Signature Brew accepts the brewery business of the year award earlier this year
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has opened entries for its 2019 business awards, to be presented at its BeerX event, in Liverpool, in March.
The awards, which have a January 31 entry deadline, seek to recognise excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories, from pumpclip, can and bottle design, to efforts taken by brewers to make their business more eco-friendly, innovative or successful.
The awards also have categories for bars, restaurants, retailers and companies promoting independent craft beer in the UK.
SIBA chief executive, Mike Benner, said: “The SIBA Business Awards celebrate businesses of all shapes and sizes which excel in promoting and championing independent craft beer, from national retailers, such as Waitrose, to small independent beer shops, such as Hop Burns & Black.
“There are also categories for the UK’s best craft beer bars, pubs and resturants, as well as a range of awards for brewers which have shown impressive vision and business acumen.”
Judged by beer industry experts
The awards are unique in being both free to enter and judged by a panel of independent beer industry experts, who alongside selecting category winners also choose a brewery business of the year — the top award, which is reserved for a brewery which has shown true vision and business acumen.
In 2018 that winner was East London’s Signature Brew, whose unique fusion of music and beer culture struck a chord with judges.
Tom Bott, of Signature Brew, said: “Winning SIBA’s prestigious brewery business of the year award continues to prove beneficial for Signature Brew. Recognition from independent brewing’s leading body has emphasised our unique approach to the industry by putting our passion for beer and music in the spotlight.
“In our current crowdfunding campaign, the acclaim of having SIBA’s top business award further validates the fact that we are one of the UK’s most exciting brewery business and helps set us apart from the pack.
“We are grateful that SIBA’s expert judges recognised the tireless work our team puts in to push the boundaries of what an independent brewery can achieve.”
• To enter the SIBA Business Awards 2019, click siba.co.uk/business-
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