Ok. You heard it here first...
Somm Zero is proud to announce that we have been invited to attend on the judging panel of the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2025.
This represents a huge honour for us, and an exciting opportunity to contribute to this new and innovative beverage category - one which we have had the privilege of championing this past couple of years, and which continues to evolve and improve at a dizzying pace.
So, to celebrate and share this news, here is a little blog post about the World Alcohol-Free Awards, and why we feel it matters so much...
The World Alcohol-Free Awards: Redefining Excellence in 0.5% ABV and Below
As the global demand for alcohol-free beverages surges, the World Alcohol-Free Awards (WAFA) has set the stage for innovation, quality, and recognition in the low- and no-alcohol drinks sector. With a mission to elevate, celebrate and the best adult-focused beverages at 0.5% ABV and below, WAFA is setting new benchmarks for excellence in this rapidly growing industry.
A First-of-Its-Kind Competition
WAFA is the world’s first and largest independent competition dedicated exclusively to alcohol-free drinks. Unlike many traditional drinks competitions that often treat the alcohol-free category as an afterthought, WAFA places it at the forefront, offering a platform where these beverages are the sole focus.
The competition is renowned for its super-rigorous entry process, ensuring that every drink is perfectly categorised, expertly flighted, and tasted under optimal conditions. This meticulous approach guarantees that each entry receives a fair and thorough evaluation, by people who genuinely care about them.
Expertise in Judging
At WAFA, medals are earned, not given.
The panel is composed of expert judges who are either specialists or highly experienced in the alcohol-free sector...or both.
Their refined palates and deep understanding of the category mean that achieving a WAFA medal is no easy feat. For brands, this makes the accolade even more significant, as it signals true quality and innovation to consumers and industry professionals alike.
After all, the alcohol-free category is complex, fast-moving… and different. So the World Alcohol-Free Awards ensures their judging panel reflects that reality.
The competition commits to only work with judges who:
fully understand the complexities of the alcohol-free world
have strong opinions but are open-minded to the unfamiliar
care about the category but are rigorous in their assessments
And of course, who are great tasters!
A Truly Global Reach
WAFA’s impact goes beyond borders, welcoming entries from 20+ different countries and featuring judges from across Europe and North America (with expansions into the Middle East and Australia on the way).
Although the event is hosted in London, the drinks don’t need to be sold in the UK to enter – the competition is truly global in scope. So while the judging takes place in the UK, WAFA positions itself as the world’s competition, spotlighting the best alcohol-free beverages from anywhere on the planet.
More Than Just Medals
Winning at WAFA opens doors. Gold medal-winning drinks automatically qualify for the prestigious Trophy judging round, offering an even higher level of recognition. Additionally, these drinks are showcased for free at WAFA’s stand at the London Wine Fair, the UK’s largest drinks exhibition. This gives brands invaluable exposure to industry leaders, buyers, and enthusiasts alike.
Redefining the Future of Drinks
As the alcohol-free category continues to flourish, WAFA is helping shape its future by identifying and celebrating the best it has to offer. With its commitment to rigour, expertise, and global reach, WAFA is not just a competition; it’s a movement, championing the rise of alcohol-free beverages worldwide.
Whether you're a producer, retailer, or consumer, the World Alcohol-Free Awards is the ultimate authority in recognizing excellence in the alcohol-free drinks industry. If you’re looking for drinks that combine innovation, quality, and global acclaim, WAFA is your go-to guide. We are proud to be a part of it.
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Ready to celebrate or discover the finest alcohol-free drinks?
Keep an eye on the winners of WAFA – they’re redefining the way the world drinks.
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