Hilton Rotterdam’s Post

Top bars are being viewed as brands in their own right and we are here for it. The news that HIMKOK are collaborating with Sony Music Entertainment Norway on their next menu drop Beats & Sips, shows that big consumer brands now view top bars as equals. It’s an interesting evolution that makes a lot of sense. Culturally bars are on the money. Cocktail culture has also developed significantly. While celebrity chefs and world-famous restaurants have been in the public consciousness for decades, bar brands and their captains are closing this gap. Other things that are contributing to bar brand growth: 1.       Own brand spirits and beers 2.       Bar merch being sold to customers 3.       Top bartenders and bar owners showcasing cocktail craft on TV It will be interesting to see how many more partnerships between household brands and top bars we see in the coming years. https://lnkd.in/eqb8i_yE #hospitality #drinksindustry #beveragemarketing

What does the research say? We’ve done the numbers, and at the link you’ll find: - the results from surveying 511 cocktails from across 36 of the best bars in NSW (according to bartenders); - the average size of a cocktail list at these bars; - the average price of a cocktail in Sydney; - the top 20 brands with the most listings; - the top 10 spirits suppliers with the most listings in NSW’s best bars; - and a breakdown of which spirit categories are most often represented on cocktail lists across NSW. https://lnkd.in/gv56ksKh

What does a cocktail cost? Which suppliers are best represented on the cocktail menus of the best bars? We’ve done the numbers, and at the link you’ll find: - the results from surveying 511 cocktails from across 36 of the best bars in NSW (according to bartenders); - the average size of a cocktail list at these bars; - the average price of a cocktail in Sydney; - the top 20 brands with the most listings; - the top 10 spirits suppliers with the most listings in NSW’s best bars; - and a breakdown of which spirit categories are most often represented on cocktail lists across NSW. https://lnkd.in/gCrFnrCx

What's a cocktail cost in Melbourne? How about Fitzroy? What's the spirit bartenders lean on most for their cocktails? Which brands are getting cocktail listings? It's all here in our research report on cocktails in Victoria's best bars.

If you are an emerging brand in the world of spirits who seek global exposure and excellence, then there are many reasons for you to consider entering our Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, including: • Get featured on international media assets like Forbes along with BTN News, Bartenders Business, and BevRoute News. • Gain key to a hard-to-reach audience. • Attract new consumers and get global with unparalleled international reach via the Beverage Trade Network. • Have your business assessed by industry experts and bartending maestro. • Get a true evaluation of your product and packaging through our specialists. Read about Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 in our Winning benefits to discover more: https://lnkd.in/dpaRdbq With finite time remaining - and no deadline extensions - if thinking about entering the Global Spirits Competition it's time to act now. More to learn at https://lnkd.in/fdSkZZq Sid Patel Bartenders Business Malvika Patel

Ever wondered how cool it would be to have an Olympic size tournament but for bartenders? How you would swear by your favorite bartender’s cocktails? Well... I am thrilled to share the success story of the recent launch of the 9th edition of the #WorldClassBartender competition, presented by #Diageo. The event brought together the top 40 bartenders out of over 270 applicants who showcased their skills, creativity, and expertise. The competition runs worldwide with more than 60 nations hoping to have one of their own crowned The Top Bartender in the world. These talented professionals are not just mixologists; they are artists who blend flavors, stories, and experiences into every cocktail they create. In Kenya, we hosted a series of challenges that allowed these bartenders to demonstrate their prowess, both online and through live presentations. What sets World Class Bartender apart is not just the competition, but the opportunity it provides for mentorship and education. This year, we introduced challenges crafted by previous winners, ensuring that the next generation of bartenders receives the best guidance and knowledge available. Key to note is that the challenges are standardized across the world. This means that the opportunities provided to bartenders in Africa are on par with those available globally. Brands from the Diageo luxury portfolio - #KetelOne, #Tanqueray, #DonJulio, #JohnnieWalker, and #Singleton - were prominently featured throughout the competition. One of the most exciting aspects of the competition is the caliber of challenges formulated by some of the best minds in the beverage industry. These challenges not only test the technical skills of bartenders but also introduce them to the latest trends and innovations in mixology. This exposure to global standards and trends accelerates their growth, providing them with insights that might otherwise take years to accumulate through experience alone. The World Class Bartender competition in Kenya is not just a showcase of talent; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the art of mixology. We are proud to have provided a platform for bartenders to learn, grow, and showcase their skills on a global stage. I wish all the participating bartenders all the best as they battle it out at the semi-finals next month.

#3 Nadya's adulting story Since 2022, my life partner Valentin SPOUTIL 李萬龍, and his business partner Simon Habran have been importing Belgian Beer in Taiwan, Brewery Bertinchamps. Getting to witness all of this up close — discussing small or big matters with Valentin (though what about an opinion from a 25 years old right..... 😅), delivering beers from bar to bar, and labeling countless bottles of beer. Now, most of our weekend drinking involves introducing Bertinchamps. (I have never worked in sales before, a significant percentage of the restaurants we approach convert to sales has given me a taste of the exhilarating rush of selling). I wasn't initially a fan of beer, but this whole journey has raised me to become someone that would enjoy a bottle of Legére 12pm on a Sunday, and a Triple on a cold Saturday night. (I'm not sure it's a good thing but well, anything with moderation, let's say?) It was fun and enriching, like enrolling in a business course for free. (Or for my labor in exchange? 🤔) Over the past two years, this Taipei Wine Show is a good indicator on how much they have grown. 2022, they started with a free booth supported by a partner, in exchange, all sales revenue went to the partner. 2023, they shared a small-size booth with the same partner. 2024, they are now confident to take a full booth themselves. Also in 2024, they expanded, bringing more brands of Belgium beer, not only Bertinchamps, like from Omer Vander Ghinste, etc, hence the name beer-square.tw. With this significant exponential growth, they want to continue bringing more selection of good beers in Taiwan. And each time I joined them for this kind of exhibition, it has been incredibly enjoyable. Getting to meet fellow people in the F&B industry and beer enthusiast. It's never just about selling beers, but all the chats and knowledge exchanging. Sometimes when my social battery ran out, I'll be hiding at the back labelling their cups or something, observing the bustling crowd, enjoying the ambience. So if this post reaches those in need of enriching their beer selection in the menu, or those like us who enjoy a good beer after their 9-5, please stop by this weekend. Love, Nadya, Polly Wu, Simon Habran, Valentin SPOUTIL 李萬龍

Bartender Spirits Awards Judges record some quick snippets for the best products at the event. Our judges have the power to greatly increase your spirits brand's reputation in a number of ways. They are all the best bartenders from US restaurants, bars, clubs, and pubs, and they advise on cocktails for on-premise businesses or play a big part in purchasing play. The judges have extensive knowledge of spirits and cocktail culture and are mixologists, beverage directors, and bartenders. Their participation upholds the legitimacy of the awards won and the competition's expertise. The recognition that comes with receiving a Bartender Spirits Award can lead to new markets and distribution methods. Your market reach and customer base will grow as a result of the increased likelihood that bars, eateries, and retailers will carry and promote award-winning spirits. This is the last call before the deadline of March 15th, we encourage spirits brands to enter your products now while the entry price is the lowest. Don't miss this opportunity to meet the best bartenders in America. Visit BartenderSpiritsAwards.com to view the judges, entry requirements, and perks for spirits brands. HURRY!⏳ #spiritsbusiness #spiritsindustry #bartenders #mixologist #usa #chicago Bartenders Business | Beverage Trade Network

Hear from our Judges: Why Winning a Bartender Spirits Award Matters! Bartender Spirits Awards can be the launchpad for global recognition, propelling your brand into bars and onto the back bars of tastemakers across the U.S.🍸 What Sets Us Apart? 🔸Judged by Industry Experts: The Bartender Spirits Awards leverage the keen palates and real-world experience of bartenders, bar managers, and on-premise buyers. They know exactly what works in a bar setting, ensuring your award reflects success where it truly counts. 🔸Unique Approach to Spirits: Winning spirits impress with their mixability, balance & versatility, making them a bartender's dream to work with. Additionally, packaging and price are factored in, recognizing spirits that are not only delicious but also commercially viable for bars to stock. 🔸Targeted to the U.S. Market: Unlike competitions with a global focus, the Bartender Spirits Awards are laser-focused on the American market. We understand the specific distribution networks and regulations that impact U.S. bars and restaurants, ensuring your win translates to real results. . . . #BartenderSpiritsAwards #RaisingtheBar #Bartenders #spiritscompetition #america #bartendinglife #SpiritsAwards #chicagodrinks Danny Shapiro Beverage Trade Network Sid Patel Ankita O. Toshio Ueno DipWSET Sake School of America Emiliano Vazquez-Parrales Moody Tongue Brewing Company Katherine I. Malvika Patel

Great read via on Bon Appetit on the top 8 trends defining bars in 2024, one of which being more innovative nonalcoholic menu options outside of your standard mocktails. We believe in the importance of the hospitality industry’s need to provide optionality to guests as it pertains to their menu offerings - and feel grateful to be featured on so many regional and nationally recognized bars and restaurant menus including XYZ. To read the full story, click the link below: The 8 Trends Defining Bars in 2024 Bartenders are turning out inspired milk punch, going all-in on savory cocktails, and taking the zero-proof movement to new heights. These are the trends that define drinking right now. Read in Bon Appétit: https://lnkd.in/gCbRVnwc