The drinks industry’s only Green Awards are accepting entries now

The only set of industry gongs dedicated exclusively to all that is environmentally sensitive, socially-responsible and alcoholic are accepting entries now.

Now in their eighth year, The Drinks Business Green Awards are a firmly-established, unique range of accolades for anyone in the drinks trade, and they are looking to reward the greenest in the business right now.

With consumers increasingly expecting brands and businesses to be socially- and environmentally-responsible, it is important that any green measures are widely promoted.

However, with consumers quick to scrutinise any company that claims to be sustainable, there is no better way to draw attention to green measures than through an award from an independent judging panel, as provided by The Drinks Business Green Awards.

With each entry assessed in detail by a range of leading industry figures and experts on environmental issues, as well as the editorial team at the drinks business, the judging process is thorough, tough, but fair and accurate.

Consequently, any accolade in The Drinks Business Green Awards is an impressive feat and a powerful sign of credible sustainable practices.

Winners and special commendations in each category will be awarded a certificate at The Drinks Business Green Awards ceremony, which is held each year in November at The Ivy restaurant in London.

Each recipient will also be profiled in the January edition of the drinks business – the publication’s annual ‘Green Issue’ – as well as online on thedrinksbusiness.com

Entries for the Green Awards are being accepted now until the end of September, and you can download an entry form here. 

For more information and to enter, contact:

Rhiannon Morris on email at rhiannon.morris@unionpress.co.uk

Or by telephone on +44 (0)207 803 2420

Below are the categories for 2018, and the winners in each field from last year. And see bottom for a guide on ‘how to win’.

THE AMORIM SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

In association with Amorim

This award will recognise the efforts made by one company, generic or brand to employ the most efficient and effective sustainable practices in their business.

Judges will take into account all aspects of production and will be looking for clear and measurable results. They will want to see steps made to improve waste and water management, reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and augment soil health – where applicable.

They will also reward steps to ensure that the entrant is both environmentally and financially sustainable, while they will rate highly those who have an ethical bent as well.

The judges will want to see evidence of change for the better over the last three years and more particularly in the last 12 months.

The winner might be a brand owner; a wine, beer or spirits producer; a major multinational, or a generic body. Whatever the nature of the business, the winners in this category will be able to clearly show how they have reduced the environmental impact in all aspects of their operations, and, where relevant, partner organisations.

In addition, due to the broad nature of potential entrants, the judges will consider like with like e.g. a brand will not be judged in the same category as a business, while the efforts made by generic associations will be judged against their peers.

Entrants in this category will include adherence to natural solutions such as cork closures.

Last year’s recipients (split into three categories):

The Amorim Sustainability Award for Spirits

Winner:
Glengoyne Distillery

Commendation:
Greensand Ridge Distillery

Shortlist:
Glengoyne Distillery
Greensand Ridge Distillery
Ncn’ean Distillery Limited

The Amorim Sustainability Award for Wine

Winner:
Fetzer Vineyards 

Commendation:
Bodega Tapiz

Shortlist:
Bodegas Salentein
Bodega Tapiz
DGB Ltd
Fetzer Vineyards
Napa Valley Vintners
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ)
Vinos de Chile

The Amorim Sustainability Award for a Generic Organisation

Winner:
Vinos de Chile

THE AMORIM BIODIVERSITY AWARD

In association with Amorim

This special award is specifically designed to recognise a business that has done as much as possible to advance biodiversity both within the land it owns and, if possible, beyond its boundaries too.

It will recognise those companies who can show how they have enhanced species richness within a defined area using clear and measurable results.

The winner can be a brand owner, or a wine, beer or spirits producer, but it must be an operator who can prove that they really care about their environs and the life that exists within it.

While The Amorim Sustainability Award (see above) is designed to reward a company that has employed a sustainable approach to all aspects of its operations, The Amorim Biodiversity Award is tailored to specifically recognised a business that has made measurable steps to positively improve its natural environs.

The judges will want to see evidence of change for the better over the last three years and more particularly in the last 12 months.

Last year’s recipients:

Winner:
Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand 

Commendation:
Cono Sur  

Shortlist:
Cono Sur
Esporäo
Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand
Viña Tarapacá

WATER MANAGEMENT AWARD

As global water shortages make it an increasingly precious commodity, there is a growing need to reduce its usage and manage its treatment to minimise the impact on the local environment.

We are looking for companies who have employed initiatives that promote more efficient use of water, including the processing of wastewater. We are also keen to reward those businesses whose policies relating to water have positively benefitted their community.

The judges will want to see evidence of change for the better over the last three years and more particularly in the last 12 months.

Last year’s recipients:

Winner:
Fetzer Vineyards

Runner-up:
The VSPT Wine Group

Shortlist:
Bodegas Salentein
Destilería Serrallés
Destilerias Unidas
Fetzer Vineyards
VSPT Wine Group

RENEWABLE ENERGY IMPLEMENTATION AWARD

With the evidence for man-made climate change and its potentially devastating consequences continuing to build, there is a growing requirement to reduce carbon emissions and use fewer fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas).

Renewable technologies can be used to provide alternative sources of heat, power and cooling, and we are looking to reward those business who have adopted such technologies in production processes, office accommodation, retail areas and storage.

The main requirement is for the company to demonstrate commitment to the implementation of viable renewable energy technologies to replace ‘traditional’ boilers, chillers and power sources.

The panel is looking for innovative implementation, potentially using combinations of technologies to reduce or completely remove the need for fossil-fuel-derived energy.

The judges will want to see evidence of a shift to more renewable energy sources over the last three years and more particularly in the last 12 months.

Last year’s recipients:

Winner:
Serrallés USA

Commendation:
Oxford Landing Estates

Shortlist:
E Chapman & Son
Destilería Serrallés
Oxford Landing Estates
Quinta de Maipo
Vina Maquis

GREEN RETAILER AND WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the retailer who can best demonstrate how business practices have had a direct impact on improving their and their suppliers’ environmental credentials.

The winner will be able to clearly show how it has worked with both suppliers and consumers to introduce new, more environmentally friendly products or initiatives to improve not only its carbon footprint but also to inform and educate the consumer about adopting and adapting to greener purchasing habits.

Initiatives might include, for example, alternative packaging projects, the introduction of a wider range of organic or sustainably farmed products, or changes in supply chain and recycling operations to reduce emissions.

The Green Retailer of the Year will be able to demonstrate its commitment to improving its green credentials and those whom its buys from and sells to.

The judges will want to see evidence of change for the better over the last three years and more particularly in the last 12 months.

Last year’s recipient:

Winner:
Borough Wines & Beers

BEST LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN GREEN INITIATIVE

With increasing focus being put on carbon footprints and emissions, drinks companies’ logistics and supply chain operations are under pressure to manage their environmental impact.

Whether a transport initiative or a commitment to improve green credentials, this award will be given to a drinks company’s supply chain or logistics programme that has significantly reduced or improved its impact upon the environment in the last 12 months.

Last year’s recipients:

Winner:
JF Hillebrand

Commendation:
Lightweight Containers

Shortlist
ARAEX Grands Spanish Fine Wines
JF Hillebrand
Lightweight Containers

BEST GREEN LAUNCH

This will be awarded to the brand team for the launch of a product that has promoted an environmentally friendly cause and has environmental and sustainable issues at its core.

Whether produced organically or made from sustainably produced materials, carbon neutral or associated with a specific environmental project, this product will clearly demonstrate its green credentials and the benefits it has brought about in reducing its environmental impact during production.

The Best Green Launch Award can be for a wine, beer, spirit or soft drink and will already have caught the attention of retail buyers with its potential to catch the imagination of the consumer.

Entries in this category should concern initiatives launched within the past 12 months.

Last year’s recipients:

Winner:
Palo Alto for ‘Enjoy Wine, Go Solar’

Shortlist:
Carel Industries for its Heez control of beverage coolers
Garçon Wines for its full-size flat wine bottle
Palo Alto for ‘Enjoy Wine, Go Solar’ by Quinta de Maipo

GREEN COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the company that has clearly demonstrated its commitment to the environment in changing and improving its business practice to better its carbon footprint. It will have improved its own direct impact on the surrounding environment and promoted this effectively to a wider audience, whether trade or consumer facing.

The judges will be looking for a clear demonstration of the ways in which your company has sought to better its green credentials over the last three years, with particular focus on activities undertaken in the last 12 months.

Improvements in any area of the company will be considered, as long as this is part of general move within your company to move towards a culture of waste-reduction and environmental stewardship.

Last year’s recipients:

Winner:
Villiera Wines

Runner-up:
Angove Family Winemakers 

Commendation:
Tasca d’Almerita

Shortlist:
Angove Family Winemakers
Bodega Matarromera
SIP Certified
Tasca d’Almerita
Villiera Wines
Viña Concha y Toro

THE ETHICAL AWARD

Awarded to a company or product whose foundations are firmly based in, and dedicated to, the community and/or environment where they are based.

The Ethical Award will consider all types of activities related to improving and benefiting the surrounding community; be it funding education, bringing clean water to communities or promoting improved environmental practices.

It will also recognise the efforts of the winning company, or brand, in carrying out best ethical practices in their day-to-day business by analysing the direct benefits of any project and its success in accomplishing its objectives.

Entries in this category should concern initiatives launched or augmented within the past 12 months.

Last year’s recipient:

Winner:
Napa Valley Vintners

BEST ORGANIC INITIATIVE (BEER, WINE AND SPIRITS)

Organic Wines, Beers and Spirits have entered the mainstream as a popular consumer choice.

This award recognises companies or brands for their work in bringing a fresh approach to the production, retail or on-trade arena.

Entries in this category should concern initiatives launched within the past 12 months.

Last year’s recipient:

Winner:
Waitrose for ‘Organic Month’

GREEN PERSONALITY AWARD

This award will be given to the individual who has excelled in recent years, and particularly in the last 12 months, in furthering environmental causes within the industry or their company.

The winning candidate will have demonstrated their commitment to reducing their company’s impact on the environment. They will also show the steps they have taken to augment their surroundings, for example, by enhancing biodiversity or soil health.

He or she will ideally also have worked to bring their concerns regarding environmental matters to a broader audience within their field and/or area of interest.

In short the winning candidate will be able to prove that by their actions and initiatives they are setting the standard in promoting better practice with regard to the environment at every level.

Last year’s recipient:
Michel Drappier 

THE GREEN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The person winning this award will have excelled throughout their career in furthering environmental, sustainable or ethical practices in the drinks industry to the benefit and education of others. This individual will have dedicated a significant part of their working life to environmental and/or ethical causes.

Whether in areas of production, marketing or management, this individual will have a dedication to all matters green or ethical and will have sought to introduce a culture of best practice in these areas wherever they have been able to exert some influence.

Last year’s recipient:
John Angove

How to win…

The best way to ensure that you receive recognition in The Drinks Business Green Awards is through a clear and concise awards pitch that outlines the measurable steps you have taken to improve your operation’s green credentials.

In particular, the judges are looking for evidence of the changes you have made to reduce your impact on the environment, and the approaches employed to augment your surroundings to enhance biodiversity, as well as improve the lives of those in your workforce and local community.

Importantly, the judges are looking for improvements over the past three years, and, because these awards are given on an annual basis, it is vital that entrants clearly outline the changes made in the past 12 months.

The categories are designed to reward people, brands, companies and organisations, as well as measures taken to target specific areas, such as water management, biodiversity, organic agriculture and renewable energy use.

To improve your chances of gaining an award, it is necessary to tailor your pitch to the specific requirements of each category – so please read the criteria carefully.

For more information and to enter, contact:

Rhiannon Morris on email at rhiannon.morris@unionpress.co.uk

Or by telephone on +44 (0)2078032420

And download an entry form here. 

Why enter the Green Awards?

The Drinks Business Green Awards are the only set of industry gongs dedicated exclusively to all that is environmentally sensitive, socially-responsible and alcoholic.

Not only is this a unique set of industry awards, but also the Green Awards, which are now in their eighth year, are a firmly established range of accolades for anyone in the drinks trade.

Due to their high standing, these awards are the best way to gain recognition for green measures in the drinks industry.

With consumers increasingly expecting brands and businesses to be socially- and environmentally-responsible, it is important that any green measures are widely promoted.

However, with consumers quick to scrutinise any company that claims to be sustainable, there is no better way to draw attention to green measures than through an award from an independent judging panel, as provided by The Drinks Business Green Awards.

With each entry assessed in detail by a range of leading industry figures and experts on environmental issues, as well as the editorial team at The Drinks Business, the judging process is thorough and tough, but fair and consistent.

Consequently, any accolade in The Drinks Business Green Awards is an impressive feat and a powerful sign of credible sustainable practices.

Winners and special commendations in each category will be awarded a certificate at The Drinks Business Green Awards ceremony, which is held each year in November at The Ivy restaurant in London.

Each recipient will also be profiled in the January edition of the drinks business – the publication’s annual ‘Green Issue’ – as well as online on thedrinksbusiness.com