Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, honored spirits and beer distributors at the 14th Annual Golden Bar Awards, which took place recently in Las Vegas. The Golden Bar Awards are presented to distributors demonstrating excellence in sales, marketing and promoting responsible drinking.

"The Golden Bar Awards are one way we are able to come together to show our appreciation for the hard work our distributors do all year long on behalf of our fine brands," said Tom Looney, President, US Spirits and Canada, Diageo North America. "At the Golden Bars we celebrate the successes of the previous year and look ahead to the coming year to discuss how we can work together to help our brands grow."

Tom Day, Diageo Global Sales Officer and Chairman, Diageo Beer Company, USA, reinforced the importance of the Golden Bar Awards: "The Diageo Beer Company had a defining year, and gained lots of exciting momentum. We couldn't have achieved it in the ways that we did without the relationships with our distributors and their mutual commitment to the business. These awards give us an opportunity to acknowledge their invaluable efforts."

The Golden Bar Awards celebrate distributors across the U.S. for their excellence in the industry and the important role they play in their respective communities. Awards are given in seven categories including On Premise Performance, Innovation and Social Responsibility, as well as Brand Excellence. The distinction of Distributor of the Year is also awarded for spirits and beer.

Additionally, Platinum Bar Awards are awarded to a distributor in each of the beer and spirits categories for advancing responsible drinking.

"Diageo places utmost importance on responsible drinking and combatting underage drinking. Our Platinum Bar Awards recognize those distributors who best support these critical initiatives within their own communities," said Jon Pageler, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America.

In total, 26 Golden Bar statuettes, 24 made of 24 carat gold and two made of platinum, were awarded to distributors. Each statuette weighs eight pounds, stands more than a foot tall, and is produced by Society Awards, the company that produces The Emmy's®, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.