Yesterday, we held the annual Elsie Awards, a time to celebrate the achievements and successes of our industry partners and raise a glass to their unwavering enthusiasm, support, and dedication to propelling our beverage alcohol industry forward. It is a pleasure to share the Elsie award recipients with you.  

 

I always say that LCBO thrives only when the beverage alcohol thrives, and we are best-in-class because our industry partners are best-in-class. From the strength of your marketing programs, your dedication to excellence in customer experience, and your efforts to move the needle on environmental and social sustainability, this year’s nominees and winners embody the talent, innovation, and excellence Ontarians have come to expect when they shop at the LCBO.

 

I would also like to congratulate this year’s Special Recognition Award recipients, Harry and Ingrid Drung, the exceptional husband-and-wife team behind HHD Imports for carving out their successful path in the industry, and for their strong partnership and collaboration with LCBO. We thank them both for their lasting contributions and wish them a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.   

 

To all the nominees and Elsie Award winners, I offer my sincere congratulations. I hope you feel immense pride in not only your achievements, but the collective contributions to our beloved industry.

 

George Soleas

President & CEO, LCBO

 

2023 Elsie Award Recipients


Best Food & Drink partner – Corby Spirit and Wine Limited


Best Vintages Event – Napa Valley Vintners, Napa: New World Titans Event  


Best Gift Item – PMA Canada Ltd., Woodford Reserve Gift Pack  


Best LCBO Promotional Program – Charton Hobbs Inc., Holt Renfrew

 

Best Aeroplan Trade Partner – Italian Trade Commission, Wine of Italy – Spend & Get  

 

Best of Ontario – Wines & Vintages – Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery  

 

Best of Ontario – Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink – Flying Monkey Craft Brewery  

 

Best of Ontario – Spirits – Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers  

 

Best New Product Launch – Wines & Vintages – E & J Gallo, Apothic Red 3L bag

 

Best New Product Launch – Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink – Ace Beverage Group, Cottage Springs Vodka Iced Tea Mixed 8-pack

 

Best New Product Launch – Spirits – Beam Suntory, On the Rocks Hornitos Margarita  

 

Partnership Award – Retail – Don Earl, Moosehead Breweries  

 

Partnership Award – Specialty Services – Tony Macchione, Stem Wine Group Inc.  

 

Partnership Award – Supply Chain – Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits  

 

Spirit of Sustainability – Good People, Planet & Partner Award – Molson Coors Beverage Company  

 

Partnership Award – Wines – Danielle Giroux, California Wine Institute  

 

Partnership Award – Vintages – Anthony Romantini, Profile Wine Group Ltd.

 

Partnership Award – Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink – Laura Leroux, Molson Coors Beverage Company

 

Partnership Award – Spirits – Cynthia Walkow, PMA Canada Ltd.  

 

Partner of the Year – Small Supplier/Agent – Refined Food Brewing Co.  

 

Partner of the Year – Medium Supplier/Agent – Black Fly Beverage Company Inc.  

 

Partner of the Year – Large Supplier/Agent – Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits  

 

Special Recognition Award – Harry and Ingrid Drung