Gage Roads Brewing has become the first independent brewer to be crowned WA's best beer supplier, beating a host of big-name players in the brewing game.
The prestigious gong at the Australian Hotels Association (WA) Hospitality Supplier Awards caps a stunning 18 months for the WA brewery on the back of its highly successful commercial arrangement with Optus Stadium as the venue's official beer supplier.
Gage Roads Brewing has continued a stellar 18 months since becoming Optus Stadium's official beer supplier.Credit: Gage Roads Brewing Co
The brewery's managing director John Hoedemaker said he and his team were extremely proud to be recognised with the result after a massive couple of years.
"Gage Roads Brewing has had an exceptional year of growth and success, and this award highlights that," he said.
"The awards are voted by the local WA hospitality industry, which makes it even more special.
"As a business, we are thankful to all our customers who continue to support Gage Roads Brewing."
Gage has experienced exceptional growth in its products and brand over the past 12 months, and sold more than one million litres of beer through the Optus Stadium partnership.
In November the brewery's Single Fin Summer Ale was recognised as the fastest-growing craft beer brand in Australia.
Also recognised for the first time at the Crown Towers Ballroom event were WA’s 'Legends of Hospitality', individuals whose contribution to the hospitality industry and their local community were considered outstanding.
AHA WA CEO Bradley Woods said WA's hospitality industry had evolved in recent years on the back of committed industry suppliers.
"The success and growth of the hospitality industry is reliant on the delivery of high quality goods and services as well as strong relationships between those suppliers, hotels and hospitality venues," he said.
Gage's Single Fin Summer Ale is the fastest-growing craft beer brand in Australia.Credit: Jessica Wyld/Gage Roads
"WA's hospitality industry has benefited greatly from a small number of individual owners and operators who have made a substantial contribution to advancing and developing the sector.
"It was fitting these individuals were recognised through the inaugural Legends of Hospitality awards."
Legends included Court Hotel owner Bree Maddox, indefatigable Andy Freeman, stalwart Murray McHenry and supremely talented chef Chris Taylor.
ROSS MCGOVERN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Andrew Jones
LEGENDS OF HOSPITALITY AWARDS
Restaurants
* Stephen Clarke
* Chris Taylor
* Harbans Singh Chouhan
Bars
* Andy Freeman
* Hamish Fleming & Siobhan Blumann
* Gary Beadle
Pubs, taverns & hospitality venues
* Chris Angelkov
* Joe Fisher
* Paul & Jo Higgins
* Murray McHenry
* Bree Maddox
PRODUCT & SERVICE BUSINESS AWARDS
Non Alcohol Beverage Supplier Award: Coca-Cola Amatil
Beer Supplier Award: Gage Roads Brewing Co. – Good Drinks
Wine Supplier Award: Off the Vine Distributors
Spirit Supplier Award: Liquid Mix
Food Supplier Award: Mondo Di Carne
Hospitality Product Supplier Award: Chefmaster Australia
Hospitality Furniture Supplier Award: Furniture Options
Hospitality Equipment Supplier Award: HiscoNFE
Hospitality Technology Provider Award: 21st Century Business Equipment
Hospitality Service Provider Award: Bankwest & Hospitality Group Training (shared)
PRODUCT AND PROMOTION AWARDS
On Premise Beverage Promotion Award: Carlton Dry State of Origin “Let the Game Decide”
Bottleshop Promotion Award: Lion Beer Australia – Iron Jack
New Alcoholic Beverage Product Award: Lion Beer Australia – Furphy Refreshing Ale
New Non Alcoholic Beverage Product Award: Red Bull Australia
New Hospitality Product Award: HiscoNFE
WA’S BEST SUPPLIER AWARDS
Best Accommodation Hotel Supplier: PAV Complete Event Solutions
Best Restaurant Supplier: Sealanes
Best Small Bar Supplier: Liquid Mix
Best Pub & Hospitality Venue Supplier: Lion Beer Australia