In recent years, a growing number of organisations across the drinks industry have been awarded prestigious AWEI status, reflecting the strides the industry has taken over many years to create a more inclusive culture for LQBTQIA+ individuals.
What is the AWEI?
Run by Pride in Diversity, the AWEI is Australia’s national benchmark for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion. It is a benchmark rather than an award. Organisations submit evidence of what they actually do – policy, visibility, leadership, culture and employee experience – and are assessed against the same criteria regardless of the industry they operate within.
Bronze recognises foundational practice, where the policies and structures are in place and working. Silver and Gold require an advanced submission, with Gold reserved for organisations whose inclusion work is significant and ongoing. Platinum goes to organisations that sustain Gold over years, or complete a two-year project focused on a single area of inclusion.
The criteria are reviewed every three years against international best practice so the standard rises as practice does.
AWEI status across the drinks industry
In 2024, Lion became the first alcoholic beverages organisation to be awarded Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold Tier Status after the index launched in 2010. In 2025, Treasury Wine States achieved the coveted Gold Status, also holding onto the recognition in 2026, while Asahi Beverages and Diageo were both awarded Bronze status for the first time this year. All three Drinks Association Retail Partners also proudly hold AWEI status – Coles Group (Platinum), Amazon Australia (Gold) and Endeavour Group (Silver).
Achieving AWEI status requires an extensive process of compiling evidence of policies, initiatives and impact. The AWEI status reflects a deep commitment to inclusion and active work happening across each of the businesses recognised.
Learn more about LGBTQIA+ initiatives across the drinks industry via Pride in Drinks.