Wine retailers shortlisted for Business Awards

Published: 03 August, 2011

Three leading wine retailers have been nominated for accolades at this year's Orange National Business Awards.

Online retailer Naked Wines has been shortlisted for the title of WorldPay Online Business of the Year. The judging panel, comprised of around 100 chief executives and senior directors, praised its innovative ideas and said the company is "a great example of how the internet and ecommerce can revolutionise existing business models".

"By connecting wine drinkers and wine makers directly, Naked Wines is enabling small enterprise to take on established brands," the judges added.

The Grant Thornton Mid-Cap Business of the Year award could go to Majestic Wine after judges recognised its efforts "to take full advantage of the celebrations around the Royal Wedding", resulting in a massive boost to Champagne sales.

The judging panel said: "Reducing its minimum case to six bottles in 2009 was a masterstroke, resulting in a 26% increase in profit and sales up over 10%. Future growth is supported by a 14% increase in active customers to half a million, and plans to double the number of its stores."

London-based fine wine trader Fine & Rare Wines has been nominated for the BlackBerry Growth Strategy of the Year title thanks to its efforts to target customers from across the globe, with a large proportion in Europe and the UK, and a growing number in the Far East. "Fine & Rare Wines is a niche business that is doing well what all niche businesses need to do well - go global," judges said.

The National Business Awards ceremony in partnership with Orange will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on November 8.

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