Altia named Vodka Producer of the Year in the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2020
The International Spirits Challenge, one of the most recognized competitions in the industry, has awarded Altia the title of Vodka Producer of the Year. This recognition is a true testament not only to Altia’s skilled product development work and high-quality production, but also to Finnish barley and pure ground water, which are used to distill vodka for home and export markets at Altia’s pioneering Koskenkorva distillery.
The International Spirits Challenge – the most respected and influential competition for spirits – is held annually and rewards both the best products in the world as well as their producers. The title of Vodka Producer of the Year bestowed on Altia is a tribute to the high quality of Finnish vodka production and to Altia’s excellent product development work.
“This respected award further strengthens our position as a Nordic role model in innovations in the beverage industry”, states Altia’s CEO Pekka Tennilä.
Held for the 25th time this year, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is based on blind tastings conducted by a panel of experienced industry professionals. The Producer awards, such as Vodka producer of the Year, recognize the best performing drinks producers in the challenge. The winning drinks of a specific spirits category are re-evaluated for the Producer award and the contestant with the highest-ranking drinks is awarded.
Over 1,700 entries from nearly 70 countries are sent to the competition every year. As a truly global competition, ISC’s Producer award supports Altia’s and its Nordic brands’ growth in competitive international markets, where the ability to introduce new, exciting product launches is crucial. Altia’s key brands have been very successful in international industry competitions, winning many prominent product-specific awards during the past year.
ISC’s Producer award is also a recognition of the successful continuous distillation process at Altia’s Koskenkorva distillery, which ensures the production of consistent, high-quality grain spirit. The Koskenkorva distillery is a modern, state-of-the-art production plant that operates based on the principles of circular economy. The barley grain is fully utilized – even up to the husks, which are used as fuel in the distillery’s own bioenergy plant. The Koskenkorva distillery received the Green Company of the Year award in 2018. Altia’s ambitious goal is that its own production will be carbon neutral by 2025.
Petra Gräsbeck
Director, Corporate Relations and Communications
+358 40 767 0867
petra.grasbeck@altiagroup.com
Altia is a leading Nordic alcoholic beverage brand company operating in the wines and spirits markets in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Altia wants to support a development of a modern, responsible Nordic drinking culture. Altia’s flagship brands are Koskenkorva, O.P. Anderson and Larsen. Other iconic Nordic brands are Chill Out, Blossa, Xanté, Jaloviina, Leijona, Explorer and Grönstedts. Altia’s net sales in 2019 were EUR 359.6 million and the company employs about 650 professionals. Altia’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.altiagroup.com.
