Cheers Magazine Announces Winners of the 2008 Cheers Supplier of the Year Awards at Annual Conference

Cheers magazine, the premier on-premise beverage resource, today announced the winners of the 2008 Cheers Supplier of the Year Awards at the annual Cheers Beverage Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami, January 22 and 23.

The Cheers Supplier of the Year Awards are presented to adult beverage manufacturer and allied companies that supply products and services to full-service chain restaurants. Companies are nominated and then voted upon by the members of the Cheers Editorial Advisory Board, which is comprised of 40 leading chain restaurant beverage executives. The 2008 Cheers Supplier of the Year awards were presented by Stan Novack, vice president of concept development for HMS Host, and Charles Forman, senior vice president and group publisher, Cheers.

The winners of the 2008 Cheers Supplier Awards are:

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.

Large Non-Alcohol & Mix Company
Honorable Mention: Red Bull North America
Winner: Coca-Cola
Outstanding customer service, research and development and recipe development capabilities earned Coca-Cola this award.

Small Non-Alcohol & Mix Company
Honorable Mention: Island Oasis
Winner: Monin Gourmet Flavorings
Exceptional support and service, cutting edge products and innovation and high-quality personnel were among the attributes that lead to Monin receiving this award.

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.

For more information about Cheers magazine, the Cheers Beverage Conference, and the Cheers Supplier of the Year Awards, contact Cheers Editor Donna Hood Crecca at (631) 265-3839 or dhc@m2media360.com or visit www.cheersconference.com and www.bevinfogroup.com.