Signature Brew named SIBA Brewery Business of the Year 2018

East London’s Signature Brew took the coveted top spot as SIBA Brewery Business of the Year.

Signature Brew, which has the tagline 'Brewing with Music', specialises in collaboration beers with musical artists, impressed judges across a range of awards categories, winning the Marketing Implementation category as well as the Brewery Business of the Year award.

Majority favourites 

The brewery stood out for its “fresh ideas, keen business acumen and genuinely unique approach to running a brewing business”. Signature Brew was the majority favourite, with judges commenting on its innovation, uniqueness and business growth as key indicators of an already flourishing brewery on its way to greatness.

The competition is run by SIBA and judged by an expert panel.

“This is just huge recognition that our idea for what we wanted the brewery to be was a good one,” said Signature Brew’s Tom Bott.

“For people to recognise our vision to get quality craft beer into independent music venues and spread our message is amazing and we’re thrilled it struck a chord with judges.”

The awards were presented last night (14 March) at BeerX UK 2018 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool by Radio 2 broadcaster and resident foodie Nigel Barden, who will also host the SIBA Independent Beer Awards tonight (15 March).

In the on-trade categories, JD Wetherspoon was named winner in the best independent craft beer promotion for its work on real ale and craft beer across its pub estate, while the UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Bar (City) was awarded to Wigan Central in Lancashire. The Best Independent Craft Beer Bar (Rural) was given to The Cove Café Bar in Devon.

Destined for bigger and better

Other winners on the night included: St Albans’ Farr Brew for Green Business, North Brewing Co in the Business Innovation category, and Fourpure in the Commercial Achievement category.  

“The quality and quantity of entries this year was simply staggering and to be named a winner in the awards represents a huge achievement for these breweries,” said SIBA chief executive Mike Benner.

“I would particularly like to congratulate Signature Brew on being voted brewery business of the year, they have clearly proved themselves to the judges and are destined for even bigger and better things in the future I’m sure.”

The SIBA Business Awards received a 60% increase in entries this year, which SIBA says is “testament to the innovation and vision on show in the independent craft brewing industry right now”.