We’re delighted to announce that we are an official media partner to the 2026 London Spirits Competition, organised by Beverage Trade Network.
This year the competition is set to be the best yet, building on the eight previous seasons, which have provided producers and brand owners the chance to expand their distribution network, increase their visibility and reinforce their on-trade presence.
The internationally respected London Spirits Competition is now accepting entries for its 2026 edition, and this year is shaping up to be the most strategically valuable for spirits producers aiming to grow in the UK and global markets.
As we have reported before, this competition is much more than just a tasting competition – the London Spirits Competition evaluates entries based on three key pillars: quality, value for money and packaging appeal – the same criteria buyers and consumers use when making real life purchasing decisions.
So, why is the 2026 competition so important?
With the beverage industry becoming increasingly competitive, the 2026 competition introduces exclusive benefits designed to help spirits brands not just win medals – but turns those wins into meaningful commercial success:
- New Buyer Exposure Channels
Medal-winning spirits will be promoted directly to a targeted list of UK-based importers, distributors, bar managers, and mixologists through Beverage Trade Network’s enhanced trade buyer program.
- Feature Placements Across Media & Retail Platforms
Awarded brands will be spotlighted in BTN’s media assets, including London Drinks Guide, Bartenders Business, and Drinks Merchants, reaching both consumers and trade decision-makers. - Real Trade Judges Who Make Buying Decisions
The judging panel is composed of working professionals: spirits buyers, bar directors, mixologists and category managers from some of the UK’s most influential venues and retail groups. - Access to UK Distribution Pipeline
Medal winners will be considered for BTN’s new distributor matchmaking initiative, designed to connect brands with potential UK trade partners post-competition. - Optimised Toolkits for Promotion
Winners receive customised medal artwork, shelf talkers, press release templates and digital assets to accelerate brand promotion across e-commerce and in-store activations.
Products are judged by the people who matter
Sid Patel, founder of the London Spirits Competition and CEO of Beverage Trade Network, says: “This year’s competition is about taking the next step.
Winning a medal is just the start. We’re giving spirits brands the post-competition assets and trade access to drive real sales.”
Producers are encouraged to enter early and take advantage of the Super Early Bird Discount, valid until 31 August 2025.
Key Dates:
- Super Early Bird Deadline: 31 August 2025
- Judging Week: 24–26 March 2026
- Winners Announced: 17 April 2026
Enter Your Spirits before the deadline of August 31 and Save.
Beverage Trade Network organises three annual competitions that take place in London, for producers and brand owners of spirits, beers and wines:
Enter the London Spirits Competition
Enter the London Beer Competition
Enter the London Wine Competition