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 Beverage Dynamics, 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
Below are links to the magazine features announcing each year’s winners.
2023 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: 2023 Spirits Growth Brands
- Feature: 2023 Wine Growth Brands
- Feature: 2023 Wine/Spirits Hall of Famers
- Feature: 2023 Beer Growth Brands
- Feature: 2023 Beer Hall of Famers
2022 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: 2022 Spirits Growth Brands
- Feature: 2022 Wine Growth Brands
- Feature: 2022 Hall of Famers
- Feature: 2022 Beer Growth Brands
2021 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: 2021 Spirits Growth Brands
- Feature: 2021 Wine Growth Brands
- Feature: 2021 Hall of Famers
- Video: 2021 Wine & Spirits
- Feature: 2021 Beer Growth Brands
2020 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: 2020 Spirits Growth Brands
- Feature: 2020 Wine Growth Brands
- Video: 2020 Wine & Spirits
- Feature: 2020 Beer Growth Brands
- Video: 2020 Beer
2019 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: 2019 Spirits Growth Brands
- Feature: 2019 Wine Growth Brands
- Feature: 2019 Beer Growth Brands
- Photos: Reception at WSWA
2018 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: 2018 Spirits Growth Brands
- Feature: 2018 Wine Growth Brands
- Feature: 2018 Wine & Spirits Hall of Fame
- Feature: 2018 Beer Growth Brands
2017 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: The 2017 Wine Growth Brands
- Feature: The 2017 Spirits Growth Brands
- Photos: WSWA Reception and Presentation
- Feature: 2017 Wine & Spirits Hall of Fame
- Feature: Beer Growth Brands
- Photos: 2017 NBWA Convention
2016 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: Beer Growth Brands
- Feature: J. Lohr Estates Joins the Hall of Fame
- Feature: Wine Growers
- Feature: Spirited Growth
- Photos: WSWA Reception and Presentation
- Photos: Growth Brands at NABCA
2015 Growth Brands Awards
- Feature: Beer They Are
- Feature: Beer Growth Brands Hall of Fame
- Introduction: 2015 Wine & Spirit Winners
- Feature: Rising Spirits
- Feature: Growing on the Vine
- Photos: Growth Brands Reception at WSWA
- Feature: Wine & Spirits Hall of Fame Inaugural Class
2014 Growth Brands Awards