As we step into 2025, there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the London Wine Competition, London Beer Competition, and London Spirits Competition. This year, we’re taking these competitions to the next level with new initiatives, expanded reach, and greater opportunities to showcase your brands on a global stage. 

I’m Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, organiser of the London Competitions, and I’m personally inviting wine, beer, and spirits importers of the UK to enter the 2025 competitions as i truly believe London Competitions can help you get more commercial traction on your wines, beers and spirits.

One of the main reasons I do think London Wine Competition will help the brands that are already available in UK to grow is the broadening of the judges category to also include top independent drinks merchants, super market buyers, influencers and writers in 2025 along with our category ambassadors who will be promoting the category winners in 2025.

With our media assets investment plans for our UK media assets On-Trade, Drinks Merchants and the London Drinks Guide, imported brands and UK producers can get more values with content that can drive sales.

Bianca Ford (Right), Operations Director and Buyer at Yapp Brothers Ltd, will join the judging panel of 2025 London Wine Competition

This year’s panel features an impressive blend of top trade buyers, Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, importers, distributors, writers, and influencers, representing the diverse perspectives and expertise of the modern wine industry.

Notable judges for the 2025 competition include:

• Frances Bentley, Wine Buyer at LWC Drinks
• Valeria Rodriguez, AIWS Head of Fine Wine Bibendum Wine
• Carla Bertellotti, Managing Director at Vinos Latinos
• Joshua Castle, Group Head Buyer For Keeling Andrew, Noble Rot and Shrine to the Vine
• Maxence Masurier, Director & Founder at Made In Little France Import Limited
• Dafydd Morris, Director at Cheers Wine Merchants, UK
• Douglas Blyde, Wine Columnist, Evening Standard, UK
• Emily Brighton, MW Master of Wine & Head of Technical at North South Wines Ltd
• Cong Cong Bo, Wine Writer, Educator, Sommelier, Retailer and Owner, Amphora Cambridge
• Harry Crowther, Wine buyer at Good Pair Days
• Bianca Ford, Operations Director and Buyer at Yapp Brothers Ltd
• Sunny Hodge, Wine Judge and Writer
• Irem Eren, DipWSET Regional And Category Ambassador For Low and No Alcohol Category
• David Harvey, Wine Importer at Raeburn Fine Wines
• Josh Kelly, No and Low Buyer and Brands Relations Manger at Club Soda
• Vidya Narasimhan, Wine Consultant and Advisory Board Member at Be Inclusive Hospitality
• Ruchira Neotia, Drinks Consultant & Founder, Ruchira’s Table
• Emma Penman, Wine Buyer at Waitrose
• Kirsty Woodgate, DipWSET Communications Professional, Wine Judge, Occasional Wine Writer
• Henna Zinzuwadia, Award-Winning Sommelier | Ambassador for Diversity in Wine & Hospitality | GQ Sommelier of the Year | Founder of Service | Mentoring the Next Generation of Wome.
• Emma Jenkinson, Wine Sourcing Manager at Morrisons
• Dan Belmont, Director & Wine Buyer at Good Wine Good People & GWGP TRADE

 

Josh Kelly, No and Low Buyer and Brands Relations Manager at Club Soda, will judge no and low wines at the 2025 London Wine Competition

The London Wine Competition continues to grow as a benchmark for brands wanting to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. By bringing together such a diverse panel—ranging from small independent retailers to major distributors and influencers—we ensure that the results provide real, actionable insights to producers looking to understand and meet market demands.

The expanded judging panel underscores the competition’s commitment to assessing wines holistically, including quality, value for money, and packaging appeal—three essential criteria that matter most to consumers and buyers alike.

Each panel table will also include a Master of Wine or a Master Sommelier.

Joshua Castle, Group Head Buyer For Keeling Andrew, Noble Rot and Shrine to the Vine, will be judging at the 2025 London Wine Competition

View the full list of judges here which also includes top sommeliers of UK, Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and other leading wine directors of UK.

What Else Is New in 2025?

This year, we’ve introduced several exciting developments to amplify the competitions and the stories of our winners:

Major Trade Show Presence
The London Competitions will be more visible than ever. This year, we’re exhibiting at major trade shows, including:

• Northern Bar and Restaurant Show in Manchester
• Wine Paris in Paris
• ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany

These platforms will connect us with global audiences and enhance the exposure of winning products.

Global Ambassadors and Experts
We’ve recruited a team of global ambassadors and industry experts who will not only advocate for the London Competitions but also share the stories of our winners. These ambassadors will play a key role in amplifying your success, giving your products the attention they deserve in international markets.

More Product Categories
To recognize excellence across the board, we’ve added exciting new categories this year:

• Importer of the Year: Awarded to the importer with the highest average score in entries.
• Private Label Range of the Year: Celebrating excellence in private label products.
• Plus, additional categories designed to spotlight innovation and creativity in the industry.

Sid Patel addressing welcome keynote to the judges of London Competitions

Why Enter?

Winning at the London Wine, Beer, and Spirits Competitions isn’t just a trophy on your shelf—it’s a mark of quality recognized by both trade and consumers worldwide. With our competitions growing in prestige and reach, this is your opportunity to elevate your brand, open doors to new markets, and position your products as must-have items for retailers and on-trade buyers.

This is your moment to stand out in a competitive market. Don’t miss the chance to have your products recognized and celebrated at one of the most influential beverage competitions in the world. Make sure you enter your wines, beers and spirits before February 28, 2025. This is your chance yo ensure your product gets the global exposure and credible validation it deserves while you gain the opportunity to connect with industry leaders

Join us in shaping the future of wine, beer, and spirits. Enter now, and let’s tell your story to the world.

Warm regards,
Sid Patel
CEO, Beverage Trade Network

Related Links:
London Wine Competition's Judging Panel to Include Wine Buyers from Top Drinks Merchants in the UK 
How to get good publicity on a limited budget