Drinks Retailing Awards

Off Licence News

Bishops Finger

Sponsoring Supermarket of the Year 

Bishops Finger Strong Kentish Ale is the UK's oldest bottled beer. It takes its quirky name from finger-shaped Kentish wayside signposts which pointed pilgrims the way to St Thomas a Becket's shrine in Canterbury Cathedral. It is brewed using 100% natural ingredients, Kentish hops and barley, and natural chalk-filtered mineral water from the brewery's own artesian well.

This delicious 5.4% abv hoppy ale holds the rare distinction of being granted Protective Geographic Indication by the European Union, recognising its distinctive provenance, and is believed to be unique in that it's a product of a single county.

Created at the Faversham Brewery in 1958, Bishops Finger has been brewed continuously ever since and is unique in many ways. It is certainly the only English

beer to have its own Charter, which decrees that the ale must be brewed only on Fridays by the Head Brewer and that it must be tasted on a weekly basis by a member of the Board of Directors. The Charter further stipulates that the ale can only be brewed using pure artesian well water drawn from Kentish Greensand, winter pearl malting barley harvested from Denne Hill Farm at Womenswold between Canterbury and Dover, and peerless East Kent Goldings hops, grown less than 30 miles away from the brewery.

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer. Founded in 1698, the fifth generation family

business is based in the historic town of Faversham, Kent. All our beer is brewed using natural chalk-filtered mineral water from our artesian well. We are the only UK brewer to continue to use wooden mash tuns, made from Russian teak dating from the early 1900s.

The company also prides itself on being one of the country's greenest brewers, recycling 97% of raw materials, using locally-sourced ingredients in its brewing and pub food and providing free bikes to brewery employees. The company currently holds a Queen's Award for Sustainable Development and the National Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.

British American Tobacco

Carlsberg

Sponsoring Multiple Beer Retailer of the Year 

Carlsberg UK is the second largest brewer in the UK and is performing ahead of the market in the Off Trade over the latest 52 weeks (value growth of +4.7%) During the last 12 months we sold 4.7 million hectolitres, an increase of 5% versus the previous 12 months.

Operating from two breweries, one in Leeds and the other in Northampton we have a network of distribution depots across the country. Over the last 7 years Carlsberg has invested over £80 million at the two brewery sites, focusing on improving capacity and efficiency to make sure we can continue to provide a dedicated and committed service to our customers.

At Carlsberg UK we pride ourselves on the range and variety of products we can offer to our customers, all of which attract their own unique consumer:

• Carlsberg - the fastest growing standard lager in Independents
• Carlsberg Export - the second largest premium lager in Independents
• Carlsberg Special Brew - number one super strength in independents
• Carlsberg Elephant - a rich speciality lager with a complex flavour
• Tetley's Original - the number 2 standard non draught ale within Total Take Home
• Tetley's Smoothflow - the number 3 standard draught ale in Total Take Home
• Holsten Pils - Showing strong growth in the Total Take Home Premium lager market.
• Holsten Alcohol Free - brewed with the quality of a Holsten Beer, but with all the alcohol removed after the brewing process
• San Miguel - the number one World Beer in Total Take Home
• Skol - the number one Commodity Lager in independents
• Skol Super - the fastest growing Super Strength lager in Independents
• Tuborg - the fastest growing World Beer in Total Take Home
• Okocim - one of the best known brands in Poland

Source: AC Nielsen MAT to 13th June 2009

Concha y Toro

Sponsoring Multiple Wine Retailer of the Year 

Concha y Toro is Chile's leading exporter of premium branded wine, with markets in over 130 countries around the world. The key to its success around the world is an unswerving passion for wine and total commitment to quality.

The longest, thinnest country in the world, Chile has an extraordinary diversity of climate and geography from north to south. The wine valleys lie across the middle of the country, each with their own unique growing conditions. Concha y Toro currently owns 8,720 hectares of vineyards, throughout Chile, which gives the company a very high degree of control and flexibility. The vineyards are planted with the most suitable grape varieties for the soils and climate, which means that the winemaking team have access to top quality fruit.

Concha y Toro's winemaking team is headed up by some stellar names. Marcelo Papa is the head winemaker of Casillero del Diablo and Marques de Casa Concha as well as heading up Concha y Toro's new winery; Maycas del Limarí, and one of Chile's most talented winemakers. Ignacio Recabarren, responsible for Trio, Terrunyo, Amelia and flagship Carmenère, Carmin de Peumo, is one of the original Chilean trailblazers. Enrique Tirado is the head winemaker of Don Melchor, a wine which consistently scores above 90 points in The Wine Spectator. Don Melchor 2003 was nominated the ‘fourth best wine in the world' by Wine Spectator and the 2005 vintage has been awarded 96 points.

2009 sees the launch of Concha y Toro Group's Sustainable Development Programme. As South America's leading producer of premium wines, Concha y Toro has long recognised its responsibility to reduce its carbon footprint and lead by example with practical environmental initiatives. Indeed, the Group has been working with sustainable agricultural practices since the late 1990s. In 2007, Concha y Toro undertook a comprehensive audit, from vineyard to office, to calculate its total carbon footprint. With a clear picture of its current impact on the environment in every area of the business, a resolution has been made to reduce energy and fuel consumption, assess alternative energy sources such as geo-thermal and solar power, search for supplies with less GHG emissions and to establish specific goals to achieve these reductions.

The first step to be implemented is a move to lighter-weight bottles across 20 brands, comprising some 68.4 million bottles.

Diageo Reserve

Sponsoring Online/Direct Mail Retailer of the Year

First Drinks

Sponsoring Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year 

First Drinks...the first choice for building brands

Earlier this year, First Drinks announced the arrival of the Rémy Cointreau brands into the business, making it the country's leading supplier of premium drinks brands* with more than a 25% share of the premium spirits market.

The significant development for First Drinks adds a further 250,000 cases to its portfolio, significantly upweighting the company's presence in the market.

First Drinks' portfolio includes the world's most awarded single malt, Glenfiddich, as well as Russia's number one premium vodka, Russian Standard, and two of the three biggest liqueurs in the country - Cointreau and Disaronno.  Rémy Martin cognacs and Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck champagnes also help make the portfolio one of the most impressive in the industry.

With more than 20 brands in the business, First Drinks has strong brand offerings in the cognac and champagne categories and is a key player in the whisky, vodka,  non-cream liqueur, premium rum and white spirits categories.

By knowing the audience for each of our brands, we focus on pressing the right buttons and increasing the effectiveness of our marketing budgets.  By devoting time and energy to understanding and working in partnership with our customers, we increase sales and revenue for our brands...and ultimately you.

Get in touch with our team on 02380 312000

* Bottles that retail for £20+ per 70cl

Gaymer Cider Company

Sponsoring Cider Retailer of the Year

Gaymer Cider Company is the proud sponsor of the ‘Cider Retailer of the Year' category at OLN's 2009 Drinks Retailing Awards.  Based in the heart of cider country in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, Gaymer Cider Company is the second largest cider maker in the UK and has a heritage that dates back to 1770.  This extensive knowledge of the cider industry allows Gaymer Cider Company to offer second-to-none advice and extensive support to retailers - sponsoring this award builds on its commitment. 

Gaymer Cider Company wishes finalists the best of luck at the Drinks Retailing Awards.

Gaymer Cider Company's portfolio of brands includes:

• Gaymers original and Gaymers pear cider - made with English apples or pears, both have a refreshingly smooth taste and are enjoying impressive growth in the premium-mainstream sector[1]
• Gaymer's Orchard Reserve - a premium, vintage, single orchard cider, with only a 6.8% ABV, it offers a lighter alternative to wine. Orchard Reserve is available in two variants, Orchard Reserve Stewley and Orchard Reserve Newton's Vale.
• Blackthorn - Blackthorn is the number one cider in the South West, and is involved in sponsorship of many of the South West's favourite sports teams.
• Olde English - with a refreshing appley flavour, Olde English is an easy drinking, enjoyable cider that's particularly popular in the Midlands heartland
• Addlestones - a naturally cloudy, premium cider, which is delicious served on its own or paired with great British gastropub cuisine.
• Gaymer's County Series - two high quality, great tasting, local English ciders, Gaymer's Somerset Cider and Gaymer's Devon Cider are full of the distinctive character of their origins and can be enjoyed on their own or served with food.
  

Marston's Beer Company

Sponsoring Drinks Wholesaler of the Year

Marston's Pedigree has been proudly brewed in oak barrels using the Burton Union system since 1875. This traditional method of brewing has been abandoned by the majority of brewers for more cost-effective and low maintenance technology.

But Marston's master brewers would never craft our beer any other way.

The system produces a real depth of flavour that many beers have lost over the years and by using Burton spring water, we are able to create the unique taste that has been loved by generations.

Marston's - Proud of our Pedigree.

Negociants UK

Sponsoring Independent Wine Retailer of the Year

Established in 1990, Negociants UK is proud to import family wines of pedigree, provenance and personality.

Negociants UK represents an impressive collection of Australian and New Zealand family-owned wines, from entry-level through to limited production icon wines, and we take our values of knowledge, service and friendship seriously!

Parent company, Yalumba, Australia's oldest family owned winery, remains fiercely independent and extremely progressive under the ownership of fifth generation Robert and Sam Hill Smith, sons of Wyndham and Helen Hill Smith. For over 160 years Yalumba has played a pivotal role in the Barossa, making wines that reflect the best of region. Their foresight and experience is unmatched, which brings a confidence to dare to be different.

Teamwork is vital and decisions are the result of patience, consensus and innovation. There is foresight to micromanage individual vineyards, a will to preserve the very old vines of the Barossa, and knowledge to behave as a leader in the wine industry. Yalumba's pioneering work with the rare grape variety Viognier is an example of this.

Brands in the Negociants UK portfolio include; Yalumba, Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Heggies Vineyard, Jim Barry , Vasse Felix, Nautilus Estate Marlborough, Jansz Tasmania, Seppeltsfield, mesh, Oxford Landing Estate, Redbank, Twin Islands, Opawa and Smith & Hooper.

Old Speckled Hen

Sponsoring Drinks Buying Team of the Year 

With a brewing history spanning 200 years, Greene King is as committed to quality brewing today as it was two centuries ago and is proud of the consistent quality, variety and reputation of its beer.

From its two breweries in Bury St Edmunds and Dunbar (part of the Belhaven division of the business), Greene King combines a strong brewing heritage and successful traditional ale brands with a modern,  forward thinking outlook to retailing.

Greene King is delighted to be a sponsor of this year's Drinks Retailing Awards for the 3^rd year running, and specifically of the Drinks Buying Team of the Year Category, rewarding retailers of all shapes and sizes for their passion and dedication to the drinks industry.  While we can provide and market the beer, we need committed retailers to sell them and build a reputation for quality drinks.

Ongoing support offered to us by retailers and working with them to respond to the changing requirements of the marketplace is key to the success of our brands and to the sector.

Retailers need a combination of trusted and quality brands as well as exciting new products and seasonal ales to keep the consumer stimulated, and Greene King does that.  Greene King Brewing Company's wide portfolio includes four of the country's best-known ale brands - Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen (the number 1 Premium ale in Britain) and Ruddles County - as well as award-winning heritage brands such as Old Bob, Abbot Reserve, Old Crafty Hen, Std Edmunds and Olde Trip.

Providing beer-lovers with a choice of a wide variety of quality, great-tasting ales is at the forefront of our business.  We invest heavily in our brands, including TV support and are continually looking to work with retailers to respond to customer requirements and innovate with new beers and formats.

Pernod Ricard UK

Sponsoring High Street Chain of the Year 

Pernod Ricard UK is part of Pernod Ricard - co-leader of the global wines and spirits industry. Globally, Pernod Ricard represents 91 million cases of spirits and 25 million cases of wine, and owns 19 of the world's top 100 brands.

Pernod Ricard UK is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Pernod Ricard's leading premium spirits, wines and champagnes in the UK. These brands include ABSOLUT VODKA, Brancott Estate wine, Campo Viejo wine, Chivas Regal whisky, G.H. Mumm champagne, Havana Club rum, Jacob's Creek wine, Jameson Irish whiskey, Malibu rum, Martell Cognac, Perrier Jouët champagne and The Glenlivet whisky.

Pernod Ricard UK is a member of The Portman Group promoting responsible drinking.

Follow Pernod Ricard UK on Twitter: PRUKNewsWine & PRUKNewsSpirits

Thatchers

Sponsoring Independent Cider Retailer of the Year

Thatchers Cider is delighted to be sponsoring the Independent Cider Retailer of the Year category at the 2011 Drinks Retailing Awards.

At Thatchers we have been crafting premium cider from English apples at our Somerset mill since 1904.

Thatchers is a family run business, growing from farm-house producer into one of the country's leading craft cider makers. We own over 360 acres of orchard here in Somerset and believe that as a rurally-based company we are in a privileged position to not only produce the best quality Somerset cider, but that we can support and maintain our beautiful countryside for the benefit of the whole community.

We thrive on new ideas and keep our portfolio fresh with innovative products, maintaining our reputation for quality ciders bursting with taste. Our Somerset ciders are made with the care and attention only Thatchers can bring.

Our portfolio includes:

Thatchers Gold is our flagship brand, a crisp refreshing cider with a smooth appley taste and bright sparkle. 4.8% abv.

Thatchers Katy is a light, dry, fragrant and softly sparkling cider, crafted from the Katy apple. 7.4%.

John Thatchers Vintage is a distinctive, blended cider produced from some of the finest English apple varieties. Matured in oak vats, this fresh, softly rounded medium cider is light gold in colour with a touch of sparkle and a fruity, floral aroma. 7.4%.

Thatchers Green Goblin is a 6% bittersweet cider, full of rich flavours and beautifully balanced to give a fresh character with a medium dry finish.

Katy Rosé is a refreshingly light and fruity cider. It has been blended and blushed from the rosiest Katy apples. 5.4%.

Thatchers Ciderberry is a rich, red, lightly sparkling cider - a delicious blend of blueberries, blackcurrants and raspberries, together with the finest English apples. 5.4%.

Thatchers Pear Cider is matured in oak vats, with Thatchers traditional techniques and expertise used to produce this delicious and refreshing pear cider. 4.5%.

Global Brands

Sponsoring Innovation of the Year 

UK-based Global Brands manufactures, distributes and owns a range of alcoholic drinks brands. The company, which formed in 1997, is a vodka specialist and has enjoyed rapid growth from the success of its flagship brand VK, which launched in 1999. Global Brands remains one of the few independent international drinks companies operating today.

VK marked its 10^th anniversary in 2009 and celebrated being the third biggest RTD brand in the UK with a growth of + 4 per cent*. VK is set to sell its billionth bottle in 2010 and the vodka-based range now includes VK Blue, V Ice, VK Cherry, VK Apple, VK Orange, VK Tropical and the Quality Drinks Award-winning VK Pear.

Global Brands has successfully invigorated interest in the RTD category with launches such as VK Mojito, an RTD twist on the popular cocktail which was a first in the industry in 2008. The latest innovation is VK LO, a low calorie, low alcohol RTD which is targeted at the female market, and is yet another first in the sector.

The introduction of new flavours since its launch in 1999 has helped the company to remain one of the biggest players in a challenging marketplace.

Global Brands is broadening their portfolio further by developing and distributing a selection of imported beers and spirits within the UK, such as Myers's Rum, Sobieski Vodka and Goldschlager.

Other Global Brands products include:-

• Corky's flavoured vodka shots - An award-winning and versatile range of liqueurs that can be enjoyed as a shot, over ice, with a mixer or as a cocktail.
• Kick Energy - A non-alcoholic energy drink.
• Amigos tequila beer - A premium 6% ABV tequila flavoured lager.

Global Brands is delighted to be a sponsor of this year's Drinks Retailing Awards and wishes all finalists the best of luck.

* AC Neilson MAT data 2009