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Diageo – From London to the whole world

Approximately 33,000 employees are employed worldwide at Diageo, the market leader in premium spirits, with Smirnoff (vodka), Johnnie Walker (whiskey), J&B (Scotch whiskey), Baileys (liqueur), Captain Morgan (rum), Cuervo (tequila) and Tanqueray (gin), Guinness beer and branded wines. Production takes place all around the world: from Great Britain and Ireland, Italy, Spain and Africa, to the USA, Canada, Latin America, Australia, India and the Caribbean. The global corporation emerged in 1997 from the merger between Guinness and GrandMet. 180 markets around the world are handled from its London headquarters.

A lot of work and lots of attention to detail go into creating the in-depth product descriptions on Diageo’s website. Information and analysis is provided about issues ranging from detailed descriptions of the production down to the most minute ingredients. Finally, they are aware of the size of their company and also of their responsibilities as a supplier of alcoholic products. The name Diageo was also deliberately chosen – it represents their agenda. Put together from ‘dia’ (the Latin word for ‘day’) and ‘geo’ (the Greek word for ‘world’), it means that every day people are celebrating all over the world with products from their company. These products open up possibilities never dreamed of for special days and nights, marking special life events and even making the smaller things in life feel magical.

Participation in the World Spirits Award was magical: there was double gold for Tanqueray No. 10 (Spirit of the Year 2016), gold for Gordon’s London Dry Gin and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, as well as silver for Tanqueray Rangpur.

Babco Europe Limited – A guarantee for distinct branded products

Babco is an international brand company with its headquarters in Dublin, and owns the intellectual property rights to a range of premium brands based on the company’s own recipes. “We create brands which attract the attention of consumers through their distinct character”, says Mark Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Babco Europe. Babco is committed to the ongoing improvement of its branding. An extensive expertise in ‘hand-crafted flavours’ forms the basis for a growing portfolio of exceptional brands which are bold and striking in design and communication. A prime example are the imaginative, fruity products sold under the umbrella brand, ‘Mickey Finn’.

Comprehensive marketing activities and public relations add considerable support to sales success. In the core strategic markets, national companies have been set up to deal with marketing and sales. “We respect our suppliers, sales and retail partners, and place a great deal of importance on long-term, sustainable partnerships. This way of working defines our brands and has laid the foundation for a strong development across the value added chain. An ever increasing list of awards and prizes is the best proof of our tireless commitment.”

At the World Spirits Award, the herb liqueur AGWA Diablo was awarded gold.

Plomari Ouzo Distillery Isidoros Arvanitis: Original ouzo from Lesvos

Plomari on Lesvos is known as the home of ouzo. In 1894, Isidoros Arvanitis combined local 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 distillery is located in an olive grove in picturesque Plomari, the village where ouzo has been produced for more than 125 years. The increase in export activity made the relocation to this larger plant necessary, where traditional production along with modern bottle filling and packaging take place. Today, Plomari Ouzo exports more than 76% of its production. The distillery is 100% family-owned and adheres to traditional methods.

The 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 that has remained unchanged for more than a century 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.

The Ouzo of Plomari Citrus Liqueur is a blend of 100% Ouzo of Plomari with Greek citrus extracts, selected herbs and spices. The liqueur follows the traditional production, but has a milder, sweeter profile with hints of citrus. At 34% vol. it can be served chilled, on ice or in cocktails and complements the aniseed flavours of ouzo.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, Gold was awarded to Ouzo of Plomari Citrus Liqueur.