Mumbai: The 11th edition of the prestigious Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards 2024 was concluded recently grandly and memorably at Le Meridien Gurgaon. The event, widely regarded as one of the most prominent gatherings in India’s alcobev and hospitality sectors, was marked by glitz, glamour, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Attended by industry stalwarts, hospitality veterans, and corporate leaders, the event lived up to its reputation as a marquee occasion in the industry calendar.
The evening unfolded in an elegantly designed setting, with a wonderful amalgamation of class and style. The Who’s Who of the alcoholic beverages, hospitality and travel retail industries graced the occasion, adding a touch of sophistication and prestige to the gathering. From top executives to thought leaders, the event attracted key players from across the globe, cementing its status as a major platform for networking, discussions, and celebrations.
Showcasing Global and Domestic Brands
A notable highlight of the event was the active participation of international and domestic companies who showcased their latest offerings through visually captivating stalls. The brands, ranging from renowned international names to emerging domestic players, poured their finest spirits and beverages, providing attendees with an opportunity to experience the very best the industry has to offer. From innovative cocktails to classic favourites, the comprehensive beverage selection kept the guests enthralled throughout the evening.
Engaging Deliberations on Crucial Industry Topics
The conclave was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Peru, Javier Paulinich along with industry stalwarts Shobhan Roy, (DG-AIBA), Satpal Chaudhry, Advisor to Khoday Group and Suman Gehlawat, GM of Le Meridien, Gurgaon by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The daytime session saw the hosting of four highly engaging and insightful deliberations. These discussions featured industry stalwarts, thought leaders, and trade body heads, who shared their expertise on crucial topics shaping the evolving future of India’s alcobev industry. Topics ranged from Decoding India’s Affluent Consumer Class, Alcobev Industry- A Committed Partner to the Viksit Bharat Agenda, Navigating the Legal & Regulatory Challenges, and Sip Revolution.
The exchange of ideas and strategies provided valuable insights to attendees, further enhancing the importance of the conclave as a thought leadership platform for India’s alcobev industry.
Spectacular Awards Show
As the day transitioned into the evening and the evening snowballed into twilight, the event culminated in a grand gala awards ceremony, held in a spectacular setting. The awards show, known for its seamless flow and production, lived up to expectations, with the hall erupting in applause each time a winner was announced.
The Spiritz Achievers’ Awards honoured exceptional achievements across a variety of categories, recognising both global corporations and local players for their significant contributions to the industry.
Top Honours
Among the top honours, the Company of the Year awards were presented to Pernod Ricard India (for MNC) and Piccadily Agro Industries (for Domestic), reflecting their outstanding performance and leadership in India’s alcobev industry. The coveted Leader of the Year award was conferred on Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business, Radico Khaitan Ltd., for his exemplary leadership in driving international business growth.
The award for CSR Initiatives was shared by Diageo India and Pernod Ricard India Ltd., both recognised for their significant contributions to social responsibility and sustainability efforts within the industry. In the highly competitive Travel Retailer of the Year category, the award was bestowed upon Osprey Duty-Free, further underscoring the company’s exceptional performance in the travel retail space.
The Exclusive Launch of the Year award was jointly presented to Delhi Duty-Free and House of Suntory, for the Kogei Collection and for Ardbeg by Moet Henessey.
The excitement continued as accolades were given for the winning wines, sakes, RTDs, white spirits, and brown spirits. One of the evening’s most prestigious honours, the Ambassador of the Industry award, was most deservedly conferred on Master Blender, Surinder Kumar. Anuj Soin of the Radisson Hotel Sector 29 Gurugram won GM of the Year, and the Bar Raiser of the Year award went to KD Hospitality, Dehradun, which is led by Kuldeep Singh.
The Spirit of Camaraderie
The awards night was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and happy banter, as old friends and colleagues were seen reconnecting over drinks of their choice. The Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards not only celebrated the best of the industry but also created an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness, fostering strong bonds among industry peers.
The icing on the cake was the exquisite culinary spread, specially prepared by the talented Chefs of Le Meridien Gurgaon. The delectable dishes, coupled with fine spirits, provided the perfect complement to the celebratory mood of the evening, leaving guests thoroughly satisfied.
Guests left the event with fond memories and high praise for the Spiritz team. Many congratulated the organisers for the seamless execution of the event, applauding the meticulous arrangements, smooth flow of the programme, and overall ambience.
The 11th edition of the Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards 2024 was, without doubt, a resounding success and a fitting tribute to the best in India’s alcobev, hospitality and travel retail sectors.
As the curtains closed on another spectacular edition, the industry eagerly looks forward to the next Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards, which promises to be even more impactful and inspiring.
