GLOBAL DRINKS INTEL ESG AWARDS 2025

Don’t be fooled: ESG initiatives have never been more important to your drinks business

At a time when DEI policies are increasingly called into question, there is a danger of anything ESG being swept into the same debate. But to be environmentally friendly, sustainably driven and to run your drinks business equitably isn’t woke. It makes sense commercially and deserves recognition.

This is why the Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards 2025 have been extended to include two new tiers of merit: as well as naming an overall category champion in each class, our independent panel of judges will also award gold medals to beverage alcohol companies and brands that are very close to winning their respective categories, and silver medals to those whose efforts deserve recognition. In addition, where relevant, awards will be given to both the very largest companies and smaller brand owners.

Save the Dates

Entries Open

3 March 2025

Entries Close

8 September 2025

Judges Deliberations

16 September 2025

Awards Announced

31 October 2025

WELCOME

Actively seeking to protect the planet and society deserves recognition

ESG credentials really matter. So much so that consumers are willing to pay a 9.7% premium for sustainably produced or sourced goods, even as they increasingly feel the cost of living squeeze, according to the PwC 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey.

The survey found that almost nine-in-ten (85%) consumers are experiencing first hand the disruptive effects of climate change in their daily lives. As a result, nearly half (46%) are buying more sustainable products, assessing producers’ sustainability practices through tangible attributes including production methods and recycling (40%), eco-friendly packaging (38%) and making a positive impact on nature and water conservation (34%).

The findings reinforce the ethos behind the Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards, says GDI chief operating officer & marketing director Kate Wake Walker. “A product’s ESG credentials are vital, especially to younger LDA consumers concerned about their future — both Gen Zers and Millennials show an increasing willingness to support brands and companies that actively seek to protect the planet and society,” she says. “They matter, because fundamentally, they are right.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to highlight the efforts of those excelling in these crucial areas, while also sharing best practices with companies that are just starting their ESG journeys. And this year’s competition is shaping up to be the biggest and the best yet.”