A Message from LCBO President & CEO George Soleas

On May 3, we held the 2022 Elsie Awards, a time to celebrate our trade partners who work so hard to bring Ontarians the best beer, wine, and spirits from around the world.  It is a pleasure to share the award recipients with you (below).

As I’ve said many times: the LCBO thrives when the beverage alcohol industry thrives. From product excellence, marketing ingenuity and social responsibility, this year’s nominees once again raised the bar. And of course, produced a best-in-class product that helps LCBO customers make moments great.

After a two-year hiatus from in-person events, it was wonderful to see so many of our partners in person, and it was a great way to celebrate the industry achievements, resilience, and success of our partners over the last year. 

I would also like to pay tribute to this year’s Special Recognition Award recipient, Roger Randolph. Roger is a pioneer in the industry, and helped open the EU market to Canadian VQA and ice wines and paved the way for the LCBO category ‘Cellared in Canada,’ known today as ‘International Blends.’ Roger is known for being a collaborative and solution-oriented member of the industry. We thank him for his lasting contributions and for being an invaluable partner to the LCBO.

To all the nominees and Elsie award winners, I offer my sincere congratulations. I hope you feel our deep appreciation for everything that you have accomplished this year. Please take the time to reflect on the positive impact you have on our shared industry, customers, and communities.

• George Soleas
• President & CEO, LCBO

 

2022 Elsie Award Recipients

Best Food & Drink partner – Beam Suntory, Alberta Distillers 75^th anniversary

Best Virtual Event – New Zealand Winegrowers, Discover New Zealand’s Signature Wines: No Passport Required!

Best Gift Item – Corby Spirit and Wines, Wiser’s Blending Kit

Best eCommerce Exclusive Product of Offer – Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits, Holiday Gifting Online Exclusive, JP Chenet Advent Calendar

Best LCBO Promotional Program – Any Category – Majestic Wine, Arterra Wines Canada, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Noble Estates Wine & Spirits, Rosé Prosecco

 Best of Ontario – Wines & Vintages – Tawse Winery

Best of Ontario – Spirits – Dixon's Distilled Spirits

Best of Ontario – Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink – Left Field Brewery

Best New Product Launch – Spirits – Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Teremana

Best New Product Launch – Wines & Vintages – Dionysus Wines & Spirits, Bread and Butter Chardonnay

Best New Product Launch – Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink – Ace Beverage Group, Cottage Springs, Raspberry Lime Vodka Box 

Partnership Award – Retail – Paul Larose, Majestic Wine

Partnership in Training Award – Consorzio Vino Chianti, Classico & Predhomme Marketing

Partnership Award – Specialty Services – Metropolitan Wines and Spirits

Partnership Award – Supply Chain – Arterra Wines Canada

Spirit of Sustainability – Good People, Planet & Partner Award – Labatt Breweries of Canada

Partnership Award – Spirits – Robin Whyte, Corby Wine & Spirit

Partnership Award – Vintages – Rolf Lutz, Vinexx

Partnership Award – Wines – Geoff Lyle, Family Wine Merchants

Partnership Award – Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink – Deanna Lichty, Ace Beverage Group

Partner of the Year – Small Supplier/Agent – Cave Spring Vineyard

Partner of the Year – Medium Supplier/Agent – Ace Beverage Group

Partner of the Year – Large Supplier/Agent – Corby Spirit and Wine Limited

Special Recognition Award – Roger Randolph