The emerging spirits brands to watch in Australia

Australian consumers have voted on their favourite emerging spirits brands, with the winners announced at the 2018 Australian Drinks Awards.

Emerging Brand of the Year is the brand that is perceived most by consumers as ‘gaining in popularity’.

Australia’s top 200 brands were automatically entered in Emerging Brand of the Year, with the winners determined through a nationally representative consumer survey of 4000 respondents.

“The Emerging Brand of the Year award recognises the status of a brand as being ‘one to watch’ in its drinks category in the eyes of the consumer, and signals that the brand is increasing in prominence within the category,” said Chris Papadimitriou from Thrive Research, which led the judging process.

“As such, winning the Emerging Brand of the Year award is a significant accolade, particularly as it provides the potential for brands with a smaller presence to be recognised for their growing popularity.”

Here are the winners:

Coca-Cola Amatil & Beam Suntory's Canadian Club and Dry took out Emerging Brand of the Year - RTD Dark; while Pernod Ricard’s Absolut Botanik won RTD White.

Bundaberg Rum scored Emerging Brand of the Year - Spirits Dark; while Swift & Moore’s Archie Rose was voted Emerging Brand of the Year – Spirits White.

In the Aperitif/Liqueur category, Campari’s Aperol took out the top gong.

Emerging Brand of the Year was sponsored by Manildra.

“Manildra Group is delighted to have awarded the Emerging Brand awards - these companies have undoubtedly excelled in the drinks sector. They're on trend, innovative and resonating with consumers," said Product Manager Debbie Forster. "Congratulations to the team, we’re thrilled to celebrate this prestigious award with you.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNERS OF EMERGING WINE BRANDS OF THE YEAR

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNERS OF EMERGING BEER BRANDS OF THE YEAR

The Australian Drinks Awards are an initiative by The Drinks Association to celebrate excellence in the drinks industry. The 2018 awards were held at the Ivy Ballroom, Sydney, on September 13.