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Plomari Ouzo Distillery Isidoros Arvanitis: Original ouzo from Lesvos

Plomari on Lesvos is known as the home of ouzo, as the location of the island, the sea and the fertile soil offer local producers the best conditions for making ouzo with a special quality. In 1894, Isidoros Arvanitis combined these ingredients with herbs which he had gathered from all around the world in a copper still. The famous recipe for Ouzo of Plomari Isidoros Arvanitis, current market leader in Greece, was born.

The present-day distillery is located amidst a beautiful olive grove in picturesque Plomari, the village where ouzo has been produced for more than 125 years. The remarkable increase in export activity made the relocation to this larger plant necessary, where traditional distillation and production along with modern bottle filling and packaging take place. Today, Plomari Ouzo exports more than 76% of its production.

Their traditional way of distillation in small, handmade copper vats for nine hours and the high-quality, local ingredients, combined with the top secret recipe, give the Ouzo of Plomari its characteristic aroma. The recipe brings together the ideal ingredient proportions: soft water from the sources of the Sedounta river in Plomari, of course aniseed from Lisvori (which is considered the best in the world), fennel, star aniseed, cinnamon, nutmeg and mastic extract from Chios, a selection of herbs from Lesvos and salt from the salt marshes of Kalloni. Still today, this delicate yet rich delight is filled in a traditional bottle with typical corks.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, Gold was awarded to Ouzo of Plomari Isidoros Arvanitis.

De Kuyper Royal Distillers: Liqueur specialist with a long tradition

Founded in 1695 by Petrus de Kuyper, the renowned company received the title of ‘Royal Distillers’ on the occasion of Queen Beatrix’ 300th birthday. These days the spirit producer, now in its tenth generation, is one of the ten oldest family businesses in the Netherlands. The headquarters is the large distillery in Schiedam, and Mark de Witte is the CEO of the company.

The portfolio covers a wide selection of premium cocktail liqueurs and premium spirits. The focus products are De Kuyper liqueurs as the backbone of the business, Rutte Gin & Genever, botanical experts since 1872, the cognac liqueur Mandarine Napoléon, Peachtree, the only real peach liqueur in the world, Cherry Heering Liqueur, founded in 1818 and known worldwide as Cherry Brandy, and Bébo, a Cuban coffee liqueur.

The company, with over 100 employees, is world market leader in cocktail liqueurs with exports to 100 markets worldwide and a total volume of three million 9-litre containers. Key markets are the Netherlands and the USA, the largest cocktail market in the world, as well as further influential European and Asian markets, such as Great Britain, Germany, Japan and South Korea.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Rutte Dry Gin (Spirit of the Year & World Spirits Award 2019), gold for Rutte Celery Gin and Rutte Sloe Gin, and silver for Rutte Old Simon Genever, Bébo and Mandarine Napoléon.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.