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Budweiser Budvar
Sponsoring Independent Drinks Retailer of the Year
Life in our business has never been so tough says our off-trade sales director Jon Whittle. And with 30 years in the business under his belt he should know. He also realises that the people really up at the sharp end are the independent retailers where everyday is like steering a small boat through a storm. The wonderful thing is, says Whittle, is that so many of them are doing it so well often pioneering initiatives that will be taken up by the rest of the business, and that is why Budvar UK is so chipper about once again sponsoring the Independent Drinks Retailer of the Year category.
We flatter ourselves that at Budvar we are the ideal choice for this sponsorship if only because we are the only independent Czech brewer left on the world stage and however tough the going we are still out there ploughing our own furrow whatever the economic weather. That means we know what it's like for the independent retailer. One thing we at Budvar have proved time and again is if you're good whatever the weather you are going to make it and that's what we are celebrating at these awards.
www.budweiserbudvar.co.uk
Carlsberg
Sponsoring Multiple Beer Retailer of the Year
Carlsberg UK is the best performing of the UK's four largest brewers. Sales in the in the Take Home sector were ahead of the market over the past year, showing value growth of 5.4%, and market-leading volume growth of 2.3%.
Our brewery in Northampton is one of the most modern brewing and packing facilities in the country and we have a network of distribution depots across the country. Carlsberg continues to invest in 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 offer to our customers, with a combined portfolio of products appealing to every sector of the market
- Carlsberg - A Top 3 standard lager in Total Take Home, and the only one to be growing YoY within Impulse
- Carlsberg Export - A Top 3 premium lager in Total Take Home -
- Carlsberg Special Brew - The number one super strength lager in Total Take Home
- Tetley's Original - the number one standard non draught ale in Total Take Home
- Tetley's Smoothflow - the number 3 standard draught ale in Total Take Home
- Holsten Pils - A Top 10 Premium lager, with strong consumer loyalty
- 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
- Mahou - Spain's no. 1 beer brand
- Skol - the number one Commodity Lager in independents
- Skol Super - The number 2 Super Strength lager in Independents
- Tuborg - the number three World Beer in Total Take Home
- Staropramen - The iconic premium Czech lager
Source: AC Nielsen Beer Market to 11th June 2011
www.carlsberg.co.uk
Copestick Murray
Sponsoring Multiple Specialist Retailer of the Year
Established in 2005 Copestick Murray is now one of the leading UK Wine Agency Businesses. Together with its sister company Cornerstone, turnover for 2012/13 will exceed £25,000,000. Exciting agencies such as Vintae, Overhex, Vina Casablanca, Bodegas Paniza, Matahiwi and Follador are complimented by joint ventures in California, Australia and Romania. Additionally Copestick Murray has now become a brand owner and creator. Its own I heart brand is already experiencing national and international success.
As well as a fantastic supply base much of Copestick Murray's can also boast a loyal and diverse customer base. It has numerous listings with many of the leading UK supermarkets, multiple specialists, national brewers, wholesalers, independent retailers, e commerce sites and premium restaurants.
There is a loyal and talented team behind the success and there will be more exciting developments to come.
Watch this space.
www.cmwinesolutions.com
Free Run Wines
Sponsoring Champagne Retailer of the Year
Free Run Wines is a dynamic and innovative wine importer focused on supplying the needs of the major supermarkets, wholesalers, high street retailers and the on-trade.
Placing as much emphasis on the development of our own range of premium wines as we do on supplying the highest quality wines at the best possible prices, we work closely with our network of wine producers from Spain, France, New Zealand and Chile to ensure a flexible and pro-active service.
Our key brands include:
- Champagne Jeeper
- Waipara Hills
- Viña Albali
- Chateau de Jau
- Castillo de Albai
- Le Cellier des Princes
- Les Calades
www.freerunwines.com
Glengoyne
Sponsoring Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year
Multi Gold Award-winning Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. The Glengoyne portfolio consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old, 12 Years Old Cask Strength, 17 Years Old , 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972 as well as other limited edition special bottlings.
Glengoyne Distillery, Scotland's most southerly Highland distillery, is situated in a wooded glen, just 30 minutes from Glasgow, at the start of the stunning West Highland Way and looking out over the Trossachs and Loch Lomond.
Glengoyne Highland Single Malt is distilled slower than any other Scotch whisky. Its high quality and smooth taste is attributed to this slow distillation, which is about one third the normal rate. SLOWLY distilling the spirit allows more contact with our copper pot stills, encouraging the formation of esters which creates Glengoyne's distinctive apple fruitiness.
The same traditional methods and basic ingredients have been used for over 175 years at Glengoyne distillery, handcrafted over the generations. Glengoyne uses only air-dried malted barley, rather than barley dried using harsh peat smoke, allowing the flavours to freely express themselves, the real taste of malt, without being overwhelmed and giving Glengoyne its fresh, subtle taste.
The final character of this unique single malt comes from the specially selected Spanish and American oak casks, seasoned with sherry in Spain. Glengoyne slowly extracts many unique flavours during the ten years or more in which it is maturing in the distillery's traditional dark airy dunnage warehouses. The milder climate of the southern Highlands also affects the maturing whisky over time, resulting in the smoother, lighter, yet complex taste that is firmly associated with Glengoyne.
Only the SLOWEST distillation process, untainted by peat smoke creates Glengoyne.
For more information on Glengoyne visit: www.glengoyne.com
For further details on stocking Glengoyne, please contact Neil Boyd , UK Commercial Director and Alan Wardrop, UK Sales Manager, Ian Macleod Distillers, 01506 852205.
The best way to appreciate the quality of Glengoyne is to drink it SLOWLY. Sit back, relax and savour the subtle flavours. Glengoyne should never be rushed. Always drink responsibly.
www.glengoyne.com
Hooch Alcoholic Lemon Brew
Sponsoring Newcomer of the Year
Hooch Alcoholic Lemon Brew, the original lemon RTD that defined the Brit Pop generation, is back on the market almost a decade since it was last available in the UK.
The iconic brand, which features real fruit juice and is renowned for its sharp lemon taste, features the new tagline, ‘Refreshment with Bite'.
As part of the revival, Hooch has been evolved for the 21st century consumer and is now available in distinctive 500ml bottles and designed to be served over ice. Hooch already has a loyal following, and the brand's new, ‘over ice' serve is popular with the current generation of drinkers.
Global Brands support package for Hooch's re-launch includes a heavy weight media investment campaign involving targeted social media activity and above the line advertising on football boards, taxi cabs and national TV. This high profile brand support will continue into 2013 to ensure Hooch is at the forefront of consumer's minds at key selling periods.
Global Brands
Global Brands is one of the UK's leading drinks brand development businesses that owns, markets and distributes an enviable portfolio of brands across the spirit, beer, RTD and soft drinks categories. These brands include VK, Kick Energy, Amigos Tequila Beer, Hooper's, Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur and Jungfrau herbal liqueur
http://globalbrands.co.uk/brands/rtd/hooch
Makulu
MAKULU - Sponsors of Drinks Retailing Awards Convenience Store of the Year 2013.
MAKULU wines from South Africa are affordable, carefully crafted wines made by winemaker Theunis van Zyl especially for the UK and other European markets. IBL Wines are partners in the 100% sustainable Imbuko Winery which creates the MAKULU range.
An established name which rebranded in attractive contemporary livery earlier this year, MAKULU has managed to stay true to its aim of offering excellent wines at affordable prices.
We are proud to supply multiple and independent stores as part of our retail portfolio. Convenience stores play an important role in our area of business and we commend all the entrants to this year's Convenience Store of the Year Awards.
The winery prides itself on its sustainable farming methods and its ethical employment policies. Sales of MAKULU wines go towards supporting the winery's crèche and education centre, which benefits the children of those who work to produce and distribute the wines.
Over the years, we have continued to invest in the UK market to build an appealing, brand that delivers outstanding consumer value yet strong margins for our customers. In addition to the re-launch of our brand in 2012 we have introduced an additional range called Winemaker's Blend enabling us to broaden our spectrum with this even more affordable introductory range in addition to our varietals.
We are proud of our success and feel well placed to support those retailers selling our products by sponsoring this prestigious award in retail excellence - DRA CONVENIENCE STORE OF THE YEAR. We wish all entrants the best of luck.
*MAKULU PINOTAGE * MAKULU Winemaker's Blend WHITE
*MAKULU CHARDONNAY * MAKULU Winemaker's Blend RED
*MAKULU SHIRAZ * MAKULU Winemaker's Blend ROSE
*MAKULU CHENIN BLANC
*MAKULU PINOTAGE ROSE
*MAKULU SAUVIGNON BLANC - new
For further details on stocking MAKULU, please contact Paul Hinks, Retail Sales Director on 0208 6834565/4345
www.iblwines.com
Old Speckled Hen
Sponsoring Drinks Buying Team of the Year
Greene King is a heritage brewer, crafting quality beers at the Westgate Brewery in Bury St Edmunds since 1799 and at Belhaven in Dunbar, Scotland since 1719. With a broad portfolio of well-known, much-loved beers we provide retailers with a combination of trusted and quality brands as well as exciting new products and seasonal ales to keep the consumer engaged in the category.
As the Britain's number one premium ale brewer, our exciting range includes the nation's favourite premium ale, Old Speckled Hen; Greene King IPA; Belhaven Best and Abbot Ale as well as award-winning heritage brands such as Old Bob, Abbot Reserve, Old Crafty Hen, St Edmunds and Olde Trip - there's something for everyone.
Greene King is once again sponsoring the Drinks Retailing Awards and specifically the Drinks Buying Team of the Year category, rewarding retailers for their passion and dedication to the drinks industry.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 working with retailers to respond to customer requirements and innovate with new beers and formats.
www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk
Pedigree
Sponsoring Independent Beer Retailer of the Year
Marston's are the UK's largest brewer of craft Premium Bottled Ale, and with five regional breweries and six brand families our range of bottled and canned ales offers an ale trail of Britain that covers a wide range of exceptional beer styles and flavours.
Our flagship brand, Marston's Pedigree, has always been crafted using the finest natural ingredients to brew a truly exceptional Pale Ale.
We use only natural Burton spring water and traditional varieties of barley and malt and, uniquely across the world Marston's Pedigree is still brewed in the oak casks of the Burton Union to preserve its unique and consistent character, quality and taste.
As the "Official Beer of England" Marston's Pedigree is a long term supporter of English Cricket and there has never been a more exciting for the sport than 2013 with two Ashes series both home and away.
Marston's will be helping to maximise the 2013 Ashes events with a series on on-pack promotions to engage even more new consumers with the Premium Ale category.
www.marstonspedigree.co.uk
Pernod Ricard
Sponsoring Multiple Wine Retailer of the Year
Pernod Ricard UK is part of Pernod Ricard - co-leader of the global wines and spirits industry. We are a passionate, entrepreneurial and dynamic company responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of the Group's leading premium spirits, wines and champagnes in the UK.
Our popular wine brands in the UK market include Jacob's Creek, Brancott Estate and Campo Viejo. From Champagne, we have the houses of G.H.Mumm and Perrier-Jouët. Our spirits portfolio is led by our global icons ABSOLUT and Chivas Regal, supported by our premium spirits range including Martell, Havana Club, Jameson, Beefeater, The Glenlivet and Malibu.
Premium is synonymous with everything we do at Pernod Ricard UK; from our brands to how we interact with our customers. We see great opportunities in the UK market for premium spirits, wines and champagnes. As such, we recently launched our Jacob's Creek Regional Reserves, delivering great quality with the best grape/region combination from some of Australia's finest wine producing areas, whilst our spirits portfolio sees the launch of ABSOLUT MANGO and BERRI AÇAĺ. We are therefore delighted to support the DRAs in encouraging, recognising and rewarding innovation and best practice across the off-trade sector.
As a responsible marketeer, we have a variety of initiatives in place to promote responsible drinking. We are also an active member of social responsibility organisations such as the Portman Group and a regular contributor to the Drinkaware Trust and the Campaign for Smarter Drinking.
www.pernod-ricard.com
SHS Drinks
Sponsoring Responsible Retailer of the Year
SHS DRINKS, the drinks division of The SHS Group, is proud to sponsor this year's Responsible Retailer of the Year Award which recognises the significant front-line role that retailers play in promoting responsible drinking.
A full member of the Portman Group, SHS Drinks has been a staunch supporter of Drinkaware's industry-wide ‘Why Let Good Times Go Bad?' responsible drinking campaign since it was launched in 2009, and has introduced a number of its own initiatives, including a ‘Look After Your Mates' programme, to help raise awareness across a broad range of different consumer touch points.
The company's commitment to supporting the responsible drinking campaign was acknowledged when it was presented with The Extra Mile award (Supplier) Award at the 2010 Responsible Drinks Retailing Conference and Awards for ‘the way it had put across the sensible drinking message in a fun and quirky way'.
SHS Drinks is also a participant in the Low Alcohol Working Group and as part of the Responsibility Deal has used its extensive knowledge of alcohol and soft drinks technology to develop exciting new zero alcohol drinks which offer consumers a credible alternative to alcohol.
Last year the company launched Equator - a 0% alcohol beer flavour drink; and the Sorelle no-alcohol wine style range, both of which have been incorporated into SHS Drinks' brand portfolio which also includes WKD - Britain's leading RTD brand1; Shloer - the No 1 adult soft drinks brand in take home2; bottlegreen - the naturally stylish range of premium sparkling adult soft drinks and cordials; Merrydown Cider; and Joe's Cocktails.
1 Source: Nielsen Scantrack Total GB Take Home RTD category volume (L) and value (£) share, MAT to 08.12.12
2 Source: Nielsen Scantrack Total Coverage Take Home Defined Adult Soft Drinks Category, Volume 000 Units MAT 08.12.12
www.shs-drinks.co.uk
Sierra Tequila
Sponsoring Innovation of the Year
Sierra Tequila is the No.1 Tequila in the UK Convenience Market and delighted to be sponsoring Convenience store of the Year.
We would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank-You" to all our supporters, past, present and future.
It has been a great year for us with new product development, advertising and the quality awards continuing to roll in.
Recent awards include;
Trophy Winner - Tequila - ISC Awards 2011
Trophy Winner - Total Spirits Category - Excellence in Craftsmanship - ISC Awards 2011
Trophy Winner - Tequila - IWSC Awards 2010
"Tequila Master" - Tequila - "Spirits Masters" Awards 2011
and...
Hot off the press...Gold Medal Winner - Pre-Mix Drinks Challenge 2012 - for the New Sierra Margarita
The Award winning Range includes;
Sierra Silver & Reposado Tequila in 4cl, 35cl, 50cl, 70cl, litre and 3 litre.
Sierra Anejo Tequila (or "Aged) in 70cl
Sierra Milenario 100% Agave in Silver, Reposado and Extra Anejo styles.
and new...
Sierra Margarita - Ready to Serve 70cl.
Quality is our priority. We grow our own Agaves (The basic ingredient in all Tequila), select only the finest quality and distill in our own dedicated distillery in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Over the years Sierra Tequila has grown to be the No.1 Tequila Export from the Americas.
Independently owned by Borco-Marken-Import and exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by The Drinks Company Ltd. - Trophy Winner - "Spirits Importer of The Year" - IWSC 2010. The Drinks Company Ltd. distributes a range of leading and Iconic Spirits and Specialities from around the world
www.thedrinksco.co.uk
