If you want to get your wines, beers and spirits In front of real trade buyers you should consider entering the 2024 London Competitions.
As a media partner of the London Competitions – comprising the London Spirits Competition, the London Beer Competition and the London Wine Competition – it would be easy to write an article about the benefits of these annual events purely because of our support.
But, our editorial independence ensures that we only ever produce balanced, unbiased articles, otherwise we would lose our credibility.
So, what do we really think about the London Competitions?
We visited the 2023 London Spirits Competition during the second day of judging and noted how well the event was organised.
The competition took place in a large hall in central London, where there were up to four judges sat at square, linen-covered tables, where they were working their way through a series of spirits.
During our time at the event we were able to interview several judges to get their opinion of the event, which provided interesting feedback; without exception those we spoke to all agreed that this competition that they very much enjoyed being a part of and that it played an important role in bringing new products to their attention.
The judges provide detailed notes for the winning products, which is often used by the companies to develop, refine and enhance their drinks. The awards also play a role in helping drinks producers, drawn from around the globe, to win new customers and grow their respective businesses.
For the 2024 competitions the judges include Simone Ciambrone, bartender at Donovan Bar; Sara Muirhead, wine consultant at Wineprose; Cristiana Pirinu, bar supervisor at Donovan Bar; Filippo Carnevale, head sommelier and wine buyer at Amethyst, London; Michal Fink, bar manager One Hundred Shoreditch, London; Guise Castaldo, mixologist, Kwant By The Sea (Ibiza); Joanna Nerantz, assistant head sommelier at Maison Estelle & Estelle Manor and Paolo Pertini, bar supervisor at Claridge’s, amongst others.
The judges rate every product they sample, allocating a score for each of three criteria: quality, value and packaging.
The average of the three scores (for a maximum 100 points) determines whether the drinks have scored enough for a bronze, silver or gold award.
Quality is based on appearance, aroma, body, taste, and aftertaste. Packaging is scored on the basis of creative design, label quality, label details, back-bar appeal, store shelf appeal and functionality (including shape, size, weight, and ease of pouring). The value for money is based on the quality offered for its price.
Winning awards at the London Competitions helps companies to stand out from their competitors, affording them a distinct advantage in an often crowded marketplace.
For anyone interested in taking advantage of the London Competitions’ Early Bird submission discounts, the deadline Is: 20 December 2023
For more information about the three competitions follow the links, below: