The retail drinks landscape is set to sparkle with innovation and excellence in 2025, as the industry gears up for the prestigious Retail Drinks Awards. This annual event, now in its seventh year, will once again celebrate the best in class, honoring the most outstanding products, brands, and retailers that have captivated consumers and driven growth in the dynamic drinks sector.
Evolution of the Retail Drinks Awards
The Retail Drinks Awards, launched in 2019, has evolved to become the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the retail drinks industry. It has witnessed the rise of craft beverages, the surge in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, and the growing demand for sustainability and ethical practices. As we step into 2025, the awards continue to reflect the changing consumer landscape and the industry's response to these shifts.
Categories and Criteria for 2025
The 2025 Retail Drinks Awards will span over 20 categories, each designed to recognize and reward excellence in a specific area. From 'Best New Product' to 'Sustainable Drinks Retailer of the Year', the awards will cover the entire spectrum of the retail drinks industry. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of experts, based on criteria such as innovation, quality, taste, design, marketing, and sustainability.
- Product Categories: Best New Product, Best Soft Drink, Best Hot Beverage, Best Alcoholic Beverage, Best Low/No-Alcohol Drink, etc.
- Brand Categories: Drinks Brand of the Year, Best Marketing Campaign, Best Design, etc.
- Retailer Categories: Drinks Retailer of the Year, Sustainable Drinks Retailer of the Year, Best In-Store Experience, etc.
Spotlight on Sustainability in 2025
In 2025, the Retail Drinks Awards will shine a brighter spotlight on sustainability, with a dedicated category for 'Sustainable Drinks Retailer of the Year' and sustainability being a key criterion in all other categories. The industry is increasingly focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting ethical practices, and the awards aim to recognize and encourage these efforts.
How to Enter and Key Dates
Entries for the 2025 Retail Drinks Awards will open in March 2025, with the deadline for submissions in June. The shortlist will be announced in August, and the winners will be revealed at a glamorous ceremony in October. For more information about the entry process and criteria, please visit the official Retail Drinks Awards website.
Key Dates for 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Entries Open | March 2025 |
| Entries Close | June 2025 |
| Shortlist Announced | August 2025 |
| Winners Announced | October 2025 |
