by a UK domestic logistics and supply chain business. The award will recognise those companies who ensure reliable distribution within the UK for wines and spirits, regardless of their production source region or nation. This category is open to national and local distribution businesses.

Supply Chain Initiative of the Year
This award seeks to recognise a single initiative between a drinks company and its supplier(s) in the last year, which has delivered tangible benefits for both parties.

PR Company of the Year (Wine, Spirits & Beer)
Going to the public relations company whose work across the board or on a specific project pushed their clients product or image to the fore. This winning company will not only demonstrate its commitment to gaining coverage but will display new and challenging ways in which it has caught the attention of the trade or the consumer press.

Multiple Retailer of the Year

The winner of this award will have no equal and will define excellence in drinks retailing over the last year. You will have achieved significant sales growth in the UK or overseas and will have an impressive display of value and range for your customers.
Online Retailer of the Year
Do you know how to make the most of the world wide web? We’re looking for an online drinks operator who has a brilliant range, appealing site design, novel selling techniques and a loyal customer base. Judges will be looking for proof of profitable performance over the last 12 months and evidence of a growing database of repeat users.

Independent Retailer of the Year
This award recognises the best of those brave few who have gone it alone! Judges will be looking for tangible evidence of impeccable personal service and in-store innovation.

Fine Wine Retailer of the Year
This award recognises retailers who specialise in selling wines priced at £25+, both in-store and online.

On-trade Supplier of the Year

Judges will take into account the recommendation and opinion of customers and look for evidence in high standards of service, including flexibility and adaptability to the strains of the modern day restaurant and hotel business. They will also award on-trade suppliers on the quality of their range and pricing, plus attention to environmental issues in a high carbon impact business model.

Marketing Awards

Best Design & Packaging (Wine, Spirits & Beer) – sponsored by O-I: Expressions
Will your product design be remembered as an icon of the 21st century? The judges will be looking for innovation in artwork and packaging. You will have met and surpassed the brief and will have done it all within budget.
Best Trade Campaign (Wine, Spirits & Beer)
In-house or agency, you will have wowed the client with your creativity, innovation and execution and all within budget. Your advertising has dazzled, your PR has hit the spot, your events have inspired and your online marketing demonstrated resourcefulness and originality.

Best Social Media Campaign
Social Media is an essential part of virtually every successful marketing campaign and its importance shows no sign of diminishing. As a result, the drinks business has introduced a new category purely for marketing campaigns based on social media. Your entry can be based on a campaign that was solely built around social media activity, or you can highlight how social media formed a crucial part of a larger marketing campaign that used a range of promotional techniques. To succeed in this category please use figures to clearly illustrate the achievements of this campaign. Ideally, the entry should include a summary of the aims, the timeline, the costs, and, most importantly, the results, all expressed succinctly in an initial awards pitch.

Best Drinks Event
Trade and consumer events are an essential part of the drinks sector and, as a result, the drinks business has introduced a new category purely for events. This new category is designed to encompass a range of events, from annual tastings by companies or generics, to exhibitions, masterclasses or seminars. To succeed in this category please clearly illustrate what made your event successful. This should include an explanation of the initial concept, how it was planned and promoted, what it set out to achieve, before clearly stating the results. To help us ascertain the level of success, please include visitor numbers, attendee feedback and revenues generated. Ideally, the entry should include a summary of the aims, the timeline, the costs, and, most importantly, the results, all expressed succinctly in an initial awards pitch.

Best Consumer Campaign (Wine, Spirits & Beer)
Have you created the most eyecatching campaign of the year? Or have you had consumers fighting in the aisles for your campaign’s brands and inspired unprecedented customer brand loyalty with a super strategy and tangible results? Then you are a candidate for Best Consumer Campaign.

Best Launch (Wine, Spirits & Beer)
This award recognises both launches and re-launches. Judges expect distinction in PR, advertising, consumer research, revived design and packaging, as well as improved supply chain management and increased store listings.

Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism
As global interest in wine and spirits continues to grow there is a demand from consumers to combine their interest in wines and spirits with their holidays. This award recognises an outstanding achievement in creating a unique and compelling experience for customers wishing to encounter their favourite wines and spirits on their home terroir

The Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging
This award will celebrate excellence and innovation in English and Welsh sparkling wine packaging. In association with the worlds leading producer of wirehoods for sparkling wine, Sparflex.

Entries for this year’s awards are now open. Click here to sign up.

The Drinks Business Awards 2023 shortlist revealed

Sarah Neish — Thu, 04 May 2023 11:25:09 +0000

Ahead of the DB Awards ceremony, which takes place at the London Wine Fair on Tuesday 16 May, we unveil the impressive brands that have made it onto the shortlist. Held annually, The Drinks Business Awards recognise and reward the top performers across the international drinks industry from the last 12 months, in categories spanning the full gamut from marketing campaigns and impactful launches to seamless distribution and exceptional individuals. The diverse range of contenders were carefully considered by our expert judging panels and the below shortlists reflect the cream of the crop in the drinks trade; those organisations that really impressed. Additional awards, including Man of the Year, Woman of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year, will be announced during the ceremony at the London Wine Fair. For the full list of categories please scroll to the end of the article.

Best Design & Packaging Wine

CF Napa for Clos du Val ‘Bernard’s Cuvée’
CF Napa for The Grappler
Denomination for On the Fringe
Denomination for Second Glance
Gutter&Stars

Best Design & Packaging Spirits

Denomination for Los Dias Magicos
Douglas Laing Big Peat for The Smokehouse Edition
Patron El Alto
Onikishi Japanese Whisky for Cherry Blossom

Independent Retailer of the Year

Club Soda Tasting Room and Bar
Brunswick Fine Wines and Spirits
EW Wines

Online Retailer of the Year

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Ocado Retail
BlockBar

Fine Wine Retailer of the Year

Bordeaux Index
Majestic Wine
Brunswick Fine Wines & Spirits

On-Trade Supplier of the Year

Graft Wine Company
Hallgarten & Novum Wines
Liberty Wines
Majestic Commercial
Speciality Drinks

Best Drinks Event

Waddesdon Wine Collection Tasting 2022
Wine & Travel Week 2023 by Essência Company
The Whisky Exchange Cognac Show

Trade Campaign of the Year

Alsace Wines by SLAM Communications
Brooklyn Brewery; This is Brooklyn by Richmond & Towers
De Bortoli Blue Gris Campaign
JFOODO Sake Seafood Sensations by SLAM Communications

Social Media Campaign of the Year

Caleño X Thursday Dating Stunt
California Wine Week by First Pour on behalf of the California Wine Institute
De Bortoli’s April Fools Day Campaign
Challenging Perceptions with Wynns

PR Company of the Year

Button Collective
CUBE Communications
KLG Public Relations
Richmond & Towers
Sunny Side UP

Best Supply Chain Initiative

The Online Tasting Company
STI Internazionale
VinLog by Kuehne+Nagel

Drinks Company of the Year

Bancroft Wines
Hallgarten & Novum Wines
Liberty Wines
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards

Also announced during the awards ceremony will be the winners of the following categories: MAN OF THE YEAR WOMAN OF THE YEAR YOUNG ACHIEVER THE SPARFLEX AWARD FOR BEST UK SPARKLING WINE PACKAGING MULTIPLE RETAILER OF THE YEAR RETAIL BUYING TEAM OF THE YEAR BEST LAUNCH DISTRIBUTION COMPANY OF THE YEAR LOGISTICS COMPANY OF THE YEAR TRADING PLATFORM OF THE YEAR CONSUMER CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR BEST CONTRIBUTION TO TOURISM

The Drinks Business Awards 2022 winners

Patrick Schmitt — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:20:10 +0000

We are thrilled to reveal the winners of the 2022 Drinks Business Awards, which were announced yesterday at a packed ceremony at the London Wine Fair.

The Drinks Business Awards were conceived 19 years ago to celebrate outstanding achievements in drinks in an array of categories, from on-trade champions to pioneering PR companies. A full report on each winning person, brand and business will appear in the July issue of db, while today we bring you a list of the winners in each category, starting with our awards for the leaders in drinks design.

Design & Packaging awards

Best Design & Packaging for Wine Winner: Denomination for Wild Folk Special commendation: Ehrmanns Wine for Beefsteak ‘The Beast’

Shortlist Denomination for Wild Folk Ehrmanns Wine for Beefsteak ‘The Beast’ Piccini for Pinnochi Best Design & Packaging for Spirits Winner: Denomination for Battery Point Single Malt Whisky Special commendation: Stranger Nature New Zealand Gin Shortlist Stranger & Stranger for Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Denomination for Battery Point Single Malt Whisky Stranger & Stranger for Santa Ana Gin Stranger & Stranger for Savoia Americano Rosso Strange Nature Gin Best Design & Packaging for Alternative Formats Winner: Ed Wright Creative for Laylo Special commendation: Accolade Wines for Vino Società Shortlist Accolade Wines for Vino Società Ed Wright Creative for Laylo House of Canvino for Canvino The Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging Winner: Coolhurst Vineyards Special Commendation: Dunleavy for Bottom Shorlist Coolhurst Vineyards Dunleavy for Bottom Flint Vineyard Tuffon Hall

Marketing awards

Best launch of the Year Winner: Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka Special commendation: PepperBox Shiraz Shortlist PepperBox Shiraz Taylor’s Chip Dry & Tonic/ White Port Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka Savoia Americano Rosso PR Company of the Year Winner: Phipps Relations Shortlist Clarion Communications Crate Communications May Fox Communications Phipps Relations Trade Campaign of the Year Winner: Slam Communications for Alsace Wines Consumer Campaign of the Year Winner: The Hidden Sea for its Ocean Clean-up Special commendation: Beefsteak for ‘Beef up your BBQ’ Shortlist The Hidden Sea for its Ocean Clean-up Casillero del Diablo for ‘World’s Greatest Thief’ PinotPinot for its Toni & Guy initiative Beefsteak for ‘Beef up your BBQ’ Phipps Relations for Majestic Wine’s Nationwide Cork Recycling Social Media Campaign of the Year Winner: FirstPour, 360 Degrees of Cava Special commendation: Master of Malt for Whisky Icons Shortlist Master of Malt, Whisky Icons FirstPour, 360 Degrees of Cava Hobgoblin, Best Sipped in the Dark Whisky Exchange, Drinks 101 Echo Falls, Perfect Night In Challenge Drinks Event of the Year Winner: Clarion Communications for Aldi Champagne Bar Special commendation: Whisky Show 2021 Shortlist Aldi Champagne Bar Mud House x Nomadic Whisky Show 2021 The Hidden Sea Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism Winner wine:The Three Drinkers in Ireland Special commendation: The Whisky Exchange, Barbados Shortlist The Three Drinkers in Ireland Cognac Frapin The Whisky Exchange, Barbados

Retail awards

Independent Retailer of the Year Winner: Drop Wines Special commendation: Hedonism Wines Shortlist Amathus Drinks Drop Wine Hedonism Wines Tomoka Fine and Rare Online Retailer of the Year Winner: Naked Wines Special commendation: Master of Malt Winner (specialist): Sip Champagnes Special commendation (specialist): Marlo Wine Shortlist Naked Wines Sip Champagnes Master of Malt Marlo Wine Fine Wine Retailer of the Year Winner: Berry Bros. & Rudd Special commendation: Hedonism Wines Shortlist Berry Bros. & Rudd Hedonism Wines Bordeaux Index Retail Buying Team of the Year Winner: Majestic Wine Special commendation: The Wine Society Shortlist Harvey Nichols Majestic Wine The Wine Society The Whisky Exchange Retail Buyer of the Year Winner: Nick Larsson-Bell Multiples Retailer of the Year: Winner: Majestic Wine Special Commendation: Aldi

Company awards

Drinks Company of the Year Winner: Liberty Wines Special commendation: Accolade Wines Special commendation: Caleño Drinks Shortlist Archie Rose Distilling Co Accolade Wines Bibendum Wine Caleño Drinks Hallgarten & Novum Wines Liberty Wines On-trade Supplier of the Year Winner: Liberty Wines Special commendation: Graft Wine Shortlist Bibendum Wine Bancroft Wines Graft Wine Liberty Wines

Logistics awards

Trading Platform of the Year Winner wine: LiveTrade, Bordeaux Index Winner spirits: Spiritrade Logistics Company of the Year Winner STI Internazionale Distribution Company of the Year Winner wine: London City Bond Winner spirits: Master of Malt Trade Best Supply Chain Initiative Winner: Kuehne + Nagel for VinLog Special commendation: The Park for Strexit

Personality awards

Young Achiever of the Year: Ellie Webb Woman of the Year: Dr. Laura Catena Man of the Year: John K’Otieno The Lifetime Achievement Award: Ian Harris MBE

The Drinks Business Awards: open for entries

Eloise Feilden — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:13:50 +0000

Now in its 20th year, The Drinks Business Awards has become the most authoritative and internationally respected badge of achievement in the alcoholic drinks industry. The Drinks Business Awards were conceived to celebrate outstanding achievements in drinks in an array of categories, from on-trade champions to pioneering PR companies. Entries for this year's awards are now open. Click here to sign up.

This year's categories include:

Personality Awards

Man of the Year
Woman of the Year
Young Achiever of the Year
Retail Buyer of the Year
Retail Buying Team of the Year

Business Awards

Drinks Company of the Year
Logistics Company of the Year
Distribution Company of the Year
Supply Chain Initiative of the Year
PR Company of the Year

Retail Awards

Multiple Retailer of the Year
Independent Retailer of the Year
Fine Wine Retailer of the Year
Online Retailer of the Year
Travel Retail Operator of the Year

Marketing Awards

Best Design & Packaging
Best Consumer Campaign
Best Trade Campaign
Best Launch
Best Drinks Event
Best Social Media Campaign
Best Contribution to Drinks Tourism
Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging

Key information The entry deadline for the awards is Friday 29th April 2022. An entry fee of £179 + VAT per entry will be applied to all entries. The awards ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday 8 June 2022 at the London Wine Fair in Olympia. To see the full list of 2021 Drinks Business Awards winners, click here. A full report on each winning person, brand and business also appeared in the October 2021 issue of db.

The Drinks Business Awards 2021 winners

Lucy Shaw — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:30:56 +0000

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the 2021 Drinks Business Awards, which were announced yesterday at a buzzing ceremony at Asia House in London. The Drinks Business Awards were conceived 18 years ago to celebrate outstanding achievements in drinks in an array of categories, from on-trade champions to pioneering PR companies. A full report on each winning person, brand and business will appear in the October issue of db, while today we bring you a list of the winners in each category, starting with our awards for the leaders in drinks design.

Design & Packaging awards

Best Design & Packaging for Wine Winner: Denomination for La Noblesse Special commendation: Barlow & Co for Marks & Spencer Found range Special commendation: Della Vite and Buchanan Studio for Della Vite Proscecco Superiore DOCG Shortlist Argency for Seña 2019 Barlow & Co for Marks & Spencer Found range Della Vite and Buchanan Studio for Della Vite Proscecco Superiore DOCG Denomination for La Noblesse Viña VIK for La Piu Belle and La Piu Belle Rosé Oxford Landing Best Design & Packaging for Fortified Wine Winner: Denomination for Quinta da Pedro Alta White Port Special commendation: Stranger & Stranger for Azaline Vermouth Shortlist Denomination for Cockburn’s Tails of the Unexpected Denomination for Quinta da Pedro Alta White Port Omdesign for Kopke Port Stranger & Stranger for Azaline Vermouth Symington Family Estate and Alexandra Sousa Ribeiro for Graham’s Port Best Design & Packaging for Spirits Winner: Stranger & Stranger for Eminente Reserva Rum Special commendation: Stranger & Stranger for Kastra Vodka Special commendation: Stranger & Stranger for Stranahan’s 10 Year Old Shortlist Nude Brand Creation for Redbreast Irish Whiskey Bird Feeder bottle Nude Brand Creation for Ripping Yarns Golden Spiced Rum Stranger & Stranger for Eminente Reserva Rum Stranger & Stranger for Kastra Vodka Stranger & Stranger for Stranahan’s 10 Year Old Lewis Moberly for Benriach The Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging Winner: Hundred Hills Special Commendation: Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate Special commendation: Balfour Winery Shorlist Albourne Estate Artelium Wine Estate Balfour Winery Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate Hundred Hills Best packaging redesign Winner wine: Yalumba for Oxford Landing Winner Spirits: Benriarch Best innovation in packaging Winner: Nude Brand Creation for Redbreast Irish Whiskey Bird Feeder bottle

Marketing awards

Best launch of the Year Winner: The Greater Good Fresh Brewing Co for the Pinter Special commendation: Benchmark Drinks for Kylie Minogue Wines Special commendation: Bosman Family Vineyards for Bosman Nero Special commendation for spirits: White Claw Shortlist Benchmark Drinks for Kylie Minogue Wines Bosman Family Vineyards for Bosman Nero Cockburn’s for Tails of the Unexpected The Greater Good Fresh Brewing Co for the Pinter White Claw Hard Seltzer PR Company of the Year Winner: Smith & Vine PR Special commendation: Phipps Relations Shortlist Clementine Communications Gregory + Vine Phipps Relations Smith & Vine PR Trade Campaign of the Year Winner: The Wine Agency for ‘Wines of Portugal Month – June is for Indies!’ Special commendation: Eat Spain Drink Spain Shortlist Eat Spain Drink Spain Pol Roger Portfolio for its Napa Valley agencies Washington State Wine Commission for Sommlight Slam Communications for Alsace Wines The Wine Agency for ‘Wines of Portugal Month – June is for Indies!’ Consumer Campaign of the Year Winner: Hardys Certainty Campaign and ‘Money Back Guarantee’ Special commendation: Slam Communications for Tío Pepe Special commendation: The Hidden Sea Shortlist Bloom Gin Hardys Certainty Campaign and ‘Money Back Guarantee’ Slam Communications for Tío Pepe The Hidden Sea Social Media Campaign of the Year Winner: Clarity Comms for HobtoberFest Special commendation: Chelsea & Co Agency for International Sherry Week Shortlist Chelsea & Co Agency for International Sherry Week Clarity Comms for HobtoberFest Clementine Communications for Glen Moray Meets Highland Park / Hydrogen for Inner Circle Gallo for Dark Horse Best Virtual Initiative Winner: Domaine Jones for Vineyard Rambles Drinks Event of the Year Winner: The Whisky Exchange Virtual Whisky Show 2020 Special commendation: The London Wine Fair Digital Edition Shortlist Eminent Wines for the Royal British Legion Centenary Champagne The London Wine Fair Digital Edition The Whisky Exchange Virtual Whisky Show 2020 UAE Vine Festival Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism Winner wine: New Zealand Winegrowers Winner spirits: Roe & Co. Distillery Special commendation: Le Cassisium Shortlist Casa Valle Viñamar Chene Bleu Le Cassisium New Zealand Winegrowers Roe & Co. Distillery

Retail awards

Independent Retailer of the Year Winner: Cambridge Wine Merchants Special commendation: Vagabond Wines Shortlist Bon Coeur Fine Wine Cambridge Wine Merchants Vagabond Wines Online Retailer of the Year Winner: Waitrose Cellar Special commendation: The Whisky Exchange Shortlist 31 Dover Marlo Wine The Whisky Exchange Waitrose Cellar Fine Wine Retailer of the Year Winner: Cambridge Wine Merchants Special commendation: Bordeaux Index Shortlist Bordeaux Index Cambridge Wine Merchants Independent Wine Marlo Wine Retail Buying Team of the Year Winner: Waitrose & Partners Special commendation: Majestic Wine Retail Buyer of the Year Winner: Becky Hull MW Drinks Retailer of the Year: Winner: Majestic Wine

Company awards

Drinks Company of the Year Winner (international): Viña Concha y Toro Winner (UK): Liberty Wines Special commendation: Hallgarten & Novum Wines Shortlist Bibendum Wines Hallgarten & Novum Liberty Wines Spiritrade Viña Concha y Toro On-trade Supplier of the Year Winner: Hallgarten & Novum Wines Shortlist 31Dover Bancroft Wines Bibendum Wines Hallgarten & Novum Liberty Wines

Logistics awards

Trading Platform of the Year Winner wine: LiveTrade, Bordeaux Index Winner spirits: Spiritrade Logistics Company of the Year Winner VinLog, Kuehne + Nagel Special commendation: STI Internazionale Best Supply Chain Initiative Winner: Liv-ex Special commendation: VinLog, Kuehne + Nagel

Personality awards

Young Achiever of the Year: Liam Manton Woman of the Year: Carmen O’Neal Man of the Year: John Colley The Lifetime Achievement Award: Thierry Gasco

The Drinks Business Awards 2021 shortlist

Lucy Shaw — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:15:45 +0000

Following a week of impassioned judging sessions on Zoom, we are delighted to reveal the shortlisted entries for The Drinks Business Awards 2021. From those in the retail sector to importers, designers and PR gurus, the awards recognise and reward top performers across the international drinks industry. In addition to the categories listed below, a number of major awards will be announced at the ceremony in September, which we will bring you details of soon. These awards are: Man of the Year Woman of the Year The Lifetime Achievement Award Young Achiever of the Year Retail Buyer of the Year Retail Buying Team of the Year Retail Award Logistics Company of the Year Best Supply Chain Initiative

Shortlists for the design & packaging awards

Best Design & Packaging for Spirits Nude Brand Creation for Redbreast Irish Whiskey Bird Feeder bottle Nude Brand Creation for Ripping Yarns Golden Spiced Rum Stranger & Stranger for Eminente Reserva Rum Stranger & Stranger for Kastra Vodka Stranger & Stranger for Stranahan’s 10 Year Old Lewis Moberly for Benriach Best Design & Packaging for Wine Argency for Seña 2019 Barlow & Co for Marks & Spencer Found range Della Vite and Buchanan Studio for Della Vite Proscecco Superiore DOCG Denomination for La Noblesse Viña VIK for La Piu Belle and La Piu Belle Rosé Oxford Landing Best Design & Packaging for Fortified Wine Denomination for Cockburn’s Tails of the Unexpected Denomination for Quinta da Pedro Alta White Port Omdesign for Kopke Port Stranger & Stranger for Azaline Vermouth Symington Family Estate and Alexandra Sousa Ribeiro for Graham’s Port The Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging Albourne Estate Artelium Wine Estate Balfour Winery Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate Hundred Hills

Shortlist for the company awards

Drinks Company of the Year Bibendum Wines Hallgarten & Novum Liberty Wines Spiritrade Viña Concha y Toro On-trade Supplier of the Year 31Dover Bancroft Wines Bibendum Wines Hallgarten & Novum Liberty Wines

Shortlist for the retail awards

Independent Retailer of the Year Bon Coeur Fine Wine Cambridge Wine Merchants Vagabond Wines Online Retailer of the Year 31 Dover Marlo Wine The Whisky Exchange Waitrose Cellar Fine Wine Retailer of the Year Bordeaux Index Cambridge Wine Merchants Independent Wine Marlo Wine Trading Platform of the Year Bordeaux Index Spiritrade

Shortlist for the marketing awards

Best Launch of the Year Benchmark Drinks for Kylie Minogue Wines Bosman Family Vineyards for Bosman Nero Cockburn’s for Tails of the Unexpected The Greater Good Fresh Brewing Co for the Pinter White Claw Hard Seltzer PR Company of the Year Clementine Communications Gregory + Vine Phipps Relations Smith & Vine PR Trade Campaign of the Year Eat Spain Drink Spain Pol Roger Portfolio for its Napa Valley agencies Washington State Wine Commission for Sommlight Slam Communications for Alsace Wines The Wine Agency for ‘Wines of Portugal Month – June is for Indies!’ Consumer Campaign of the Year Bloom Gin Hardys Certainty Campaign and ‘Money Back Guarantee’ Slam Communications for Tío Pepe The Hidden Sea Social Media Campaign of the Year Chelsea & Co Agency for International Sherry Week Clarity Comms for HobtoberFest Clementine Communications for Glen Moray Meets Highland Park / Hydrogen for Inner Circle Gallo for Dark Horse Drinks Event of the Year Eminent Wines for the Royal British Legion Centenary Champagne The London Wine Fair Digital Edition The Whisky Exchange Virtual Whisky Show 2020 UAE Vine Festival Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism Casa Valle Viñamar Chene Bleu Le Cassisium New Zealand Winegrowers Roe & Co. Distillery

The Drinks Business Awards 2020: the winners

Lucy Shaw — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 11:19:44 +0000

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the 2020 Drinks Business Awards, which were announced yesterday at a virtual ceremony, streamed from Asia House in London.

The Drinks Business Awards were conceived 17 years ago to celebrate outstanding achievements in drinks in an array of categories, from retail buying, marketing and drinks design to social media. A full report on each winning person, brand and business will appear in the October issue of the drinks business, while today we bring you a list of the winners in each category, beginning with our awards for the leaders in drinks design.

Design and packaging awards

Best Design & Packaging for Wine Winner: YG Design for Viña San Pedro Tayú 1865 Special commendation: Omdesign for Blandy’s MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s Selection Runner-up: Bravo Design for The Vinoneers’ Orpheus & the Raven Shortlist

Bravo Design for The Vinoneers’ Orpheus & the Raven
Denomination for Wakefield The Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon
Omdesign for Blandy’s MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s Selection
YG Design for Viña San Pedro Tayú 1865

Best Design & Packaging for Spirits Winner: Mirabeau for Mirabeau Rosé Gin Special commendation: Seven Tails Distillers for Seven Tails XO Runner up: Stranger & Stranger for No. 3 Gin Shortlist

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK for Maker’s Mark 46 VAP
Mirabeau for Mirabeau Rosé Gin
Seven Tails Distillers for Seven Tails XO
Stranger & Stranger for Merser & Co. Double Barrel Rum
Stranger & Stranger for No. 3 Gin

The Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging Winner: Ridgeview Oak Reserve Special commendation: Simpsons Wine Estate Runner-up: Gwinllan Llaethliw Vineyard Shortlist

Black Chalk
Gwinllan Llaethliw Vineyard
Hoffman & Rathbone
Ridgeview Oak Reserve
Simpsons Wine Estate

Best Sustainable Packaging Winner: Edrington-Beam Suntory UK for Maker’s Mark 46 VAP Best Design & Packaging for Beer and Cider Winner: Graphic Brands for The Appleyard King Cider

Marketing awards

Best Launch of the Year  Winner: Invivo Wines for Invivo X Sarah Jessica Parker - click on the video to hear SJP's acceptance speech Special commendation: Clementine Communications for Wild Life Botanicals Shortlist

Clementine Communications for Wild Life Botanicals
Invivo Wines for Invivo X Sarah Jessica Parker
R&R Teamwork for Blackbook Winery

PR Company of the Year Winner: Phipps Special commendation: Clementine Communications Shortlist

Chapman Poole
Clarion Communications
Clementine Communications
Phipps

Trade Campaign of the Year  Winner: Live & Breathe for Asahi Discover Karakuchi Special commendation: Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I for Save Pub Life Runner-up: Slam Communications for Alsace Wines Shortlist

Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I for Save Pub Life
Cube Communications for Wines of Bordeaux
Live & Breathe for Asahi Discover Karakuchi
Slam Communications for Alsace Wines

Consumer Campaign of the Year  Winner: Cono Sur Licence to Chill Special commendation: Villa Maria The Value of Conversation Shortlist

Cono Sur Licence to Chill
Trivento Real Life Bold Discoveries
Villa Maria The Value of Conversation

Social Media Campaign of the Year Winner: Chelsea Consulting for Sherry Week Special commendation: New Zealand Winegrowers for Sauvignon Blanc Day Shortlist

Chelsea Consulting for Sherry Week
New Zealand Winegrowers for Sauvignon Blanc Day
Viña San Pedro for Nine Lives Wine

Drinks Event of the Year  Winner: The Whisky Exchange for The Whisky Show 2019 Special commendation: Madeleine Waters and Rachel Davey for Virtual Press Trip to Lebanon Shortlist

Madeleine Waters and Rachel Davey for Virtual Press Trip to Lebanon
Majestic relaunch
The Whisky Exchange for The Whisky Show 2019
Waitrose Drinks Festival
Wine Australia for Australia Redefined

Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism Winner: Taste Hungary

Retailer awards

The LCB Independent Retailer of the Year  Award Winner: Vagabond Wines Special Commendation: Davy’s Wine Merchants Shortlist

Cambridge Wine Merchants
Davy’s Wine Merchants
Jeroboams
The Whisky Exchange
Vagabond Wines

Online Retailer of the Year  Winner: The Whisky Exchange Special Commendation: Honest Grapes Runner-up: The Bottle Club Shortlist

Honest Grapes
The Bottle Club
The Whisky Exchange
Wanderlust Wine

Retail Buying Team of the Year  Winner: Majestic Special commendation: Marks and Spencer Shortlist

Majestic Wine
Marks and Spencer
The Whisky Exchange
Waitrose

Retail Buyer of the Year  Winner: Cat Lomax Special commendation: John Vine Drinks Retailer of the Year Winner: Waitrose Special commendation: Aldi Fine Wine Retailer of the Year Winner: Honest Grapes Trading Platform of the Year Winner (wine): BI Fine Wine & Spirits Winner (spirits): Spiritrade

Company awards

The Bevica On-Trade Supplier of the Year Award Winner: Liberty Wines Special commendation: Speciality Drinks Runner-up: Bibendum Wine Shortlist

Bibendum Wine
Hallgarten & Novum
Liberty Wines
Speciality Drinks

Drinks Company of the Year Winner: Bibendum Wine Special commendation: Concha y Toro Shortlist

Bibendum Wine
Concha y Toro
Hallgarten & Novum Wines
Liberty Wines
Majestic Wines

Logistics awards

Logistics Company of the Year Winner: Kuehne + Nagel Special commendation: STI Internazionale Spa Shortlist

Gliding Eagle
Hillebrand
Kuehne + Nagel
London City Bond
STI Internazionale Spa

Best Supply Chain Initiative Winner: Kuehne + Nagel Special commendation: Liv-ex

Personality awards

Hospitality Hero Award Winner (UK): Rishi Sunak Winner (US): José Andrés Young Achiever of the Year  Winner: Lizzy Unite The Wonderworks Woman of the Year  Award Winner: Stephanie Jordan Special commendation: Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne Man of the Year  Winner: Robert Cooke The Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Joseph Berkmann

The Drinks Business Awards 2020 to air on Thursday

Lucy Shaw — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 10:42:50 +0000

The winners of The Drinks Business Awards 2020 will be announced at a virtual ceremony, which will air at 2pm BST this Thursday 1 October.

Those interested in watching the awards can click here at 2pm BST on 1 October to tune into the event, which will be streamed on YouTube. The Drinks Business Awards were conceived 17 years ago to celebrate outstanding achievements in drinks in an array of categories, from retail buying, marketing and drinks design to social media. While the ceremony usually provides a chance for the great and good of the UK trade and meet and mingle over a glass of fizz at the London Wine Fair, with the global pandemic continuing to disrupt the status quo, we had to do things a little differently this year. Our editor-in-chief, Patrick Schmitt MW, will be announcing the results of the awards from Asia House in Marylebone, London. In addition to the categories shortlisted here, Patrick will also be announcing the winners of our personality awards, including Young Achiever of the Year, Man of the Year, The Wonderworks Woman of the Year Award and our Lifetime Achievement Award. While we may not have been able to celebrate in person, this year’s winners are testament to the resilience the drinks industry has shown in one of its most challenging years to date, and proof of what an inspiring and exciting industry it is to work in.

The Drinks Business Awards 2019: the winners

Lucy Shaw — Wed, 22 May 2019 11:58:37 +0000

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the 2019 Drinks Business Awards, which were announced yesterday afternoon at a packed out ceremony at the London Wine Fair.

Engineered to reward top performers across the global drinks industry, this year's winners drew attention to the rising importance of sustainable packaging, the strength of the English wine sector, and the importance of investment in staff training, market research and product development. A full report on each winning person, brand and business will appear in the June issue of the drinks business, while today we bring you a list of the winners in each category, beginning with our awards for the leaders in drinks design.

Best Design & Packaging in Wine

Winner Graham’s Port for Graham’s Blend No. 5 White Port Special Commendation Denomination for Uovo Shortlist

Co-Partnership for Stoneleigh Wild Valley
Denomination for Uovo
Graham’s Port for Graham’s Blend No. 5 White Port
Omdesign for Quinta do Crasto Honore Port
Stranger & Stranger for The Prisoner Wine Company exclusives range

Best Design & Packaging in Spirits

Winner Scilly Spirit Distillery Island Gin Special Commendation Stranger & Stranger for Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac Shortlist

Elixir Distillers for Past, Present and Future
Harvey & May for Scilly Spirit Distillery Island Gin
Stranger & Stranger for Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac

Best Sustainable Packaging

Winner Mirabeau Wine for Mirabeau Pret-a-Porter Shortlist

Mirabeau Wine for Mirabeau Pret-a-Porter
Pol Roger Portfolio for IGO Rosé

Best design & packaging in RTDs

Winner Co-Partnership for Tanqueray Gin & Tonic

Sparflex award for English Sparkling wine packaging

Winner Hambledon Première Cuvée NV Shortlist

Black Chalk
Gusbourne Estate
Hambledon Première Cuvée NV
Hoffmann & Rathbone

Consumer Campaign of the Year

Winner Beefsteak Club for Raise the Steaks Special commendation Aber Falls Gin for Sipping on Top of the World

Trade Campaign of the Year

Winner Wine Australia for Australian Wine Discovered Special commendation Wines of Hungary and RandR Teamwork for Furmint February Shortlist

Pol Roger Portfolio for Above Preconceptions
Wines of Hungary and RandR Teamwork for Furmint February
Wine Australia for Australian Wine Discovered

Best Launch

Winner Global Brands for ‘All Shook Up’ Special commendation Sir Ian Botham Wines Shortlist

Atom Brands for Olfactor-y Gin
Benchmark Drinks for Sir Ian Botham Wines
Global Brands for ‘All Shook Up’

Social Media Campaign of the Year

Winner Global Brands for VK Watermelon Special commendation Atom Group for #WhiskySanta

Drinks Event of the Year

Winner DrinkUp.London for London Cocktail Week 2018 Special commendation The Whisky Exchange for The Champagne Show Runner-up Roberson Wine for Somm 3 UK premiere Shortlist

London for London Cocktail Week 2018
People’s Choice Wine Awards
Roberson Wine for Somm 3 UK premiere
The Whisky Exchange for The Champagne Show

Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism

Winner d'Arenberg for The Cube Special commendation The Three Drinkers Shortlist

d’Arenberg for The Cube
La Motte
The Three Drinkers

PR Company of the Year

Winner Phipps Relations Shortlist

Chapman Poole
Clementine Communications
Phipps Relations

Best Logistics Company of the Year

Winner JF Hillebrand

Supply Chain Initiative of the Year

Winner Liv-ex for Liv-ex Automation

On-trade Supplier of the Year

Winner Bibendum Wines Special commendation Speciality Drinks Shortlist

Bibendum Wine
Hallgarten & Novum Wines
Liberty Wines
Speciality Drinks

Drinks Company of the Year

Winner Liberty Wines Special commendation The Bottle Club Shortlist

Douglas Laing
Concha y Toro
Liberty Wines
The Bottle Club

LCB award for Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner Oxford Wine Company Special commendation Bon Coeur Runner-up Jeroboams Shortlist

Bon Coeur
House of Townend
Jeroboams
Oxford Wine Company

The Drinks Retailer of the Year

Winner Waitrose Shortlist

Aldi
Master of Malt
The Bottle Club
Waitrose

Online Retailer of the Year

Winner Master of Malt Special commendation The Whisky Exchange Shortlist

Master of Malt
The Whisky Exchange
The Bottle Club
Winebuyers

Fine Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner Sotheby's Wine

Retail Buying Team of the Year

Winner Waitrose Shortlist

Master of Malt
Waitrose

Retail Buyer of the Year

Winner Mike James of Aldi

The Alan Lodge Award for Young Drinks Writer of the Year

Shay Waterworth

Young Achiever of the Year

Thomas Parker MW

Woman of the Year

Kirsty Loveday

Man of the Year

Jimmy Smith

Lifetime Achievement Award

Serena Sutcliffe MW

Entries open for db Asian Awards 2019

Natalie Wang — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:57:01 +0000

Entries are open for The Drinks Business Asian Awards 2019, the only business and trade orientated awards in Asia's wine industry created to recognise excellence across the region.

Last year, winners included Lu Yang MS, wine director of Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts; Judy Chan, chairwoman of Grace Vineyard, Eddie McDougall of The Flying Winemaker; Treasury Wine Estates, The Fine Wine Experience, Ginsberg + Chan, and Pernod Ricard to name a few. The awards consist of three main categories: Personality Awards, Marketing Awards and Business Awards. For Personality Awards, leading personalities from the drinks industry and trend setters are going to battle it out for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Young Achiever of the Year. In order to reward the best marketing efforts, The Drinks Business Asian Awards will look at the most successful marketing and launch campaigns in the Asia Pacific region for Best Launch, Best Social Media Campaign and Best Drinks Event. In terms of Business Awards, candidates will compete for Best Drinks Company of the Year (Wine, Spirits & Beer), Best Retail Award (Wine, Spirits & Beer), On-trade Supplier of the Year, Best Online Retailer, Travel Retail Operator of the Year, Fine Wine Retailer of the Year and Green Drinks Company of the Year. You can view The Drinks Business Asian Awards 2018 results and analysis here. The deadline for entry is 30 June, and supporting materials must be submitted before 15 September. Entry fee for the first entry is HK$2,000 and HK$1,700 for additional entries. Click the link here to see all the award categories. To enter the competition, please contact sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com.

The London Wine Fair 2018 in pictures

Lucy Shaw — Wed, 30 May 2018 11:24:43 +0000

Last week the sun shone and the London Wine Fair swung into action. Hosted for the first time this year by Hannah Tovey, attendees were excited to see what she had up her sleeve... The red and white iHeart Wines camper van made an appearance at the show, complete with branded beach balls. Copestick Murray’s leading brand is now worth over £65m in retail sales. Another vehicle we were pleased to see the site of was the mint green Nyetimber bus, which always proves a popular hangout during the show.

In the press centre tired hacks could take the stresses and strains of the day out on this shiny black foosball table provided by M Restaurants

Brightening up The Wine Fair was the ever ebullient Jimmy Smith, owner of the West London Wine School, who hosted an Alternative Alsace masterclass focusing on unusual grapes, organics, biodynamics and skin contact wines. During the show we caught up with Belen Fernandez Loza, UK manager of Spanish wine giant J. Garcia Carrión, which has recently released a sparkling blue Moscato that is proving popular in the US. No London Wine Fair would be complete without the comforting sight of Clovis Taittinger pouring his house's prestige cuvée, Comtes de Champagne. Two of the wine trade's most nattily dressed gents, sommelier Jan Konetzki and wine writer Douglas Blyde were on hand to talk to the trade at our Wine List Confidential masterclasses. Sommelier Caroline Fridolfsson of Clarette jokes with Nick Darlington of edgy importer Red Squirrel during our Wine List Confidential masterclass about what makes a winning wine list. Our second WLC masterclass explored how to recruit, and more importantly keep hold of, stellar staff while working in the restaurant trade. Taking to the floor were (l-r) Clement Robert of 28-50, Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwin, and Jan Konetzki of Ten Trinity Square Private Club at The Four Seasons. Our Drinks Business Awards drew a buzzy crowd of the great and good of the wine trade, including David Gleave of Liberty Wines, who scooped a double winning on-trade supplier of the year and drinks company of the year. He's pictured here collecting his first award from Ian Harris of the WSET. The old and new guard of The Benevolent took to the stage as the drinks charity's former head, David Cox, presented new CEO Chris Porter and marketing manager Alessandra Brugola with the award for trade campaign of the year for its powerful #NotAlone mental health initiative. Our trusty web editor, Phoebe French, handed out the supply chain initiative award to Liv-ex for their pioneering LWIN project, which helps to solve problems in the supply chain by giving every wine a personal identification number – a service they've made free for other companies to use. The indefatigable Dan Jago of Berry Bros & Rudd presents keen rugby player Tom Bell with his young achiever of the year award. Bell set up his Skinny Booze business from his garage in Cheadle at the age of just 23 and now sells over 2 million bottles of Skinny Lager a year. The Whisky Exchange team were tickled pink with their slew of awards and are going to have to build a new trophy cabinet after winning drink event of the year and online retailer of the year, while Sukhinder Singh was named man of the year. And finally... the super smiley Anne Burchett, the former MD of Sopexa, presented our woman of the year award to the equally effervescent Cristina Mariani-May of Banfi. who was named president and CEO of her family's New York-based fine wine importer Banfi Vintners this year. Splitting her time between Italy and the US, she also looks after Castello Banfi, the family’s gorgeous 7,000-acre estate in Brunello di Montalcino.

The Drinks Business Awards 2018: the shortlist

Patrick Schmitt — Tue, 15 May 2018 11:30:32 +0000

Following several days of judging last week, we are delighted to reveal the shortlisted entries for The Drinks Business Awards 2018.

From those in the retail sector to importers, logistics, design or marketing, the db Awards are engineered to recognise and reward top performers across the international drinks industry. In addition to the categories listed below, a number of major awards will be announced at the ceremony, which takes place between 4 and 6pm on Tuesday 22 May at the London Wine Fair. These awards are: Man of the Year Woman of the Year Young Achiever of the Year Retail Buyer of the Year Alan Lodge Young Drinks Writer of the Year Best Supply Chain Initiative and… The Lifetime Achievement Award Those interested in attending the awards ceremony should contact Emily Tedder at the drinks business on +44 (0)20 7803 2430 or on email at emily.tedder@unionpress.co.uk To view last year’s results, click here

Shortlists for the packaging awards

Best Design & Packaging for Spirits Chapel Down Bacchus Gin & Chardonnay Vodka Hellstrøm Sommer Aquavit by Moestue Grape Selections Phenomenology by Stranger & Stranger Woolf Sung The Hunter by Stranger & Stranger Best Design & Packaging for Wine BD Creative for the Spar wine range Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino by Stranger & Stranger Garçon Wines for Delivering Happiness Le Nez Moments range by M.P. Wines The Sparflex Award for Best English Sparkling Wine Packaging Black Chalk Digby Fine English Hoffmann & Rathbone Rathfinny Wine Estate

Shortlists for the company awards

Drinks Company of the Year Atom Supplies Liberty Wines Love Drinks R&B Distillers Logistics Company of the Year JF Hillebrand Kuehne + Nagel On-trade Supplier of the Year Bancroft Wines House of Townend Liberty Wines Speciality Drinks

Shortlists for the retail awards

Drinks Retailer of the Year Aldi Master of Malt Waitrose Independent Retailer of the Year Borough Wines & Beers House of Townend Jeroboams Taurus Wines The Whisky Exchange Online Retailer of the Year Master of Malt Speciality Drinks The Whisky Exchange Virgin Wines 31Dover.com Fine Wine Retailer of the Year Harrods New Street Wine Retail Buying Team of the Year Aldi Majestic Master of Malt Waitrose

Shortlists for the marketing awards

Launch of the Year Lanchester Wines and The Co-op’s Members’ Choice Pioneer Pinot Grigio Barton & Guestier PR Company of the Year Chapman Poole Clarion Communications Hope & Glory Natasha Najm PR Phipps Relations Trade Campaign of the Year Atom Supplies for Ableforth's Underground The Benevolent for #NotAlone YG Design for Alto Vuelo Kaiken Consumer Campaign of the Year Clementine Communications for Cointreau #1Orange1Tree Democracy for Eisberg’s Tour of Britain Hope & Glory for Meantime DN-Ale Seedlip Dry January Drinks Event of the Year Buckingham Schenk Viñalba pop-up shop emma wellings pr and Ramón Bilbao for Discovering Ramon Bilbao: A London adventure Speciality Drinks for The Cognac Show Wine Australia Women in Wine Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism Gusbourne Estate R&D Distillers Susana Balbo Wines

The Drinks Business Awards 2018 launched

Phoebe French — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:26:15 +0000

the drinks business is now accepting entries for The Drinks Business Awards 2018, which are designed to recognise and reward top performers across the international drinks industry.

Now in its 16th year, the DB Awards have become one of the most respected commemorations in the drinks industry with every corner of the drinks trade represented, from the retail sector to importers, logistics, design, marketing campaigns and launches. Categories include Retail Buying Team, Launch of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Best Logistics Company, Best PR Company, Independent Retailer of the year, among many more. Unveiled each year at the London Wine Fair, the DB awards are a chance for outstanding companies and individuals to win high profile recognition in front of some of the industry’s most influential representatives. As always, the winners will be announced at the London Wine Fair at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in west London, this year on 22 May. A new entry to the awards list this year is the Sparflex Award for Best English Sparkling Wine Packaging. Last year’s winners included Cru who won the Best Design and Packaging for Wine Award for its London Cru re-design LDN SW6, Wine Australia who won Drinks Event of the Year, Seedlip who won Launch of the Year, Liberty Wines who won On-trade Supplier of the Year and Aldi who won Drinks Retailer of the Year. In terms of personality awards Dawn Davies MW was named Retail Buyer of the Year for her work at Speciality Drinks, Ged Feltham, founder of Portobello Road Gin, was named Man of the Year, while Diana Hunter, CEO of Conviviality PLC, was declared Woman of the Year. Picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award was the former CEO of The Benevolent, David Cox. Full details on this year’s award winners will be published in the June issue of the drinks business. The deadline for entering this year’s awards is 4 May. For more information on award categories and how to enter please click here.

Call to enter The Drinks Business Asian Awards 2017

Natalie Wang — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 06:36:28 +0000

The inaugural Drinks Business Asian Awards, the only business and trade orientated awards in Asia, is set to recognise leaders in every aspect of the trade from the retail sector and importers to logistics, design, social media marketing campaign and launches in the region this November.

Following the success of the global edition of the Drinks Business Awards, which has become one of the most respected awards in the global drinks industry, the Drinks Business Asian Awards consist of three main categories, namely Personality Awards, Marketing Awards and Business Awards. For the Personality Awards, leading personalities from the drinks industry and trend setters are going to battle it out for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, and Retail Buyer of the Year. In order to reward the best marketing efforts, The Drinks Business Asian Awards will look at the most successful marketing and launch campaigns in the Asia Pacific region for the Best Launch, Best Social Media Campaign and Best Drinks Event. In terms of the Business Awards, candidates will compete for Best Drinks Company of the Year (Wine, Spirits and Beer), Best PR Company (Wine, Spirits and Beer), Best Retail Award (Wine, Spirits and Beer), On-trade Supplier of the Year, Best Online Retailer, Travel Retail Operator of the Year, and Fine Wine Retailer of the Year. Click here for entry and additional information about the awards. Winners will be announced at the Drinks Business Asian Awards ceremony in November. The deadline for entry and payment is 10 August 2017 and supporting materials must be submitted by 15 September. The entry fee for the first entry is HK$1,900 and HK$1,600 for additional entries. To enter, please contact sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com

Register for the DB Awards ceremony

Phoebe French — Fri, 19 May 2017 08:47:10 +0000

the drinks business invites you to register for The DB Awards ceremony on Tuesday 23 May at the London Wine Fair.

The DB Awards ceremony will take place next week on Tuesday at the London Wine Fair at Olympia. The event will begin at 4pm with a Champagne reception, offering the perfect opportunity to network with fellow members of the drinks industry. The awards presentation begins at 4:30pm where we will crown this year’s ‘drinks company of the year,’ ‘best launch of the year,’ ‘best drinks event of the year’ and many more. To view the full shortlist for the DB Awards 2017, please click here. Entry to The DB Awards ceremony is strictly by invitation only. To receive your invite, please contact Sheila Crisp on sheila.crisp@thedrinksbusiness.com or +44 (0)20 7803 2430. In case you cannot attend the event, we will be live tweeting throughout. Please follow @db_awards and use the hashtag #dbAwards17 for the latest news.

2016 DB Awards大奖出炉

Fay Xiao — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:28:50 +0000

The Drinks Business Awards是酒水业最受尊崇的评比之一，到目前为止已成功举办了十三届。近日db杂志再次于五月在London Wine Fair上揭开各奖项谜底，以表彰在零售、进出口、物流、设计、推广营销以及新品发布等领域做出杰出贡献的公司或个人。

其中有几个奖项尤其引人注目，譬如最佳设计包装奖。随着生产商越来越注重产品外观，这一类别在今年的表现尤其出色。另外一大热点则是品酒活动及市场推广类别。业界向来在组织专业品酒会上及后续推广上向来表现非凡，但今年零售商也不落其后，仅管有来自网上零售的巨大威胁，但整体零售业仍能通过为消费者提供更完善的酒款及更高的品质，而非简单的价格战来与之抗衡。

下面不妨和小编一起来细探部分获奖类别及奖项获得者，或许能从中得到些许借鉴与启发。

最佳设计包装奖

葡萄酒类冠军得主：Altaland by Stranger & Stranger

由Stranger & Stranger设计的这款酒标深入探索了阿根廷Salta，La Rioja和Patagonia的地区多样性以及当地葡萄品种。设计公司将这些元素尽情发挥，并和阿根廷的地理文化传统，包括当地的野生动物（从火烈鸟到企鹅）交织在一起，打造了这款颇具震撼力又生趣盎然的酒标。评审高度赞扬了这款酒标在设计上的完美执行度，以及其通过讲故事的方式将品牌带出生机的理念。

烈酒类冠军得主：Isle of Harris Gin by Stranger & Stranger

Stranger & Stranger以这款琴酒的创新设计再次夺冠。这款Isle of Harris Gin是来自Outer Hebrides地区的唯一琴酒。设计公司考虑到品牌地点所在，创新地使用了海藻元素，通过海蓝的色调以及扭曲的玻璃，将其融入瓶身的设计。评审高度赞扬了这款酒瓶的夺目之处，并称“这款简单的酒瓶通过其海蓝色调，带出了产地的概念。干净、聪颖、极具震撼力又不见过度雕琢的痕迹。”

年度市场推广奖

消费者类冠军得主：The Championships, Wimbledon, by Champagne Lanson

Lanson香槟在2015年可谓将温布尔顿活动带到一个新高度。为此Lanson进行了全方位360度无死角的大众推广，不仅在业界业外、特殊渠道大作文章，还举办了两个消费者比赛创造气氛。重点是所有这一切推广活动，都在相对较低的预算下进行，且只动用了公司内部员工。评审盛赞此一推广活动“非常合理”，并考虑到了所有的要素，无论是向参与的顾客提供温布尔顿球赛入场门票，还是和Fred Olsen Cruises渡轮公司合作进行颇具盈利的广告搭售。整个推广的结果是在整个温网比赛的最后一周，Lanson稳占了整个香槟酒水类别销售的23%，Lanson白标香槟在没有任何价格促销情况下同比上年增长了160%——显示了消费者已将Lanson品牌视为温网体验的一部分。另外业内活动也在温网球赛的两周之外，为整个品牌的产品销售带来了19%的增长。总结而言，评审称其为“将赞助活动打造成市场推广的教科书式典范”。

社交媒体类冠军得主：Laphroaig #BIGOPINIONS by White Label UK

社交媒体推广是今年最让评审激动的一个类别。White Label在艾雷岛威士忌品牌Laphroaig的#BIGOPINIONS推广，极大利用了口口相传的力量，在推特上大胆强调了Laphroaig“爱它或恨它”的形象。White Label意识到，在大牌云集的威士忌领域，Laphroaig始终只是一个小品牌，但却有一群忠实的粉丝。因此，推广的任务关键在于使这些粉丝拿起笔（或是键盘，或者电话）成为活跃的品牌推广大使。White Label为此特意打造了一款推特API投射工具软件，能将推特上的实时信息转化并投射到Laphroaig的公众墙上，使其达到放大及广播的公告效果。整个推广从世界各地收集了这些推特信息，尤其激发了美国的威士忌粉丝，在短短5夜间得到了超过1000条推特信息，并将其公布在Laphroaig的公众墙上。另外 White Label还制作了一个详细介绍推广活动的视频。评审盛赞其为“聪明而简单易行的方法，关键还十分有效”，并称其#BIGOPINIONS运动结合了当地及国际力量。“社交媒体就该是全球化的，而这正是一个真正全球化的推广，却又一定程度地保持了本土的特色，因为所有的一切最终都转回到Laphroaig的公众墙。”

db Awards 2016: the winners

Neal Baker — Wed, 04 May 2016 15:30:32 +0000

Following the 13th annual db Awards ceremony at the London Wine Fair 2016 this week, here we publish the full list of winners in each category.

Now in its 13th year, the db Awards have become one of the most respected commemorations in the drinks industry.

From the retail sector to importers, logistics, design, marketing campaigns and launches, the db Awards are designed to recognise and reward top performers across the international drinks industry.

Unveiled each year at the London Wine Fair, it is a chance for outstanding companies and individuals to win high profile recognition in front of some of the industry’s most influential representatives. This year, the event took place on Wednesday 4 May at the Olympia exhibition centre in west London. Full details on all of our award winners will be published in the next issue of the drinks business. Scroll through to see who picked up awards at this year’s ceremony…

Best Design and Packaging in Wine

Winner: Altaland, Stranger & Stranger Runner up: Enfant Terrible, Denomination Special Commendation: Winecraft, Stranger & Stranger Special Commendation: Ramos Pinto RP10, OM Design Shortlist:

Altaland - Stranger & Stranger
Enfant Terrible - Denomination
Ramos Pinto RP10 - OM Design
Winecraft - Stranger & Stranger

Best Design and Packaging in Spirits

Winner: Isle of Harris Gin, Stranger & Stranger Runner up: Quinine Gin, ATOM Supplies Special Commendation: Chivas Regal ‘The Icon’, Coley Porter Bell Shortlist:

Chivas Regal ‘The Icon’, Coley Porter Bell
Isle of Harris Gin, Stranger & Stranger
Quinine Gin, ATOM Supplies
Sauza Tequila, Webb de Vlam

Vin de France Special Award, sponsored by Anivin de France

Winner: Pure Petit Verdot

Best Consumer Campaign

Winner: The Championships, Wimbledon, Champagne Lanson Runner up: Le Tour de France 2015, Cono Sur Shortlist:

Domaine Evremond, R&R Teamwork / Hatch Mansfield
Le Tour de France 2015, Cono Sur
The Championships, Wimbledon, Champagne Lanson
Wolf Blass, Treasury Wine Estates

Best Launch

Winner: Domaine Evremond – History in the making (R&R Teamwork / Hatch Mansfield)

Best Social Media Campaign

Winner: Laphroaig #BIGOPINIONS, White Label UK Special Commendation: International Sherry Week, ESOES Digital Solutions Shortlist:

International Sherry Week, ESOES Digital Solutions
Laphroaig #BIGOPINIONS, White Label UK
The Last Days of Tua Esporão
#WhiskySanta, Master of Malt

Drinks Event of the Year

Winner (Trade): The Showcase, Enotria & Coe Winner (Consumer): The Sunday Times Vintage Festival, Direct Wines Runner Up: The Whisky Show, The Whisky Exchange Shortlist:

Diageo Special Releases Story PR
Mercado Chileno Wines of Chile
Polo in the Park Champagne Lanson
The Sunday Times Vintage Festival Direct Wines
The Showcase Enotria&Coe
The Whisky Show The Whisky Exchange

Logistics Company of the Year

Winner: JF Hillebrand Special Commendation: STI Internazionale Shortlist:

LCB
JF Hillebrand
STI Internazionale
Kuehne+ Nagel

Supply Chain Initiative of the Year

Winner: Liv-Ex

PR Company of the Year

Winner: Deussen Global Communications Runner up: Phipps Shortlist:

Clarion Communications
Deussen Global Communications
LDR
Phipps

On-trade Supplier of the Year

Winner: Liberty Wines Shortlist:

Bibendum
Enotria&Coe
Jascots
Liberty Wines

Drinks Company of the Year

Winner: Concha Y Toro UK Runner up: Liberty Wines Special commendation: Bibendum PLB Group Shortlist:

Bibendum PLB Group
Concha y Toro UK
Liberty Wines
Treasury Wine Estates

Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner: Borough Wines Runner up: Wood Winters Wine and Whiskies Special commendation: Real Ale – The Shop Shortlist:

Borough Wines
Real Ale – The Shop
Vagabond Wines
WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

Retailer of the Year

Winner: Waitrose Runner up: Aldi Shortlist:

Adnams
Aldi
Majestic
Waitrose

Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Whisky Exchange Shortlist:

Laithwaites
Master of Malt
The Whisky Exchange
Virgin Wines

Fine Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: BI Wines Runner up: Goedhuis & Co Shortlist:

BI Wines
Goedhuis & Co
Hedonism Wines

Retail Buying Team of the Year

Winner: Waitrose Special commendation: Hedonism Wines Shortlist:

Hedonism Wines
Waitrose

Retail Buyer of the Year

Winner: Daphne Teremetz, Spar

Travel Retail Operator of the Year

Winner: Dubai Duty Free

Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism

Winner: Sula Vineyards Runner up: Susana Baldo Wines Shortlist:

The Douro Boys
Sula Vineyards
Susana Balbo Wines
Tasting Table

Woman of the Year

Winner: Barbara Banke, Jackson Family Wines

Man of the Year

Winner: Troy Christensen, Enotria&Coe

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Mark Savage MW

Reasons to visit the LIWF: part 2

Rupert Millar — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:56:10 +0000

Despite some woe-laden headlines there are still compelling reasons to visit the London Wine Fair.

Anyone reading the majority of the headlines surrounding the LIWF of late might be forgiven for thinking that the poor fair was on teetering on the verge of a catastrophic collapse. It has certainly been hit hard but, as our preview pointed out last month, the LIWF still has its supporters and more recent news points to a new focus and sense of purpose. With the UK set to retain its place as one of the largest wine markets in the world over the next few years, following on from the first five reasons, here are the last five reasons for attending this year’s show.

5. DB Awards

As always the drinks business will be holding its annual awards ceremony at the fair. Celebrating the great and the good of the trade with awards for Man and Woman of the year, best PR campaign, on- and off-trade personalities, best packaging, logistics and responsible drinking among others. The event is invitation only but, even if you’re not up for an award but are lucky enough to be invited, it can provide a nice break from the fair floor and provides a chance to socialise with people you might not otherwise see and have a glass or two of fortifying Champagne. The shortlist for the awards has been published and can be viewed here.

4. Seminars, masterclasses and briefings

The LIWF is well known for its diverse and comprehensive range of seminars and briefings, often given by some of the trade’s leading figures. Highlights this year include: a presentation on counterfeiting given by KPMG and a Cobevco talk on bulk wine businesses. There will also be several masterclasses and tastings surrounding German wines too. Also new this time around will be the addition of “pop-up” tastings and “Speaker’s Corner”. The former will include a beer tasting, English Wine Producers, natural wines from Les Caves de Pyrene and a Croatian restaurant with indigenous varieties and food from Dalmatia, Slavonia and the Danube to match.

3. Increased on-trade focus

There have been complaints that the show has lost too much of its on-trade focus in recent years, particularly since moving to ExCel. However, this year, following on from several such initiatives, there is an even more concerted drive to boost sommelier numbers. Most notable is the moving of the fair to begin on a Monday but a new advisory board is packed with on-trade figures and fair organisers Brintex have been bombarding leading sommeliers with pre-paid Oyster cards, exclusive seminars with the likes of Gerard Basset MS MW and tastings.

2. My Wine Fair

The fair may be smaller but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fearsome amount of wine on offer. Any veteran of the world’s wine fairs knows that a degree of planning beforehand makes the whole experience much more structured and worthwhile. Similarly though, great pleasure can be found in stumbling across wines and regions completely unexpectedly. Stepping into the breach between the two is the My Wine Fair app. The app allows users to set up whole itineraries for the fair (which can be printed out at the information hub) from masterclasses to pop-up tastings as well as search for individual wines (colour coded to show which supply channel they are designated for).

1. The importance of the UK market

Ignore the UK market at your peril. It is still one of the largest in the world, eclipsed only by countries with much bigger populations such as the US, China and Germany or by countries with a wine-drinking heritage (France and Italy). The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) figures for 2012 show that the UK market accounts for 147,176,000 cases of wine, of all types, and 30 million cases of spirits. It is a diverse market worth £37bn that embraces wine and cuisine from every corner of the globe and is set to grow exponentially over this decade.

Top reasons to go to LIWF 2012

db staff writer — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:10:40 +0000

With just one week to go, the drinks business picks out some highlights to expect from the London International Wine Fair 2012.

Recent years have seen consecutive disruptions such as the swine flu epidemic; the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, which grounded flights and kept producers and visitors away and there was a threatened tube strike in 2011. This year things have run a lot smoother and some 35 countries are set to show over 20,000 wines and spirits making the LIWF a unique trade-only tasting. Fair highlights that have made the news include six producers from Sichuan province exhibiting on a pavilion hosted by the Sichuan World Trade Centre, representing China's first time to take a stand at Distil. The focus is on premium Chinese spirits, most of which have never been exported to the UK. Meanwhile Tesco has announced it will be taking a stand at this year’s event. The wine team is setting up a “Dragons Den” style opportunity for anyone who thinks they have a good idea to come and meet with them. the drinks business will also announce the winners of their awards at an invitation-only ceremony on Wednesday 23 May at the show. In all, LIWF 2012 is set to be one of the biggest yet and here are some potential high lights to look out for. A full guide to the fair can be found in the drinks business' latest issue.

New discoveries

The new and unusual will be a running theme at the show. The focus of the fair is very much on discovery: new wines and spirits, new producers, emerging countries and regions, new vintage releases, seminars, debates and masterclasses. Some of the less well known countries that produce wine are back and several have taken larger stands, chief among them Turkey and Lebanon. However, Russia, Moldova and the Ukraine will also have bigger stands and India is set to return too. On the the IWSC stand next week will see the launch of the 2012 Northern Hemisphere Wine Results. There are also a number of tastings including Tom Cannavan presenting on medal winning Lebanese wines and Lynne Sherriff MW tasting some of the IWSC's top South African winners. A new feature this year will be the LIWF “matchmaker tool”, an online device designed to pick up on producers who are attending the fair without any form of UK representation and matching them with those registered to attend that will best suit their needs.

Independents

Another running theme through the show this year will be supporting independents. The show has declared that it intends to launch a “raft of activity at this year’s fair to increase the show’s appeal to independent retailers and help maximise its business-building potential”. The “Independent Business Lounge” is designed to help this process and will act as a base where retailers can plan and conduct business meetings, as well as providing seminars on issues such as managing foreign exchange rates and direct sourcing. Furthermore, the LIWF is sponsoring a new bursary scheme to give some assistance towards the travel cost of attending the show.

On-Trade

The attendance of the on-trade has been growing of late and it is something that organisers Brintex is keen to capitalise on with some restaurant-specific sessions. The On-trade Theatre will return this year in partnership with the Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) with some specially tailored sessions, including a tasting with “biodynamic champion” Nicolas Joly among others. Also new to the show will be the final of the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year on Wednesday 23 May.

Returning companies / Old favourites

Several companies are returning to the fair after a break, including D&D Wines and Les Grands Chais de France. The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) will be making a return visit with an exclusive tasting showing grand cru wines from the 2008 vintage on Tuesday 22 May from 11am to 4pm. Over 65 members of this illustrious group representing some of the most prestigious names in Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, St Estèphe, Listrac, Moulis, the Médoc, Haut- Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Barsac will fly from Bordeaux to participate at this special event on the opening day of the Fair.

Wine region promotion

France

The stated aim of the French contribution of the fair is of “promoting the diversity and accessibility of French wine styles”. Beaujolais will be showing wines from its 12 appellations with many producers in attendance. South West France Wines, meanwhile, has recruited the help of the Wine Gang to give a series of talks and tutored tastings on the region’s wines. In total, 51 companies will be presenting their wines the “Fast-Track to France” stand featuring award-winning wines from LIWF exhibitors.

Wines of Brazil

Wines of Brazil will be pushing its country’s image as “sexy and vibrant”, with a strong, dynamic economy and also a nation scheduled to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016. Particular emphasis will be placed on the country’s sparkling wines and Moscato.

English wines

Next week’s fair will see a significant presence of English wines with eight wineries represented, as wineries gear up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Olympics and Paralympics. Nyetimber (G8) will be taking a stand for the first time and Ridgeview Wine Estates (G20) will be back for its third year showing a portfolio of six wines including the Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs and Knightsbridge Blanc de Noirs. Litmus Wines (F11) will be showing its own Litmus Wines Element 20 range alongside Denbies' portfolio within the Small Independents Pavilion. Bibendum Wine (L30/L21) will be hosting five English wineries on its stand as part of its British Summer Time (BST) campaign: a’Becketts, from Wiltshire; Furleigh Estate from Dorset as well as Nyetimber, are all new to the portfolio. Also on the stand will be long-standing Bibendum agencies Chapel Down and Hush Heath Estate, both from Kent.

Brand/producer specific highlights

Amorim Amorim will once again be staging its Wine Faults Workshop. Winemaker Pascal Chatonnet will host the sessions and guide the audience through the three main faults commonly found in wine – reduction, oxidation and TCA – and how different types of closure can reflect the incidence. A practical tasting is included in the session. Buckingham Schenk Buckingham Schenk will be targeting the independent and on-trade sectors for the first time, in particular with its Argentine brand Viñalba. In addition, the distributor will once again be hosting guests aboard its tall ship Atlantis, with lunch and then cold beers at the end of the day. The company will also be pushing its Spanish and Italian ranges. Grupo Codorniu The group will be launching six new wines at LIWF including two new Cavas. The new sparkling wines are the Codorníu Brut and Codorníu Brut Rosado. The launch of two wines from the group's sustainable winery in Costers del Segre, Raimat and the sparkling “Brut Nature”. The group’s holdings in the New World will be launching wines: the 100% Gewürztraminer from Argentine winery Septima and a sub-£10 Sauvignon Blanc from the Invivo winery in New Zealand. Connoisseur Estates Connoisseur Estates will be showing a number of producers, many of whom will be showing new products and packaging designs and have their winemakers in attendance. Oldenburg Vineyards, a boutique winery from South Africa is new this year to the Connoisseur Estates portfolio and this will be the first time the wines will be on show at LIWF. De Bortoli De Bortoli will be showing its wines, with the whites recently dubbed “the best in 20 years”. The estate will also present its new range of Yarra Valley Pinot Noirs, including the Estate Grown, Reserve Release and Riorret 2010. The LIWF will also be the first opportunity to taste the 2011 Yarra Valley Reserve Release Chardonnay. Dedicated Wines The company will be offering “a menu of classic French wines” at its stand O21. Dedicated Wines explains: “We’ve never had a ‘suited and booted’ approach to wine fairs anyway, but we want to take it one stage further this year. So we’re creating ‘Le Bistro’ at O21 where we can sit with our customers and the press to sample and discuss our French wine selection in a French environment which will create some theatre at the show – we’re trying to put the ‘joie de vivre’ back into it.” Free Run Wines Champagne Jeeper joins Free Run Wines on its stand for the first time where it will be showing a range of its cuvées. Félix Solís Avantis, meanwhile, unveils its new La Mancha wines. Félix Solís has developed several new wines which will be available to taste the LIWF: Montefrío, Soliera, Viña San Juan and Caliza all available in red, white and rosé styles. The Fladgate Partnership All the group’s Ports will be available at the fair including new releases and vintages from Taylor’s, Croft and Fonseca, across its white, rosé, late bottled vintage, crusted, organic, aged tawny, single quinta and vintage ranges. Highlights include revamped label for Croft Pink, new vintages for its late bottled vintage range and an impressive selection of well priced, mature single quinta Ports dating back to 1996. United Wineries The company will be showing wines from one of Spain’s top luxury lifestyle brands Hacienda Zorita, including its estates in the Duero Valley and Rioja, with the wines from the former using Tempranillo, Syrah and Verdejo and those from the latter comprised of Tempranillo and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Hatch Mansfield Hatch Mansfield will have its full range at the fair with highlights including Caliterra showcasing the latest vintages from its estate including its two Tributo Edición Limitada red wines. Domaine Carneros will be showing the latest vintages from across its portfolio of sparkling and Pinot Noir wines including the Famous Gate Pinot Noir 2007 and Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Brut 2004. The new Contino Blanco 2010 will be available to taste. Also new to the Contino range and on show at the fair are barrel samples of the Contino Garnacha 2009 which will be launched in September.

db awards Archives - The Drinks Business

Week in pictures: 18-24 May

The Drinks Business Awards 2024

Dea Latis

Never Say Die Rye Whiskey

London Wine Fair

Hog's Back Brewery

The Drinks Business Awards 2024: open for entries

This year's categories are:

Man of the Year

Woman of the Year

Young Achiever of the Year

Retail Buyer of the Year

Retail Buying Team of the Year

Business Awards

Drinks Company of the Year (Wine, Spirits & Beer)

Logistics Company of the Year

Distribution Company of the Year

Supply Chain Initiative of the Year

PR Company of the Year (Wine, Spirits & Beer)

Multiple Retailer of the Year

Online Retailer of the Year

Independent Retailer of the Year

Fine Wine Retailer of the Year

On-trade Supplier of the Year

Marketing Awards

Best Design & Packaging (Wine, Spirits & Beer) – sponsored by O-I: Expressions

Best Trade Campaign (Wine, Spirits & Beer)

Best Social Media Campaign

Best Drinks Event

Best Consumer Campaign (Wine, Spirits & Beer)

Best Launch (Wine, Spirits & Beer)

Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism

The Sparflex Award for Best English and Welsh Sparkling Wine Packaging

Sponsors

The Drinks Business Awards 2023 shortlist revealed

Best Design & Packaging Wine

Best Design & Packaging Spirits

Independent Retailer of the Year

Online Retailer of the Year

Fine Wine Retailer of the Year

On-Trade Supplier of the Year

Best Drinks Event

Trade Campaign of the Year

Social Media Campaign of the Year

PR Company of the Year

Best Supply Chain Initiative

Drinks Company of the Year

The Drinks Business Awards 2022 winners

Design & Packaging awards

Marketing awards

Retail awards

Company awards

Logistics awards

Personality awards

Sponsors

The Drinks Business Awards: open for entries

The Drinks Business Awards 2021 winners

Design & Packaging awards

Marketing awards

Retail awards

Company awards

Logistics awards

Personality awards

The Drinks Business Awards 2021 shortlist

Shortlists for the design & packaging awards

Shortlist for the company awards

Shortlist for the retail awards

Shortlist for the marketing awards

The Drinks Business Awards 2020: the winners

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the 2020 Drinks Business Awards, which were announced yesterday at a virtual ceremony, streamed from Asia House in London.

Design and packaging awards

Marketing awards

Retailer awards

Company awards

Logistics awards

Personality awards

The Drinks Business Awards 2020 to air on Thursday

The winners of The Drinks Business Awards 2020 will be announced at a virtual ceremony, which will air at 2pm BST this Thursday 1 October.

The Drinks Business Awards 2019: the winners