The Global Drinks Awards deliver something the international drinks industry has long needed: credible, trade-led recognition built on transparency, not politics. Run by Global Drinks Intel, the Awards are founded on four core pillars that define how we judge, how we operate and what we stand for.
There is no commercial influence on outcomes. Our judging is blind, structured and category-specific. Every product is assessed multiple times by different judges using clear scoring frameworks. All results are awarded on merit with editorial coverage earned through performance alone.
Panels are deliberately balanced across gender, geography and professional background, bringing together buyers, operators, bartenders, retailers and category specialists. Equality and diversity are measurable criteria, ensuring every product is evaluated from a broad and representative range of trade perspectives.
Every entrant, medal-winner or not, receives their collated scores and anonymised judges’ feedback. This commitment to transparency ensures the Awards deliver practical value, helping brands understand genuine trade perception.
Each year, the Global Drinks Awards support two drinks-related charities, partnering with both grassroots initiatives and established organisations to deliver positive impact across the wider drinks’ community.
Together, these pillars create a fair, rigorous and globally relevant platform that celebrates excellence while giving producers meaningful insight not just medals.
Thank you for considering the Global Drinks Awards,
Kate Wake-Walker
COO & Marketing Director
James Houlder
Commercial Director
Mark Gander
Commercial Manager
3 February 2026
14 September 2026
2 October 2026
18 November 2026
18 November 2026
