NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, honored spirits and beer distributors at the 13th Annual Golden Bar Awards, which took place recently in Las Vegas. The Golden Bar Awards are presented to distributors demonstrating excellence in sales, marketing and promoting responsible drinking.
"The Golden Bar Awards are a way for Diageo to recognize and celebrate the dedication and commitment of the excellent distributors who support our brands all year long," said Tom Looney, President, Open and Control States for Diageo North America.
Tom Day, President, Diageo Beer Company USA reinforced the importance of the Golden Bar Awards, stating: "Our distributors don't just sell our fine beers and spirits, they are also stewards of our brands, and we appreciate that. Each year these awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge their efforts."
The Golden Bar Awards celebrate distributors across the U.S. for their excellence in the industry and the important role they play in their respective communities. Awards are given in seven categories including On Premise Performance, Innovation and Social Responsibility, as well as brand excellence. The distinction of Distributor of the Year is also awarded for spirits and beer.
Additionally, Platinum Bar Awards are awarded to a distributor in each of the beer and spirits categories for advancing responsible drinking.
"Every year we recognize those distributors who best promote responsible drinking and support initiatives to combat underage drinking – two commitments that are of the utmost importance to Diageo," said Jon Pageler, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America.
In total, 24 Golden Bar statuettes, 22 made of 24 carat gold and two made of platinum, were awarded to distributors. Each statuette weighs eight pounds, stands more than a foot tall, and is produced by R.S. Owens, the company that created the Oscar®, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Below are the categories and winners for the 2016 Golden Bar Awards.
| DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS |
|
| Distributor of the Year - Spirits |
Georgia Crown Distributing |
| Distributor of the Year - Beer |
JJ Taylor Distributing of Florida |
| SPIRITS EXCELLENCE AWARDS |
|
| Spirits Excellence - Smirnoff |
United Liquors, A Division of Martignetti Companies of Massachusetts |
| Spirits Excellence - Johnnie Walker |
Coastal Wine and Spirits of Indiana |
| Spirits Excellence - Baileys |
North American Spirits and Wine Broker of Oregon |
| Spirits Excellence - Captain Morgan |
Connecticut Distributors Inc |
| Spirits Excellence - Tanqueray |
General Wholesale of Georgia |
| Spirits Excellence - Crown Royal |
North American Spirits and Wine Broker of Ohio |
| Spirits Excellence - Ketel One |
Pacific Wine and Spirits of California |
| Spirits Excellence - Cîroc |
Breakthru Beverage, United Division of South Carolina |
| Spirits Excellence - Reserve Brands |
Breakthru Beverage, United Division of Illinois |
| BEER EXCELLENCE AWARDS |
|
| Distributor of the Year - Guinness |
United Distributors of Georgia |
| Distributor of the Year - Smirnoff Ice |
Manhattan Beer Distributors of New York |
| Guinness Quality Award |
Peerless Beverage Company of New Jersey |
| Guinness Quality Award |
Frank B. Fuhrer Distributing of Pennsylvania |
| INNOVATION AWARDS |
|
| Innovation Launch - Spirits |
North American Spirits and Wine Broker of Michigan |
| Innovation Distributor of the Year - Beer |
Crest Beverage of California |
| Innovation Distributor of the Year - FMB |
J&L of Georgia |
| SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARDS |
|
| Advancing Responsible Drinking - Spirits |
North American Spirits and Wine Broker of Ohio |
| Advancing Responsible Drinking - Beer |
Harbor Distributing, LLC of California |
| ADDITIONAL AWARDS |
|
| On Premise Excellence Award - Spirits |
Georgia Crown Distributing |
| Multicultural Excellence - Spirits |
Breakthru Beverage, United Division of Maryland |
| Three Year Consistency - Spirits |
Costal Wine & Spirits of Texas |
| Three Year Consistency - Beer |
Admiral Beverage Corporation of New Mexico |
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
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SOURCE Diageo
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