IWSC unveils 2015 trophy shortlists

The International Wine and Spirit Competition has revealed its shortlists for the 2015 Trophy Awards, featuring the brightest talent in the drinks trade.

The Retail Award category shortlists announced today are: Retail Wine Buyer of the Year, Online Retailer of the Year, Independent Retailer of the Year and Retail Spirits Buyer of the Year. The Retailer of the Year shortlist is will be announced later this month.

The shortlists announced today for the IWSC People Awards include: Outstanding Achievement in Scotch Whisky, Blogger of the Year, and The Julian Brind Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Wine Industry. Sponsored by Waitrose, the Outstanding Achievement in the Wine Industry was created in 2012 to highlight an individual who demonstrates exceptional contribution to increasing awareness of wine and spirits. Last year the trophy was won by former Selfridges beer, wine and spirit buyer, now head buyer at Speciality Drinks, Dawn Davies. The shortlists for Wine Importer of the Year and Spirits Distributor of the Year have also been announced.

Earlier this week the IWSC announced its 2015 wine trophy winners.

For a full update on nominees and selected candidates for the awards please visit www.iwsc.net. All winners will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet and winner’s gold medal tasting at London’s Guildhall on 26th November 2015. To book tickets for the awards dinner, contact Pip Mortimer at pip.mortimer@iwscgroup.com or call +44(0)1483 548963.

Blogger of the Year Shortlist

• Matt Walls – Matt Walls Wine Blog
• Paul Keers & Carl Jennings for Sediment Blog
•  Jim Budd for Jim’s Loire

The Julian Brind Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Wine Industry Shortlist

• Michael & Charlotte Sager Wilde
• Justin Howard-Sneyd MW
• Gavin Monery
• Stephen Cronk
• Nikhil Agarwall

Outstanding Achievement in Scotch Whisky Award Shortlist

• Dennis Malcom
• Dr.Nick Morgan
• Alan Winchester

Online Retailer of the Year Shortlist

• Whisky Exchange
• Master of Malt
• The New Zealand Cellar
• Hedonism Wines
• Lea and Sandeman

Independent Retailer of the Year Shortlist

• South Downs Cellars
• Christopher Piper Wines Ltd
• Direct Wine Shipments
• The Whisky Exchange

Wine Buyer of the Year Shortlist

• Tesco
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Marks & Spencer
• Sainsbury’s
• Morrisons

Spirits Buyer of the Year Shortlist

• Tesco
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Sainsbury’s
• Morrisons

Wine Importer of the Year Shortlist

• Seckford Agencies
• Awin Barratt Siegel
• EI Wines
• Castelnau Wine Agencies
• New Generation Wines

Spirits Distributor of the Year Shortlist

• Emporia Brands Ltd
• Quintessential Brands (Essential Drinks)
• Quality Spirits International
• Maverick Drinks