In a moment of shared triumph, the prestigious 2023 Supplier of the Year Award was jointly won by Carlton & United Breweries and CUB Premium Beverages last night.
The two business divisions of Asahi Beverages proudly claimed this year’s top title at the eleventh annual Australian Drinks Awards, hosted at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
And in an impressive feat, the evening’s Supplier Awards came close to a clean sweep as both businesses claimed three of the four coveted accolades. Carlton & United Breweries clinched the Category Management Award for the second consecutive year, while CUB Premium Beverages earned this year’s recognition for Supply Chain Management.
The remaining Supplier Award was also a joint win, with William Grant & Sons and Campari presented with the Most Improved Supplier of the Year.
Carlton & United Breweries’ win follows on from a streak of other industry accolades, including Large Supplier of the Year (Retail) for Endeavour Group in June this year and Beer Supplier of the Year for Coles Liquor last month.
Danny Celoni, Carlon & United Breweries’ CEO was present to accept the Supplier of the Year Award on behalf of both Asahi businesses.
In his speech, he said: “To be standing up here for both businesses who are making a difference is really special.”
“To the CEOs, the MDs, the heads of buying, merchandise and ops teams, store managers and everybody every day that challenges our team. We want to learn, we want to listen, and we want to act. To our customers, I can assure you we want to show up in the way you need us to show up.
“We’re passionate about growing categories, we’re passionate about making the industry great, and with your collaboration and partnership, we can make this industry even better.”
All four Supplier Award winners were determined by the Engagement Program facilitated by the Drinks Association’s Corporate Partner, Advantage Australia.
Steve Andrews, Advantage Australia’s Managing Director, said: “Carlton & United Breweries’ commitment to excellence has led to them sharing the number one position for Supplier of the Year – a significant achievement for the business.”
“Carlton & United Breweries has continued to build on its strong customer-centric approach to business, driven by leading scores in strategy alignment, collaborative planning and category growth.”
He added: “And this year, Carlton & United Breweries also added a significant improvement in supply chain management to its list of other high-performing capabilities, and it was this recognition from the retailers that helped them break through to best supplier status.”
Andrews also explained that CUB Premium Beverages’ win was driven by three years of consecutive rank improvement and outstanding scores across the entire business footprint.
“Customers recognise CUB Premium Beverages’ strong communication, collaborative business planning, people capabilities, and its commitment to deliver on promise,” said Andrews.
Vince Sorrenti was MC at the live awards presentation attended by over 380 guests in Sydney. Forty-eight awards were distributed throughout the night. In addition to the Supplier Awards, the 2023 Brand Awards were announced, as well as three Contribution to Industry awards.
2023 Supplier Awards Winners
- Supplier of the Year: Carlton & United Breweries and CUB Premium Beverages
- Most Improved Supplier of the Year: William Grant & Sons and Campari
- Category Management Award: Carlton & United Breweries
- Supply Chain Management: CUB Premium Beverages
2023 Brand Award Winners
For the Brand Awards, the top 200 drink brands in the country, identified by key retailer ranging and wholesaler withdrawal data, were automatically entered into the category of either Fan Favourite or Gaining in Popularity. Thrive Research was then enlisted to conduct the research with 4,000 consumers to determine the winners.
2023 Contribution to Industry Winners
The evening’s formalities concluded with the Contribution to Industry Awards. These awards were judged by a panel of industry leaders which included members of the Drinks Association Board, representatives from Drinks Association member companies and experts in the space of Diversity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility.
This year’s winners were:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Lion
- Most Improved Gender Equity Award: Australian Vintage Limited
- Most Inclusive & Diverse Workplace: Pernod Ricard Winemakers
The Drinks Association would like to extend its thanks to its generous sponsors for this year’s event.
