Wildcard scoops best brewery title at SIBA awards

The Walthamstow-based business’s owners Will Harris and Jaega Wise were on hand to accept the award.

Harris said: “[I’m] delighted to win the award – it’s just huge recognition for everyone at Wildcard and we’re just really proud of what we have achieved as a team.”

Ultimate validation

Wise added: “We have been going for 11 years now and to get recognition on a national level is unbelievable for the team – we’re going to go out tonight and celebrate.

“At Wildcard, we operate a skinny team that works hard so, for us, this is the ultimate validation. Sometimes things have got tough over the past couple of years and an award like this really does mean everything.”

The SIBA Business Awards – which highlighted the best beer UK businesses, including breweries, pubs, taprooms and bottle shops – are organised by not-for-profit trade association the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and took place at BeerX in Liverpool on Wednesday 15 March.

Hugely impressive

Beer industry writer and broadcaster Pete Brown, who presented the awards, said: “Wildcard were hugely impressive across the board, taking home the top prize in two categories and have carved a niche for themselves with unique design, top-quality beers and keen business instincts.

“Their influence on the industry has been huge for what is a relatively small brewery and judges were blown away by just how much they doing to progress the brewery on all fronts.”

The 2023 awards saw the inaugural Empowering People award, which seeks to highlight the best breweries in the UK to work for by empowering and supporting their teams and championing inclusivity and diversity.

Sustainability strategy launched

Meanwhile, SIBA has launched a sustainability strategy for helping independent UK breweries to meet the ambitious Net Zero targets set by the Government.

Brewing our way to Net Zero​ will include a consultation with breweries, suppliers and others across the UK before being implemented.

SIBA chief executive Andy Slee said: “In many respects, small independent breweries lead the way in sustainability.

“Their core product is locally produced beer, 66% of which is packaged into reusable containers and sold to community pubs predominantly within a 40-mile radius of the brewery.

“Yet, as small and medium sized businesses, many independent breweries lack the economic, human and technical resources they need to make the jump to net zero – increasingly the number one priority in sustainability.”

The strategy sets out how independent breweries can achieve their net zero obligations, focusing on six key areas: Energy Use, Ingredients, Transport & Logistics, Packaging & Recycling, Solid Waste Management and Water.

The report consultation will be open until 19 May to gather feedback.