7 minute read
ALIA MUSIC ICONS: A SMASH HIT
A smash hit
On Wednesday 25 October the 2023 Australian Liquor Industry Awards celebrated the leading operators, venues and products of the liquor industry.
HELD AT The Star Event Centre in Sydney, and hosted by Australian Hotelier, TheShout, Bars and Clubs and National Liquor News, the awards ceremony was attended by 530 members of the liquor industry. The theme of the night was Music Icons, with many attendees coming as musical superstars like Prince, David Bowie, Sia, Amy Winehouse, The Spice Girls and more.
“ALIA 2023, with its Music Icons theme, was an absolute hit, another great celebration of the liquor industry, and a welcome opportunity to share in some fun with close friends and colleagues. This year’s networking bars were exceptional, the entertainment was on point and there was a terrific showing for Australian spirits among the awards,” stated Paul Wootton, managing director of Food and Beverage Media.
“I’d like to congratulate all the award winners and thank everyone who attended for making ALIA once again the highlight of the drinks industry’s calendar.”
Hosted by emcee and radio personality Bianca Dye, the night kicked off with off-premise winners covering all drinks categories, plus bottleshops and banner groups. The second half of the night was dedicated to the on-premise, with awards presented to pubs, bars, beverages, and operators.
Major pub winners
There were more than 25 awards handed out to the on-premise. Major pub winners included the Harbord Hotel, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, which took out Hotel of the Year. Venue manager Owen Hughes was thrilled with the accolade.
“Thanks to my team, go Harbord! I’m absolutely gobsmacked. This is a huge night for the industry and to take out Hotel of the Year is fantastic. We’re super stoked and have so much gratitude for everybody who has been a part of it over the last year. It’s just amazing.”
Odd Culture Group was named Hotel Group Operator of the Year, having put live music and top-quality F&B front and centre at their venues in the past year.
“Pubs are so important to the fabric of our hospitality landscape in Australia. Our pubs have no pokies, so we see doing food and beverage well and with authenticity, and preserving our pubs as places where all are welcome, as of the utmost importance,” stated Odd Culture Group CEO James Thorpe.
“It’s so great to be recognised among so many great operators, and to take out the award last night was a thrill.”
Publican of the Year was awarded to David Gregory of Coogee Bay Hotel – in the same year that the iconic Sydney pub is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Gregory was humble in his acceptance, thanking his team and the industry for the award.
“Honestly, really quite surprised and humbled. Truly was not expecting that. It has been a challenging couple of years for not just the hospitality industry but many other industries and people in general. Watching everyone band together to pivot in their ways and continue to build to where we are right now has been wonderful. All aspects of the industry have had their respective challenges no doubt,” stated Gregory.
“Seeing a full room with a mix of veterans and all the up-and-coming stars who will be the future of industry supporting each other, reminds you why all are a part of it.”
Beverage rock stars
In the on-premise liquor categories, Best OnPremise Spirit was awarded to 1800 Tequila, with Proximo Spirits managing director Justin Casey thanking the brand’s on-premise venue partners.
“As the brand owner of 1800 Tequila, Proximo Spirits is extremely proud to be awarded Best OnPremise Spirit for 2023. 1800 Tequila is at the heart of our family-owned business, and the proud result of 11 generations of tequila expertise. Globally, 1800 Tequila is the world’s fastest growing spirit brand, with a Brand Strength Index in the top three of global spirit brands, as rated by Brand Finance,” explained Casey.
“It’s fantastic to see the 1800 Tequila brand recognised as a leader within the spirits and tequila categories here in Australia, something made possible through the dedication of our team here at Proximo and, equally, through the wonderful way our on-premise partners showcase 1800 Tequila via inspiring drinks and their dedication to creating great on-premise experiences.”
Once again, Stone & Wood’s Pacific Ale took out Best Draught Product, having won the category six ALIAs in a row.
“We’re obviously pretty proud of Pacific Ale and how far it’s come from its little home on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. We didn’t realise when we first brewed it that it would become so synonymous with summer and that it would kick off an entire beer category in Australia,”states Stone & Wood marketing manager Ed Jamison.
“This award is a testament to our beautiful home, a meticulous brewing process, the quality of our ingredients, and the unique character that defines Pacific Ale and the team. It’s also a huge nod to our customers who serve great fresh beer day in day out – they make it all happen so cheers to them – we couldn’t do it without you!”
Another repeat winner was Fever-Tree, taking out Best Mixer for the astounding tenth time in a row.
“We are thrilled to be named Best Mixer at the ALIAs again, for the tenth year. 2023 has been an exciting year of growth for Fever-Tree in Australia. We would like to thank the Australian liquor industry for their continued support and we look forward to continuing on our journey to premiumise the mixers category and help Australians discover the wonderful world of mixed drinks,” stated marketing manager Caroline Wood.
For the last major on-premise award of the night, Asahi Beverages took out On-Premise Supplier of the Year. CUB Premium Beverages GM, Michael Ritoli, accepted the award, thanking everyone in the Asahi team for their hard work within the on-premise.
“It’s fantastic to win this award, the team do such a great job. The on-premise team put so much effort into making sure we deliver what our customers need and hear what our customers require to run their businesses. The team does a fantastic job in delivering what they do to the on-premise.”
Australian Hotelier congratulates all the winners and finalists at the 2023 Australian Liquor Industry Awards for continuing to make the industry a dynamic one.
A team effort
David Gregory, GM of Coogee Bay Hotel may have been named Publican of the Year, but he acknowledged that the running of a hotel takes more than the efforts of one individual. It’s all about the team around them. And developing the team at Coogee Bay Hotel has been a source of great pride for the hotelier.
“With the dramatic shift in available and quality staff post-covid, facilitating a self-motivated and proud team has to be at the peak of achievements. A group of experienced and eager personnel that push the limits and truly try and exceed expectations all the time.
“I am very lucky to be working alongside this current group. To have been a part of mutual development from so many different individuals is what keeps the spark lit. Of course we are always seeking new opportunities and evolution, but as cliché as it sounds you cannot do it without the people. Whether that’s my direct team, suppliers or networks, we all play a vital part in the success of our own organisations and the industry as a whole.
