To pay tribute to these crucial players in the beverage alcohol industry , Beverage Wholesaler has put together our first annual Distributor Best Practices Awards . This first year was a success , and we are honoring five companies who have demonstrated innovation in running efficient , successful operations .

As an extension of the existing Control State Best Practices Awards , handed out by StateWays magazine , our awards recognize beer , wine and spirit wholesalers and brokers from around the country ( both regional and national ) who ’ ve shown innovation in several categories , including Best Warehouse Innovation , Best Technology Innovation and Best Sustainability Initiative , just to name a few .

We had quite a few entries for our first year , and while we wish we could give everyone an award , our team

hand-picked five winners . Through hard work and trial and error , the activations and programs these companies have put together have proven successful � which is exactly why we chose them . From AI innovations and new warehouse technology to sustainability initiatives and jam-packed marketing events , these distributors have thought of it all .

We spoke with each of the winners to gain insight into why their programs were so successful , any challenges they encountered along the way and what they ’ re working on to make it even better .

We congratulate all this year ’ s winners ! Each one will be recognized during a reception at the 2025 Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference in June with an award plaque , along with access to a press release template to promote their win .

In case you missed out on our first annual awards or are interested in entering again next year , mark your calendars for the 2025 Distributor Best Practices Awards , with entries opening in May . For more information , visit bevwholesaler . com / bestpractices /.

12 Beverage Wholesaler • Winter 2024 www . beveragewholesaler . com