Cheers magazine’s yearly list of top restaurant beverage vendors included two convenience store staples: Red Bull and Coca-Cola.
Cheers gave Coca-Cola the nod as the top large non-alcohol and mix company, while Red Bull earned runner up status in the same category, according to a press release.
Cheers said Coca-Cola won the award for their outstanding customer service, research and development, and ability to develop recipes.
The magazine credited Monin Gourmet Flavorings, an international flavor company, with innovative products and high-quality personnel for their win in the small non-alcohol and mix company category; Island Oasis, a frozen drink mixer company, received an honorable mention.
Other award recipients follow:
Large Beer Company
Honorable Mention: Coors Brewing Co.
Winner: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. was lauded for its ability to bring new, innovative
ideas to its restaurant partners, working with its partners to develop and
train their front-line employees and providing stellar field support.
Small Beer Company
Honorable Mention: Heineken/Star Brand Imports
Winner: The Boston Beer Company
Among the attributes that earned The Boston Beer Company the award were
its continuous innovation, high level of service and outstanding programs
that support their brands in the restaurant environment.
Large Wine Company
Honorable Mention: Constellation Brands
Winner: E&J Gallo Winery
E&J Gallo Winery was commended as a leader in providing consumer insights,
new product introductions and service, and for constantly bringing new
ideas to its partners, as well as its ability to communicate well and
provide follow-up.
Small Wine Company
Honorable Mention: Beringer/Foster’s Wine Estates Americas, Majestic Fine
Wines, Trinchero Family Estates
Winner: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Supporting restaurant concepts with solid, strategy-driven plans, cutting-
edge beverage development and effective training initiatives were among
the attributes that won Ste. Michelle Wine Estates this honor.
Large Spirits Company
Honorable Mention: Diageo, Bacardi USA, Inc.
Winner: Brown-Forman Corporation
Brown-Forman was applauded for partnering with restaurant companies on
strategic planning, supporting their brands in the on-premise market and
building strong relationships.
Small Spirits Company
Honorable Mention: Moet Hennessy USA, Remy-Cointreau USA
Winner: SKYY Spirits LLC
Commended as a strong partner that helps drive incremental sales with
great merchandising ideas and a proactive sales team, SKYY Spirits was
also cited as being nimble and responsive.
Allied Company
Honorable Mention: iMi Agency, MarkeTeam, Fishbowl Marketing
Winner: Patrick Henry Creative Promotions
Patrick Henry Creative Solutions won the award for its stellar customer
service, the ability to execute against objectives and continuous
generation of new ideas.