Entry Benefits

Entry Benefits

Competition Benefits

The BTN Competitions are designed to help beverage producers gain visibility, credibility, and new distribution opportunities. Below are two levels of benefits — one for all entrants, and another for category winners who achieve top recognition.

Entrants Benefits (Available to all participating brands)

1. Reach 50,000+ Trade Professionals Across the BTN Network 

Your results are shared with over 50,000 verified trade professionals in the Beverage Trade Network community, including importers, distributors, sommeliers, bar managers, and retail buyers around the world.

Your achievement will reach the right buyers through BTN’s global channels — professionals actively looking to add new, high-quality products to their portfolios.

2. Your Own Product Pages on the Competition Website

Each entry receives a dedicated product page on the official competition website. These pages showcase your brand story, product image, tasting notes, and medal results, creating a professional digital footprint easily discoverable by trade buyers and consumers worldwide.

Your page stays live year-round and is indexed by Google — becoming a lasting online asset for your brand.

3. Global Press & Media Coverage

Competition results are distributed across the relevant audience in the BTN’s international media ecosystem: 

Our media partners BTN and BevRoute provide extensive press and social coverage, keeping your brand visible throughout the year.

4. All-Year-Round Social Media Promotion

Winners receive year-long social media exposure through BTN and its partner media accounts — reaching on-trade and off-trade buyers across key global markets and helping your brand stay top of mind.

5. Free Shelf-Talkers, Certificates, and Professional Tasting Notes

All winners receive:

  • Digital medal downloads 
  • Printable certificates 
  • Professional tasting notes from judges 
  • Shelf talker templates

These tools help you enhance your product presentation and boost shelf impact in both retail and trade environments.

6. Digital Medal Artwork and Press Template

Access your digital medal artwork and press release template to use across your website, marketing, and PR channels.

(Please follow the official release timeline shared with you before public posting.)

7. Global Exposure via BTN Media Assets

Winning brands are featured across BTN’s international media network:

  • BartendersBusiness.com – for bar and mixology professionals
  • TheOnTrade.com – for restaurants, pubs, and hotels
  • ChicagoDrinksGuide.com – for consumer audiences

Your brand gains unmatched visibility across both trade and consumer segments.

8. Trade Benefits for Entrants with Six or More Products

A. CPGBuyerAI Buyer Matches

Entrants submitting six or more products receive one time 20 verified matched buyers through BTN’s proprietary CPGBuyerAI platform: 

  • AI- and human-verified importer, distributor, and retail buyer data. 
  • Each lead includes a Fit Score and a reason for the match.
  • Access matched bars, venues, retail stores, and importers worldwide.

This feature helps producers expand distribution with precision.

B. Grow Direct-to-Consumer Sales with CPGBuyerAI Velocity

Entrants also unlock Velocity Exposure, connecting consumers directly with your retail and e-commerce channels: 

  • Featured “Where-to-Buy” links on BTN’s digital network.
  • AI-driven promotion across BTN’s websites and social media.
  • Drives consumer awareness, retail traffic, and reorder velocity.

“These benefits give producers measurable ROI from the moment they enter.”  — Sid Patel, CEO, Bartender Spirits Awards

Category Winners Benefits (Exclusive to Category and Special Award Winners)

1. One-Month Free Access to CPGBuyerAI + 50 Verified Buyer Matches

Celebrate your success with one month of free access to CPGBuyerAI, BTN’s AI-powered buyer discovery platform. 

  • Get 50 verified buyer matches tailored to your product and export goals.
  • Valued at $599, this helps you start global outreach immediately.

2. Winner Story Feature & Interview

You’ll be featured in a Winner Story on BTN’s media platforms and social channels, reaching a global audience of engaged trade and consumer readers.

3. Complimentary Medal Stickers (1,000 Units)

Celebrate your win with a free set of 1,000 medal stickers. (Please share your shipping details for delivery)

4. Winner Pitch Zoom & Hello Call

Join a 10-minute pitch call with BTN leadership to introduce your brand and products. 

Your recording will be edited and published on BSA’s digital and social platforms, and a copy will be provided for your own marketing.