[vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”39924,39925,39926,39927,39928″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” wrap=”yes”][vc_column_text]Awards for Palmers, St Austell, Waitrose and Joseph Holt’s, alongside a chairman’s award for the Rugby Football Union (RFU), were presented at the British Beer & Pub Association’s annual dinner in London.
The winners triumphed in pub champion, beer champion, off-trade retailer of the year and heart of the community categories, which were presented, along with the chairman’s award, by BBPA chairman David Forde and guest Sir Chris Hoy.
Pub champion, sponsored by Nestle Professional: Palmers
The pub champion award seeks to recognise companies that have worked to secure pubs for future generations, either through investment in pubs themselves or investment in the pub workforce.
Palmers’ entry focused on its tenancy package, combining the best aspects of its managed house support platform with the opportunity for aspirational individuals to run their own pub. Judges were impressed by Palmers’ commitment to nurturing young talent within the business, offering support and guidance throughout their careers. The food offering throughout Palmers’ 54-strong pub estate also impressed the panel.
Star Pubs & Bars was awarded a ‘highly commended’ in the category, as its entry successfully conveyed its position as a passionate advocate of the leased pub model, and a champion of the great British pub.
Beer champion: St Austell
This award seeks to recognise companies that have successfully sought to promote, improve and celebrate beer as a category.
The Cornish brewery’s entry detailed its investment into and progress with beer in the last 12 months. St Austell’s beer sales continued to grow in the 12 months up to July 2016, driven by key brands Tribute, Proper Job and Korev. St Austell’s Small Batch Brewery, installed in 2015, has provided the company with a dedicated research and development facility, providing continuing innovation in the beer category.
Judges were impressed by the tireless commitment to quality throughout St Austell’s business, which shone through, alongside their passion for beer.
Off-trade retailer: Waitrose
This award rewards a company which has shown exceptional support to the beer industry throughout its estate.
The judges felt that Waitrose’s entry in this category stood out from the others in demonstrating a commitment to, and a passion for, beer. The judges were especially impressed with the training of beer specialists in every store as well as innovations in packaging offers for consumers choosing beer. Their entry also detailed the Thornbridge HomeBrew competition.
Heart of the community: Joseph Holt’s
This award seeks to recognise a company which has demonstrated a proven commitment to its local community.
The Joseph Holt’s entry displayed an unquestionable long-term commitment to sustainable charitable giving in support of the Christie Hospital, the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe. The entry outlined a year-long charity appeal across the 125-strong pub estate, which engaged the entire brewery workforce.
Chairman’s award: the Rugby Football Union
Bill Beaumont, former captain of the English Rugby Union team and outgoing English RFU chairman, accepted this award on behalf of the RFU, which acknowledges the successes of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the benefit felt by the brewing and pub sector during the event. The RFU was instrumental in bringing the Rugby World Cup to England.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup was hosted across England and Wales, and captured the hearts and minds of the British public as the country opened its doors to rugby fans from around the world. Fans watched in stadiums, in one of 15 fan zones, or one of the thousands of pubs and clubs up and down the country. During the World Cup, the BBPA estimates that more than 25 million pints of beer were enjoyed both in pubs and at home, providing a real boost to the sector. A real example of how international sports events hosted in the UK can help our sector.
BBPA chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: “Many congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to all those who entered. The awards serve to highlight the continued achievements of our industry, and we look forward to more award-winning efforts throughout 2016 and into the future.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
