#IWSCbestindie nominations announced - Consumer voting begins

THIS week sees the opening of consumer voting for the International Wine and Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) Independent Retailer of the Year Award.

Nominations are in, and now it is time for the public to take charge and vote for their favourite wine and spirit merchant from those who nominated themselves as one of the very best. Votes are now open to the public and should be made online at www.iwsc.net/independent-retailer.

Now it is up to the nominees to encourage the public to vote for them. Retailers have been sent promotional packs to kick of their campaign; the packs include posters, window stickers and take away flyers to encourage their customers to support their store. Along with the pack both the IWSC and PLB wines will be boosting the social media campaign online with the specially created hash tag, #iwscbestindie

The nominees will have to engage customers, in store and online, encouraging them to vote online in support of their campaign.

Customers have until 16^th August to vote for their favourite retailer, all votes will be entered into a prize draw for a mixed case of wine. After the votes are counted a final shortlist is revealed with the judging of the final stores taking place shortly after.

Now in its fifth year, the prestigious award – sponsored by leading distributor PLB – recognises the role played by independent merchants in encouraging the understanding, and sales, of quality wines and spirits.

Last year the title went jointly to Quaff Wines and Duncan Murray Wines; the year before hangingditch wine merchants, an independent wine specialist in Manchester, picked up the coveted trophy

Retailers are judged on the quality and diversity of their range, quality of service, including sharing knowledge and enthusiasm with consumers and the quality of their display. This year, nominees will also have to show their commitment to engaging customers through social media and other online channels.

The winner will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet at the Guildhall on November 13.

Follow the competition and join in the conversation at #iwscbestindie.

How to vote:

Simply go online to www.iwsc.net/independent-retailer , click on the Customer Voting Form at the bottom and fill in the boxes.

Nominees:

For more information contact:

Harriet Chandler                                                                                             

IWSC Marketing Executive                                         

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3 176 6461                                                      

E:  harriet.chandler@iwscgroup.com                                                   

Editors’ notes: The International Wine & Spirit Competition The IWSC was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. All entries of wines, spirits and liqueurs are blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary.

PLB PLB is now in its 30th year of importing wines, spirits and beers from around the world. The company has a dedicated team working with UK independent merchants, sourcing and supplying the perfect offering, via a recently revised portfolio of around 350 wines - from entry-level to premium wines both classic and niche – the majority of which are exclusive to this sector.