Atop the plethora of high achievers who took away awards on the evening were the much-anticipated Brand of the Year and Supplier of the Year Major Award Winners.
Awarded to the best performing brand across all product and award categories, and for the second year running, Jim Beam was named as the industry’s 2016 Brand of the Year.On receiving the award, Demetrius Giouzelis, Group Marketing Manager at Beam Suntory said: “Thank you very much. I’m honoured to be awarded this on behalf of the team, Beam Suntory and Coca-Cola Amatil.”
Voted by both the on and off-premise trade as the most favourable supplier within the industry was Diageo, having received the revered title of Supplier of the Year.
Simon Tamke, Commercial Director, Australia & New Zealand at Diageo said: “Congratulations to all of the other winners. It’s great to be here tonight to celebrate a fantastic industry.
“For us at Diageo, this has been a journey over a number of years. So I want to say thank you to the team here tonight. We set ourselves a culture change a number of years ago and we recognise that there is value in partnering with our customers. Thank you very much, it’s a great honour and we will celebrate.”
Among Major Award winners were Fat Yak (Best Innovation), Canadian Club (Best Presence in Social Media), Jim Beam (Best Ad Campaign), Great Northern Brewing Company (Best Sales Achievement) and Vodka Cruiser (Most Loved Brand).
Hosted by the drinks association, the Australian drinks Awards are industry owned, celebrating the people and brands behind Australia’s leading beverages.
CEO of the drinks association, Sandra Przibilla said: “What a wonderful night it was on September 7 at the 2016 Australian drinks Awards. This is the one night of the year when we come together to celebrate our sector.
“From the moment guests arrived at the Sydney Cricket Ground’s Island Bar for our pre-awards party, hosted by Veritas, there was an unprecedented level of excitement in the room.
“Congratulations to all the 2016 Australian drinks Awards winners. We hope the accolade inspires you to further enhance your products.
“the drinks association is already working on plans to make the 2017 Australian drinks Awards even bigger and better. We look forward to seeing you in September 2017 for another fantastic evening.”
