The winners of the British Beer & Pub Association industry annual awards were announced at the BBPA’s annual dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on 9 October. Frederic Robinson, Everards and Carlsberg UK scooped the prizes – and a special Chairman’s Award was given to a remarkable Government Minister, Sajid Javid MP, who has championed the sector with the first cut in beer duty since the 1950s.
Beer Champion 2013 (Sponsored by Vianet)
Winner – Frederic Robinson: the judges were incredibly impressed by this winner’s true dedication to beer and brewing. With investment in their brewing operations, accompanied by a £2 million visitor and educational centre, the judges were extremely impressed. Added to this was Frederic Robinson’s desire to attract new customers to beer, with brews designed for food matching and a beer brewed jointly with none other than Iron Maiden that has taken the world by storm.
Highly commended – Marston’s: the company constantly challenges itself to innovate. It not only offers new ideas and new beers – it also campaigns for beer as a category.
Nominees: Close Brewery Rentals, Daniel Thwaites, Frederic Robinsons, Marston’s and Molson Coors
Pub Champion 2013 (sponsored by BT Sport)
Winners – Everards: the judges felt that this company did something really special. It took on the challenge of not only re-opening closed pubs, but also supporting emerging small brewers to develop and expand. It is a company dedicated to pubs far beyond its own brand and invests in pub people at every opportunity.
Highly commended – Star Pubs & Bars. The company demonstrated a true passion for pubs and their publicans – from investments not only financial, but in skills, support and innovation.
Nominees: Daniel Thwaites, Everards, Marston’s, Punch Taverns and Star Pubs & Bars
Heart of the Community (Sponsored by Coca Cola Enterprises)
Winners – Carlsberg UK: through an ambitious social responsibility programme, their ‘Engage with Society’ scheme, Carlsberg have looked at all aspects of their work. Through environmental, safety, charity and backing local businesses, they have already demonstrated real success. The judges recognized that cultural change in a large operation is hard and that this programme is set to continue until 2020.
Highly commended – Timothy Taylor: this is a family brewer that has demonstrated a long term commitment to its community. When it invests,Timothy Taylor supports local businesses and uses local suppliers. Its charitable ethos is to be admired, with over ten years support for the local Sue Ryder Hospice.
Nominees: Carlsberg UK, Daniel Thwaites, Heineken UK, Hobsons Brewery and Timothy Taylor
Chairman’s Award:
Winner – Sajid Javid MP
As a new minister for the industry, Sajid Javid has proved engaged and insightful, keen to listen to the sector’s economic case. He has been there to back us for growth, for championing pubs and communities. He has made the case to the Chancellor for the first cut in beer duty since the 1950s.
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments:
“It has been a momentous year for the beer and pub industry, and a tough one for our judges. I want to thank all our entries, which have doubled in number this year. I am absolutely delighted for them all, and especially pleased that the work of the Government, in its historic decision to cut the tax burden for this great British product, has been rightly recognised with the award for Sajid Javid.”