Woman-owned, Disability-owned Nonalc Brand For Bitter For Worse Wins RTD Producer of the Year and Best Ethical Range Trophy
Non-alcoholic drinks startup For Bitter For Worse won five medals at the Bartenders Spirits Awards, including RTD (ready-to-drink) Producer of the Year, RTD of the Year, as well as double-gold, gold, and silver medals.
Founder Shelley Elkovich said, “For a non-alcoholic drink and N/A brand to win the top honors when competing alongside boozy ready-to-drink cocktails is huge. These awards are also particularly meaningful because the recognition comes from the trade: top bartenders honored us with this distinction.” Notable entrants in the category were Ghia, Bulleit, Straightaway Cocktails, and Cutwater.
Sparkling aperitif Eva’s Spritz won a double-gold medal and was named RTD of the year by The Bartenders Spirits Awards. This competition is unique in the industry because the judges are all bartenders, and the judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry. The brand’s newest sparkler, Rose City Fizz , also won a gold medal. The 2023 competition saw more than 1400 submissions from 45 countries. Bartenders Spirits Awards reported that RTD had “huge growth” in RTD submissions this year. RTD was one of the top four most competitive categories.
The brand was further honored with a trophy for Best Ethical Range at the World Alcohol-free Awards in London. In addition to medals for the quality of the liquid, For Bitter For Worse took the trophy for Best Ethical Range in recognition of the company’s commitment to sustainability and justice, as well as integrity of ingredient sourcing.
These awards come on the heels of momentous months for the brand, with upcoming placement in Whole Foods and involvement in activations at globally recognized culture festivals such as Sundance and Coachella.
For Bitter For Worse produces their own product in Portland, Oregon using a proprietary “reverse bootlegging” production process incorporating raw certified organic botanicals rather than off-the-shelf extracts or lab-derived natural flavors. The brand is proudly woman-owned and disability-owned.
Resources:
For Bitter For Worse Press Kit