Growth Brands Awards

The Growth Brands Awards have recognized successful beverage alcohol brands since 1997. Growth Brands are divided into four categories (Fast Track, Rising Star, Established Growth Brands and Comeback Brands) for wine, spirits and RTDs, while beer brands are awarded based upon a survey of off-premise retailers and on-premise operators.

The wine, spirit and RTD winners are announced each year in the summer issue of Cheers, while beer winners are announced in the fall issue.

We’re now collecting brands’ sales data to determine our 2025 winners. For more information about the Growth Brands program, please contact Manager of Information Services Marina Velez for more information at mvelez@epgmediallc.com or 763-383-4412.

AWARD CRITERIA

The winning brands are determined by the Beverage Information Group, which tracks case sales throughout the year. All awards for spirits, wines and RTDs* are given based on sales the prior calendar year.

Beer, flavored malt beverage, hard soda/seltzer and cider Growth Brands are chosen based on a survey of the Beverage Information Group’s online audiences.

*Ready-to-Drink is defined as a beverage of less than 30 proof that is a mixture of a spirit or wine and a non-alcohol ingredient, designed to be consumed as sold. 

GROWTH BRANDS HALL OF FAME

The following brands have been inducted into our Hall of Fame due to their sustained success and growth:

SPIRITS: Wild Turkey (2023); Jack Daniel’s, Malibu, Tito’s, Stoli (2022); Evan Williams and Bacardi (2021); Grand Marnier (2020); Juarez Tequila and Jameson (2018); Bombay Sapphire, Hennessy, Patron, Remy Martin, Sauza and Svedka (2017); Burnett’s Vodka, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, Ketel One, Maker’s Mark and SKYY (2015)

WINE: Kim Crawford, Real Sangria (2023); Mionetto (2022); Woodbridge (2021); Ruffino (2020); Black Box (2019); Chateau Ste. Michelle (2016); J. Lohr (2015)

BEER: Sam Adams, Twisted Tea (2023); Bud Light, Coors Light, Fat Tire Amber Ale, Heineken (2019); Pabst Blue Ribbon (2016); Blue Moon, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Dos Equis, Modelo Especial, Pacifico, Shiner Bock, Stella Artois and Yuengling Lager (2015)

AWARDS COVERAGE

For historical Growth Brands information about winners, including our archive of feature stories, photos from receptions and video presentations, visit http://beveragedynamics.com/growthbrands.