news

Bibendum MD Michael Saunders wins Drinks Business 'Man of the Year' - 13/05/2009

Bibendum's Managing Director, Michael Saunders, has scooped the blue riband award at this year's Drinks Business Awards. Wednesday lunchtime of the London International Wine Fair meant it was DB Awards time as the great and the good packed the gallery for Champagne, chat and some light nail-biting.

The final award of the session always goes to the 'Man of the Year' and extra corks were popped by the Bibendumites in the crowd as Michael walked up (accompanied by a Wham song no less!) to collect the award.

It was introduced by former winner Patrick McGrath MW. He said:

"The judges for this award were in full agreement that the calibre of entry for the 2009 Man of the Year Award was incredibly strong.

The candidates encompassed men from across the wine industry in particular and this year's recipient rose to the top of the pile because in short he has made his business work and in an innovative and imaginative way.

He has risen through the ranks in his company since its inception. Now at the helm, he is known both in the trade and amongst the people who work for him as being fair, hard working and passionate.

He is a wine trade professional of the highest calibre and is respected by all who know and surround him"

Typically we couldn't twist Michael's arm to pose in a photo later or come out with some schmaltzy quote about how 'proud and delighted' he was. Nope - he'd already disappeared to go and sell Bibendum to all the visitors on the stand. Says it all really...

Elsewhere, Bibendum came close in the two other categories entered. We won Special Judges' Commendations for:

Best Trade Campaign for the 'Handmade by Bibendum' Annual Tasting

Importer of the Year

The other great bits of news to emerge were that London City Bond (LCB) won the award for 'Best Logistics Company of the Year' and West Eleven Cocktails (which Bibendum supplies to the trade) won 'Best Launch'.