As we wrap up 2025, it’s encouraging to see the strength, resilience and momentum across our industry. The year has been marked with even greater collaboration as we all work together to build a stronger future for the drinks industry.
For the Drinks Association, 2025 has been a year of meaningful growth and connection. We were delighted to welcome new partners Amazon Australia, Fever-Tree, Argon & Co and 4 Squared Global, and to see Touchstone Executive elevate its support as a Gold Partner. Each brings valuable capability to our network and reinforces the power of partnership in lifting industry performance.
Our events program continued to thrive, with an August Network Breakfast featuring Kylie Wallbridge, CEO of Australian Liquor Marketers. Kylie shared an important message about the scale and sophistication of the independent channel and the opportunity for suppliers and retailers to take a more unified approach to growth.
In July, we celebrated the 13th annual Australian Drinks Awards. Lion reclaimed the 2025 Supplier of the Year title and secured the Category Management Award for the first time. Diageo was recognised as the Most Improved Supplier of the Year, and Australian Vintage took home the Supply Chain Management Award. The night also highlighted excellence in brand-building, with 27 brand awards presented across reputation, innovation and campaign effectiveness.
The Contribution to Industry Awards once again showcased initiatives shaping a more inclusive, healthy and sustainable sector. Asahi Beverages received both the Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative and Best Wellbeing Initiative, while Australian Vintage was recognised for the Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative through its Nepenthe Elevation vine-to-glass program.
Our councils and workstreams continued to drive important progress. The Embrace Difference Council delivered another impactful International Women’s Day event, launched the 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Report and ran a busy calendar for Pride in Drinks. Our Sustainability Council also marked its first full year, helping to guide long-term industry alignment.
This year also marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Respect in Drinks Charter, establishing a shared industry standard for safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces. We were proud to see broad support from across the sector with 19 founding signatories to the Charter.
Finally, we acknowledged the retirement of long-serving Board member and Chair Ralph Dunning after almost three decades of service. His leadership, stability and advocacy have been instrumental in shaping the Association we are today.
Thank you to all members, partners, council representatives and our Board for your support throughout 2025. Your dedication continues to strengthen our industry and the work we do together.
On behalf of the Drinks Association team, I wish you a safe, joyful holiday season and a successful start to the New Year.
The Drinks Association will take a break over the holiday period from Monday, 22 December. We will re-open on Monday, 5 January 2026.