2024 Australian Drinks Awards: Judging has commenced
The judging process for the 2024 Australian Drinks Awards is currently underway. The winners of the 48 accolades spanning Supplier, Contribution to Industry and Brand Awards categories will be presented on the evening of July 18 at the Hilton Sydney.
Revered Australian media personality and host of Channel 7’s breakfast program Sunrise, Edwina Bartholomew will assume the role of this year’s emcee and host.
Supplier Awards
The highly-coveted Supplier Awards are determined by the results of the industry-wide Engagement Program, facilitated by Advantage Group.
There are four key Supplier Award categories including Supplier of the Year, Most Improved Supplier, Category Management and Supply Chain Management.
Supplier of the Year Award
This prestigious award is determined by the supplier with the highest ‘Advantage Score’ resulting from the combined total retail/wholesale network across the four business engagement drivers: partnership, execution, reputation, and vision.
Carlton & United Breweries and CUB Premium Beverages were joint winners of the 2023 Supplier of the Year Award.
The 2024 Supplier of the Year Award is sponsored by Advantage Group.
Most Improved Supplier of the Year Award
This award celebrates suppliers who have successfully set and executed a plan of improvement and have been acknowledged by retailers for improving their professionalism and delivery across all areas of their commercial relationship.
William Grant & Sons and Campari were joint winners of the 2023 Most Improved Supplier of the Year Award.
The 2024 Most Improved Supplier of the Year Award is sponsored by ALM.
Category Management Award
This award recognises the increasingly important discipline of Category Management. Category Management is a key contributor to the retailer and supplier interface and significantly impacts how suppliers are perceived in their retailer engagement.
Carlton & United Breweries was the 2023 Category Management Award winner.
The 2024 Category Management Award is sponsored by Shopper Intelligence.
Supply Chain Management Award
This award recognises Supply Chain excellence in the capabilities and behaviours for managing both short and longer-term supply complexities in collaboration with retailers and wholesalers, and the ability to consistently drive high-quality service outcomes and deliverables.
CUB Premium Beverages was the 2023 Supply Chain Management winner.
The 2024 Supply Chain Management Award is sponsored by GS1 Australia.
Contribution to Industry Awards
The Contribution to Industry Awards have been refreshed this year to align with emerging priorities and challenges facing the drinks industry and introduce a renewed focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability.
The three Contribution to Industry Awards categories will be adjudicated by a panel of industry leaders, comprising members of the Drinks Association Board, representatives from member companies, and experts in Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability, and Employee Health & Wellbeing.
It’s important to note that any judge whose organisation has put forward a submission for a particular category of an award, is not eligible to participate in the judging process for that award.
Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative
(Formerly Most Improved Gender Equity and Most Inclusive & Diverse Workplace Awards)
This award recognises initiatives that successfully address a workforce challenge for an organisation relating to diverse or marginalised cohorts of employees or the wider community. These initiatives are judged alongside demonstrated continued focus and progress regarding gender equality.
The 2024 Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative Award is sponsored by Coles Liquor.
Best Wellbeing Initiative
(New Award)
This award acknowledges initiatives that prioritise the promotion and support of workforce health and wellbeing, showcasing their direct impact on organisational objectives.
The 2024 Best Wellbeing Initiative Award is sponsored by BevChain.
Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative
(Updated from Corporate Social Responsibility Award)
This award, co-created with the Drinks Association’s new Sustainability Council, highlights initiatives driving environmental engagement and social consciousness within the industry.
The 2024 Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative Award is sponsored by Endeavour Drinks Group.
In 2023, the Contribution to Industry Award winners were:
● Lion for Corporate Social Responsibility
● Pernod Ricard Winemakers for Inclusive and Diverse Workplace
● Australian Vintage for Most Improved Gender Equity
Brand Awards
There are 41 consumer-rated Brand Awards this year; with the winners determined by a survey conducted by Thrive Research.
The top 200 drinks brands in each category, identified by key retailer ranging and/or wholesaler withdrawal data are automatically entered into the competition. The survey gathers insights from 4,000 consumers aged 18 to 59 who are asked about their alcohol purchases in the past month and the reasons for their choices.
The Brand Awards are split into two categories: Fan Favorite and Gaining in Popularity.
Fan Favourite Awards
These awards encompass both brand and loyalty metrics to crown the most beloved brands among Australian consumers.
Below are last year's Fan Favourite Brand Award winners:
The 2024 Fan Favourite Brand Awards are sponsored by NIQ.
Gaining in Popularity Awards
These awards showcase emerging, innovative and interesting brands and reward consumer engagement across all key categories and segments.
Below are last year's Fan Favourite Brand Award winners:
The 2024 Gaining in Popularity Brand Awards are sponsored by StayinFront.
Read more about the 2023 Brand Awards winners.
Good luck to all the entrants!
The Drinks Association would like to extend its thanks to its generous sponsors for this year’s event.
