Paramount awards Bacardi its Supplier of the Year

Paramount Liquor hosted its industry conference in Byron Bay in October for a couple of days of learning, motivation, recognition and celebration prior to the onset of the busy summer selling period.

“It was exciting to see suppliers and Paramount team members join together for this industry first conference. Paramount is proud to facilitate connections and educate the industry. The months ahead will be an exciting and busy time for our loyal customers and suppliers and we look forward to supporting the Australian liquor industry," said Nathan and Leigh Rowe, Paramount Liquor Directors.

Evolution Marketing suppliers and key stakeholders from Accolade Wines, Amber Beverages, Bacardi Martini Australia, Brown-Forman, Campari, Craft Revolution, Carlton & United Breweries, CUB Premium Beverages, Diageo, Lion, Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard, Proximo, Red Bull, Sam Smith & Sons, Southtrade, Stone & Wood, Treasury Wine Estates and William Grants & Sons made up the more than 100 conference delegates.

With panels, activities and keynote presentations, the conference culminated in the first Paramount Liquor Awards recognising high achieving brands, suppliers and individuals who help deliver Paramount’s best in class offering and service.

The hero awards for the evening included:

• Supplier – Account Manager of the Year - Cruz Adams from Red Bull
• Best Salesperson of the Year - Sean McMahon - Paramount’s Customer Solutions Manager
• Supplier of the Year - Bacardi Martini Australia
• Employee of the Year - Sean Forsyth - Paramount’s National Commercial Partnerships Manager
• MVP award - Stewart Bensley - Paramount’s Brisbane General Manager

Keynote award winning speaker, trend forecaster and bestselling author Michael McQueen set the tone for the conference, opening with an energetic presentation covering insights on what the next five years will bring, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, augmented reality and the new consumer and workforce to be expected from Gen Z.

As Australia’s largest family-owned on-premise liquor wholesaler it was only fitting to host an on-premise panel discussion to share insights, recommendations and learnings.  Mikey Enright and Julian Train of the Barrelhouse Group in Sydney (Barbershop, Duke of Clarence and Hickson House), Steve Davis for Solotel Sydney’s Opera Bar and Brett Gibson from Secret Sounds Brisbane (The Fortitude Music Hall, Adelaide’s The Hindley Street Music Hall, The Triffid and The Outpost) were hosted by Paramount’s National Commercial Partnerships Manager - Sean Forsyth for a candid discussion around supplier and customer relationships, the summer period ahead, the differences of 2019-2022 and what consumers are looking for in the on-premise experience.

Another industry first is the Paramount’s Evolution Rewards Program. When venues become a Paramount customer, they are automatically enrolled into the program and earn points for every dollar spent. Customers can then redeem points on members-only vouchers, barware, merchandise and training as well as events and experiences.

Paramount looks forward to delivering more Evolution Program events and experiences in 2023.