Pernod Ricard Winemakers was presented with the Inclusive & Diverse Workplace Award at the 2023 Australian Drinks Awards hosted at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Thursday evening.
The award had previously been won by Treasury Wine Estates in both 2022 and 2021.
Among a record number of entries for this year's award, the judging panel unanimously favoured the Pernod Ricard Winemakers' (PRW) comprehensive campaign aimed at enhancing the adoption of flexible working arrangements and parental leave among males within its organisation.
Mia Lloyd, General Manager for Customer Loyalty, Trade Planning and Insights at Coles, has been on the judging panel for the past two years. She said that while all entrants demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, prioritising people's wellbeing, and driving cultural change within their businesses, PRW was the stand-out winner.
In its submission, PRW said: “It’s clear that encouraging men to take parental leave and utilise flexible working arrangements helps to remove the stigma of men being active fathers and the barriers to career progression faced by women.”
The implementation of PRW’s targeted awareness campaign and policy improvements resulted in an impressive 25% increase in males taking parental leave over a two-year period.
The 2023 Inclusive & Diverse Workplace Award was proudly sponsored by Coles Liquor, and Chris Tabois, General Manager - Commercial, presented the award on behalf of the company to PRW on the night in the presence of 380 attendees.
In his speech, he said: “Diversity and inclusion are more than just ideals; they are the heart of progress, innovation, and success within any organisation. All entrants stand at the forefront of this, embracing a vision that transcends conventional boundaries and celebrates the richness of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.”
“The winner has embarked on a comprehensive campaign that seeks to redefine traditional gender roles and empower its male employees to take an active role in both their professional and family lives.”
“It is with great pleasure that we award the Inclusive and Gender Diverse workplace award to Pernod Ricard Winemakers.”
Christian Campanella, HR, Communications and S&R Director for Pernod Ricard Winemakers said: “Through our work, we have tried to break down barriers and challenge biases that may have been traditionally associated with men adopting the flexible working arrangements or parental leave options available to them. Our aim is to give parents, whatever their gender, the opportunity and flexibility to embrace parenthood.
“We are very proud to be recognised for this achievement and hope that this will continue to encourage others to embrace this flexibility across the drinks industry.”
During the evening, PRW also picked up the Fan Favourite Brand Award for the White Wine category with Jacob’s Creek, reclaiming the title after its last win in 2019. The award had been claimed by Oyster Bay in both 2022 and 2021.
Drinks Association CEO Georgia Lennon said: “Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ comprehensive initiative authentically addressed deep-seated values and impressed the judges with its focus, specificity, and creativity. This outstanding submission, encompassing all pillars of diversity, stands as a testament to PRW’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving workplace.”
In April this year, PRW was also recognised in the AFR Boss 2023 Best Places to Work list where it was named the best performing alcohol company within the Manufacturing & Consumer Goods Category. The list recognised organisations who are pioneering new ways of working and pushing the boundaries of workplace policies and practices.
And in 2021, PRW became one of the first organisations in Australia to be officially recognised as a Family Inclusive Workplace™ under the National Work + Family Standards created by Parents At Work and UNICEF Australia.
Vince Sorrenti was MC at the eleventh annual Australian Drinks Awards, where 48 awards were distributed to recognise achievement and excellence in the drinks industry, including three Contribution to Industry Awards: Inclusive and Diverse Workplace, Corporate Social Responsibility and Most Improved Gender Equity.
The Drinks Association congratulates its Category One Member Pernod Ricard Winemakers on winning the 2023 Inclusive & Diverse Workplace Award.
Coles Liquor is a Retail Partner of the Drinks Association.
The Drinks Association would like to extend its thanks to its generous sponsors for this year’s event.
All the winners from the 2023 Australian Drinks Awards are available here:
