IWSC hunts for top online retailer

The International Wine & Spirit Competition has launched its 2015 quest to find the Online Wine & Spirit Retailer of the Year.

Seeking to “recognise and reward the innovative work demonstrated by the many online businesses in the world of wines and spirits,” the prize was established last year and won by Master of Malt.

Retailers are asked to submit their entry by 17 August, with consumers then invited to vote online for their favourite between 24 August and 14 September. All votes will be entered into a prize draw to win a mixed case of wine.

The resulting shortlist will then be judged by a panel of industry experts, with the winner announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet on 26 November.

As entries open for the 2015 award, IWSC general manager Ewan Lacey said: “It’s important to acknowledge the digital presence of these online wine and spirit retailers, which are often giving consumers access to both new products, and new information. This digital accessibility to wines and spirits is something very exciting, and we want to reward that.”

In order to qualify for the category, retailers must have a UK presence. Even if they have a physical shop, the entry will be judged solely on its merits as an online retailer.

For more information about the award or to enter, visit www.iwsc.net/online-retailer. It is possible to follow the judging process and join the conversation surrounding this award via Twitter using #iwscbestonline.