DB Awards: Drinks Company of the Year

As one of the most prestigious categories in the Awards, the level of entrants was naturally extremely high, with Vanquish beating companies including Australian Vintage, Bibendum Wine and Concha y Toro to the prize.

Judges praised Vanquish for its "dynamic" and "entrepreneurial" approach to the trade, saying it had "carved out a niche" and built an operation selling luxury labels during the toughest economic times in living memory.

"It has taken guts," said one of our judges when referring to the distributors ability to break into a crowded and competitive market for prestige Champagne and Bordeaux first growths.

In short, the fine wine, Champagne and vodka distributor to both the trade and private clients was judged to be a "new, edgy and savvy addition to the drinks arena".

UK distributor Hi Spirits was named runner-up in the category, winning recognition for the way it was "doing something different from the big companies and tackling neglected sectors".

Time is running out to get your entries in for the 2011 Drinks Business Awards, with the deadline set for Thursday 31 March.

If you think your organisation has what it takes to make an impact on our judges this year, or to enter any of the other personality, marketing or business categories, click here.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony during the London International Wine Fair in May.