FunDrinks Award 2027
WORLD FUNDRINKS AWARD
Official Handbook 2027
The Modern Art of Taste
International Competition for No & Low Alcohol Beverages
Official Rules • Competition Guidelines
Version 2027-1
Information & Bookings
World FunDrinks Award
Barbara Ortner
Untertscherner Weg 3 • A-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim • Austria
Phone +43 (0)4240 760 • Fax +43 (0)4240 760-50
E-Mail: info
Internet: www.worldfundrinks.com
© World FunDrinks Award 2026 • All rights reserved
Foreword
Welcome to the World FunDrinks Award
The market for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages is developing worldwide with a dynamism the drinks industry has not experienced for decades. New production methods, innovative raw materials and changing consumer behaviour are opening up entirely new opportunities for producers. Economic considerations also play more than a secondary role.
With the World FunDrinks Award (WFA), an independent international competition has been created that accompanies and promotes this development and responds to market changes. The focus is on quality, authenticity, innovation and sensory excellence – regardless of whether a product is completely alcohol-free or alcohol-reduced.
This handbook describes the philosophy, evaluation principles and organisational procedures of the competition. It serves as a binding reference for producers, judges, the trade and the media, and is intended at the same time to be a reference work for the modern world of 0.0, No- & Low-Alcohol beverages.
The Modern Art of Taste stands for a new generation of enjoyment – characterised by quality, transparency and internationally comparable evaluation standards.
Table of Contents
- The World FunDrinks Award
- Participation – Step by Step
- Producer Classification
- WFA Evaluation System
- Marketing & Advertising Benefits
- Publication of Results
- Trademark Provisions
- General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
1. The World FunDrinks Award
1.1 Philosophy
The World FunDrinks Award is an international quality competition for 0.0, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages. Its aim is to evaluate producers from all over the world according to objective sensory criteria and to make outstanding products visible.
The competition sees itself as a platform for innovation, quality and transparency. It is aimed at manufacturers, brand owners, importers and the specialist trade, as well as at consumers seeking orientation in a rapidly growing market.
Evaluation is independent, anonymous and based on a standardised system. The focus is not on marketing or brand awareness, but solely on the quality of the submitted product.
1.2 Vision
The World FunDrinks Award aims to become the world’s leading reference for the evaluation of 0.0, No- and Low-Alcohol beverages.
Through a uniform, proven evaluation system, international comparability and consistent quality orientation, the competition is intended to provide both producers and consumers with reliable guidance.
1.3 Mission
The mission of the World FunDrinks Award is to
- make outstanding products visible,
- promote innovation,
- establish international quality standards,
- support producers in their marketing,
- provide orientation for consumers,
- promote sensory education worldwide.
1.4 The Modern Art of Taste
The motto The Modern Art of Taste describes the ambition of the competition.
Modern beverages today are created by a wide variety of methods – from classical brewing skills through controlled fermentation to hydrolates or innovative dealcoholisation. What matters is not the production method, but the quality of the finished product.
The World FunDrinks Award therefore evaluates exclusively the sensory result and not the technology chosen.
1.5 Why a dedicated competition?
The market for non-alcoholic beverages differs fundamentally from the classic spirits, wine or beer market.
New production methods, alternative raw materials and innovative product concepts require their own evaluation criteria. A non-alcoholic botanical drink cannot be judged by the same standards as a classic gin, nor a sparkling tea by those of a sparkling wine. Regardless of the production method chosen, the overriding goal remains the highest possible technical and sensory quality.
The World FunDrinks Award takes these particularities into account and creates, for the first time, a worldwide uniform evaluation system for the full range of modern 0.0 Alcohol, No- and Low-Alcohol beverages.
1.6 International orientation
The competition is open to producers from all countries.
The aim is international comparability of products while taking regional particularities and traditional production methods into account. The jury is composed of specially trained experts of various nationalities. All have already worked at the World-Spirits Award and are “Masters of World-Spirits”.
Results are communicated worldwide and serve producers as independent proof of quality.
1.7 Values of the competition
The World FunDrinks Award is based on the following core values:
- Independence
- Objectivity
- Transparency
- Professional competence
- Innovation
- Fairness
- International comparability and a benchmark for the highest product quality
1.8 Target groups
The competition is aimed at:
- Producers of non-alcoholic beverages
- Breweries
- Wineries
- Distilleries with non-alcoholic lines
- Beverage developers
- Start-ups
- Private-label brands
- Importers
- Gastronomy
- Specialist trade
- Media
- Consumers
1.9 The competition in figures
The World FunDrinks Award is conceived as an exclusive quality competition.
To ensure consistently high evaluation quality, the number of entries is limited to 450 products per competition year.
Tasting is carried out exclusively by trained judges according to the WFA Evaluation System.
1.10 The quality promise
Every submitted product is:
- tasted anonymously by several teams,
- evaluated independently,
- assessed according to identical criteria,
- documented in writing,
- statistically analysed,
- classified according to international quality standards.
In this way the World FunDrinks Award forms the basis for transparent and comprehensible quality evaluation of modern “0.0”, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages.
2. Participation – Step by Step
Registration and procedure are clearly structured. All deadlines are binding and ensure professional organisation as well as timely execution of the competition.
2.1 Step 1 – Registration & Entry
Period: 1 July to 31 October 2026
Registration for the World FunDrinks Award 2027 begins on 1 July 2026. The number of entries is limited to 450 products. To secure participation, the organiser recommends early registration.
The first step comprises:
- Registration of the company
- Pre-registration of products
- Notification of the planned number of entries
- Selection of product groups
Invoicing begins on 1 August 2026. Participation becomes binding only after full payment has been received. After successful registration, participants are unlocked for detailed registration.
2.2 Step 2 – Detailed registration & company documents
Period: 1 October to 15 November 2026
After successful registration and unlocking, complete product data are recorded. These include in particular:
- complete product data
- product groups
- alcohol content
- sugar content
- production method
- pack sizes
In addition the following are required:
- company portrait
- producer description
- logos
- pack shots (cut-out product images)
- images for press and marketing
Documents may be submitted by e-mail or via a file-transfer service. Deadline: 15 November 2026.
2.3 Step 3 – Sample shipment
Period: 1 October to 1 December 2026
Samples must reach the organiser by 1 December 2026 at the latest. Every consignment must contain:
- the required number of product samples
- delivery note
- commercial invoice if applicable
- complete product labelling
Samples are accepted only if the participation fee has been paid in full and detailed registration has been completed.
Shipping address:
World FunDrinks Award • Barbara Ortner • Untertscherner Weg 3 • A-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim • Austria
2.4 Step 4 – Blind tasting & licensing
Period: January to early February 2027
During this period the official blind tastings by the international specialist jury take place. Subsequently the following are carried out:
- quality control
- statistical evaluation
- determination of medals
- producer classification
- Best in Class
- World FunDrinks Awards
By early February participants receive a non-binding advance information about their awards. On request the following may then be ordered:
- medal stickers
- diplomas
- high-resolution medal logos
Use of the WFA medals on products, labels or packaging requires a corresponding licence agreement. During the ongoing evaluation, no detailed results or jury comments are disclosed.
2.5 Step 5 – Publication of results
Publication: from 22 March 2027
Official results are announced exclusively from the fixed publication date. From that point participants receive:
- official result lists
- digital diplomas
- digital medal logos
- press information
- publications in the WFA apps (FunDrinks Finder)
2.6 Schedule overview
| Step | Period |
|---|---|
| Step 1 – Registration & Entry | 1 July – 31 October 2026 |
| Step 2 – Detailed registration | 1 October – 15 November 2026 |
| Step 3 – Sample shipment | 1 October – 1 December 2026 |
| Step 4 – Jury tasting & evaluation | January – early February 2027 |
| Step 5 – Publication of results | from 22 March 2027 |
2.7 Important notes
The success of the competition depends on the timely cooperation of all participants. Participants therefore undertake to
- observe all registration deadlines,
- provide complete product information,
- submit image material on time,
- send samples in good time,
- settle open invoices within the payment period.
Late submission of documents may result in individual services – for example product images in the World FunDrinks Finder, in the WFA apps or in press publications – no longer being taken into account.
2.8 Services of the World FunDrinks Award
International marketing and communication package
Participation in the World FunDrinks Award (WFA) comprises far more than an independent quality evaluation. It combines sensory excellence with international communication, professional press work and sustainable brand positioning.
To ensure high-quality presentation, active cooperation by participants is required. Product information, company descriptions and image material must be provided in full within the announced deadlines.
International visibility
Awarded products and producers may – depending on the scope of services – be presented in the official media of the World FunDrinks Award.
Digital publication
- Publication on www.WorldFunDrinksAward.com
- Publication in the World FunDrinks Finder
- Listing in the World FunDrinks Finder App for iOS and Android
- Presentation in international online media
- Linking within the official WFA communication channels
Press & communication
International press work includes, among other things:
- regular press releases
- national and international media work
- target-group-oriented specialist articles
- press work for awarded products
- communication of innovations and market trends
- international industry positioning
Evaluation & awards
Every entry includes:
- professional blind tasting by the international specialist jury
- detailed sensory evaluation
- written product description
- WFA score
- digital certificate
- digital medal (where an award is given)
- producer classification
- overall result as PDF
Digital services
All awarded products are published free of charge in the World FunDrinks Finder in accordance with the conditions of participation.
In addition participants receive:
- digital medal logos
- digital certificates
- publication rights in accordance with the licence provisions
- inclusion in international WFA communication
Product photographs
Product images may be provided for display in the World FunDrinks Finder and in the WFA app.
Recommended specification
- Format: PNG or JPG
- Cut-out product
- Size: 404 × 800 pixels
- Resolution: at least 72 dpi (higher-resolution original files recommended for web display)
- neutral or transparent background
- professional product photography
Image quality has a decisive influence on the overall impression of the publication.
Benefits for producers
Participation in the World FunDrinks Award combines:
- independent quality evaluation
- international visibility
- professional press work
- digital marketing
- brand building
- export promotion
- long-term image development
2.9 Participation fees
Participation fees apply per registered product. All prices are exclusive of the applicable statutory value-added tax.
Early-bird
Booking and payment by 31 August
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| First product | EUR 799.– net |
| Each additional product | EUR 290.– net |
Standard booking
1 to 30 September
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| First product | EUR 839.– net |
| Each additional product | EUR 305.– net |
Late booking
1 to 31 October
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| First product | EUR 881.– net |
| Each additional product | EUR 320.– net |
Late entries
The World FunDrinks Award is limited to 450 products. After 1 November, only single entries can be accepted – provided capacity is still available. A surcharge of 10 % on the applicable participation fees is charged in such cases.
Payment terms
Participation becomes binding only upon receipt of full payment. Online registration takes the participant directly to the secure payment system of the World FunDrinks Award.
2.10 Force majeure and cancellation
Cancellation
Free-of-charge cancellation is possible only until 31 October. From 1 November onwards, cancellation of registration and refund of participation fees already paid are excluded in principle.
Force majeure
If the competition cannot be held as planned due to events of force majeure – in particular natural disasters, pandemics, official orders, war, terrorism or comparable circumstances – the organiser is entitled to
- postpone dates,
- adjust services,
- relocate events,
- change the scope of services.
There is no claim for damages. The organiser will take all reasonable measures to provide the advertised services at a later date or in adapted form.
Deadlines for documents
For successful participation, all documents must be provided within the published deadlines, in particular:
- product data
- producer information
- logos
- product images
- press texts
- company portraits
If these documents are not submitted on time, the organiser may omit the corresponding marketing and communication services in whole or in part, for example:
- publication in the World FunDrinks Finder
- display in the WFA app
- press work
- producer portraits
- product images
- further digital publications
There is no claim to subsequent publication or substitute services in such cases.
2.11 Registration, payment and sample shipment
By registering for the World FunDrinks Award (WFA), the participant fully accepts the competition rules, the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) and the applicable conditions of participation.
Consent is given by signing the registration form or confirming the corresponding checkbox in the online registration. The participant simultaneously confirms the accuracy and completeness of all information provided and is liable for its correctness.
Online registration
Registration is exclusively via the official online platform of the World FunDrinks Award: www.WorldFunDrinksAward.com
Registration consists of two steps:
Step 1 – Registration
- company data
- brands
- number of products
- booking
Step 2 – Detailed registration
- complete product data
- product groups
- alcohol content
- production method
- pack shots
- producer description
- image material
Detailed registration is unlocked only after successful registration and payment.
Completeness of registration
Only fully completed registrations can be processed. Please check all information carefully before final submission.
Subsequent changes cause considerable organisational effort and may be charged according to the work involved. This applies in particular to:
- product names
- producer details
- product groups
- categories
- labels
- diplomas
- publications
Deadlines
Compliance with all published deadlines is a prerequisite for proper conduct of the competition. Late submission of product data, photographs, logos, press texts or company information may result in individual marketing and communication services no longer being taken into account. These include in particular:
- World FunDrinks Finder
- WFA App
- press work
- website
- digital publications
Image and video material
For international communication the participant makes image and video material available to the organiser free of charge. This includes, for example:
- product images
- bottle photographs
- production images
- company photographs
- production processes
- team photographs
By submitting the material the participant confirms that he or she holds all necessary rights of use. The organiser is entitled to use this material free of charge in connection with the World FunDrinks Award for website, World FunDrinks Finder, app, press work, social media, presentations and print media.
The selection of published images is made exclusively by the organiser. There is no claim to the publication of specific photographs or videos.
Payment
Participation fees are in principle payable in advance. Payment options:
- credit card
- bank transfer
- further payment methods offered in the online shop
Participation becomes binding only after full payment has been received. In the case of a bank transfer the organiser may request proof of payment. Any differences arising from incorrect bookings will be charged subsequently. Registrations that have not been paid in full cannot be considered.
The invoice is issued immediately after successful registration. The payment period is in principle 7 calendar days, unless otherwise stated on the invoice.
In the event of payment default the organiser may suspend participation, refuse tasting, suspend publications or withhold services.
All prices are exclusive of the applicable statutory value-added tax. Companies within the European Union may be invoiced without Austrian VAT if a valid VAT identification number is provided, in accordance with the applicable tax regulations. For participants from third countries, invoicing is carried out in accordance with the applicable tax and customs regulations.
Sample shipment
Products must be packed securely for transport. Sturdy shipping cartons with adequate protection against breakage are recommended. Consignments must be clearly marked “Sample – No Commercial Value”.
For international shipments the applicable customs and import regulations apply.
Participants outside the European Union are responsible for proper customs clearance. Shipment should preferably be made under Incoterms® 2020 – DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). If this is not possible, any customs, import or storage costs may be charged on to the participant.
To simplify customs clearance for shipments from a third country (non-EU country), we recommend indicating the appropriate Commodity Code for the respective product category on the shipping documents (pro forma invoice, customs declaration).
|
Product Category |
Commodity Code |
|
Dealcoholised Wine |
2202 99 19 95 |
|
Non-Alcoholic Beer |
2202 91 00 90 |
|
All Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Alcohol-Free Beverages) |
2202 99 91 90 |
Every consignment must be accompanied by a complete pro-forma invoice for customs purposes. This should contain at least:
- product name
- number of bottles
- bottle content
- alcohol content
- total weight
- customs value
Sample quantity
For each submitted sample the following are required:
- at least 2 litres total volume
- at least 3 original bottles
Examples: 3 × 0.75 l • 4 × 0.50 l • 6 × 0.33 l
Products must be submitted in their original packaging with original labels.
Every consignment must be accompanied by a delivery note. For shipments from third countries, a pro-forma invoice, customs documents and shipping documents are also required. Incomplete documents may lead to delays in acceptance or customs clearance.
The submitted samples serve for the official jury tasting, possible control tastings, quality assurance, training within the framework of the World FunDrinks Academy, and scientific and statistical evaluations. Submitted samples are in principle not returned.
Special notes
Importers and brand owners may register products on behalf of a manufacturer. In this case the data of both the entrant and the manufacturer must be stated in full. Diplomas and awards are in principle issued to the manufacturer or brand owner.
The product designation on the label must match the registration. If no information on batch or vintage is given, the product is regarded as a standard product with a constant recipe.
Subsequent changes to already confirmed registrations are in principle possible, but may be charged with a processing fee. This applies in particular to product names, manufacturer details, categories, diplomas, publications and print materials.
All properly submitted and evaluated products automatically participate in the publication of competition results. Subsequent exclusion of individual products or waiver of publication is in principle not possible after the registration deadline has expired.
Publication takes place in accordance with the provisions of the World FunDrinks Award in:
- World FunDrinks Finder
- WFA App
- website
- press information
- digital media
- further official communication channels
3. Producer Classification
The producer classification of the World FunDrinks Award (WFA) evaluates not individual products, but the overall performance of a producer within a competition year. The aim is to recognise companies that demonstrate consistently high sensory quality across several products.
Classification is carried out according to a standardised procedure.
3.1 Classification procedure
1. Minimum number of submitted products
To participate in the producer classification, at least five (5) products must be submitted. The products may come from one or more categories. In this way both specialised producers and those with a broad range are treated equally.
2. Determination of the average result
For all submitted products the arithmetic mean of the WFA points achieved is calculated. All evaluated products of the producer are taken into account – regardless of the respective product group.
3. Determination of the classification value
The final classification value results from the combination of
- the average of all submitted products, and
- the highest-scoring individual sample.
This procedure appropriately takes into account both the quality of the entire range and outstanding top products.
The classification value thus determined forms the basis for classification as:
- Recommended Producer
- First-Class Producer
- Master-Class Producer
- World-Class Producer
4. World FunDrinks Award Producer of the Year
The three most successful producers of a competition year additionally receive the award:
- World FunDrinks Award Producer of the Year – Gold
- World FunDrinks Award Producer of the Year – Silver
- World FunDrinks Award Producer of the Year – Bronze
These awards are given exclusively to participants with the classification World-Class Producer. Ranking is based on the highest classification value. In the event of a tie, the result of a re-evaluation in accordance with the competition rules decides.
4. WFA Evaluation System
Developed by Wolfram Ortner
All products are evaluated according to the WFA Evaluation System, a 100-point evaluation system developed by Wolfram Ortner specifically for beverages.
The system was originally developed for high-quality spirits and has been further developed for the World FunDrinks Award for 0.0, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages. It combines the highest sensory precision with clearly comprehensible evaluation and ensures international comparability.
The WFA Evaluation System is based on five equally weighted main criteria.
4.1 Evaluation criteria
1. Aroma – typicity and intensity
The following are evaluated:
- varietal typicity
- aroma intensity
- naturalness
- expressiveness
- complexity
- freshness
Each product group has its own sensory typicity. A non-alcoholic IPA is judged by different criteria from a sparkling tea or a botanical drink. For this reason the judges are regularly calibrated within the framework of the World FunDrinks Academy.
Evaluation is carried out with the familiar WFA designations: (--) (-) (O) (+) (++). The latter is awarded exclusively for exceptional international top products.
2. Aroma – purity and freedom from faults
Here it is judged exclusively whether the product is sensorially clean. Typical faults may include:
- oxidation
- sulphur notes
- cooked notes
- metallic notes
- fermentation faults
- off-aromas
- excessively artificial aromatics
- instability
Even minor faults lead to a corresponding downgrading. A sensorially fault-free product receives at least the rating (+).
3. Taste – typicity and intensity
The following are evaluated:
- varietal typicity
- aroma density
- intensity
- balance
- mouthfeel
- structure
- finish
A high-quality product is characterised by a clear, varietally typical and harmonious taste – and must simply be “superbly made”.
4. Taste – purity and freedom from faults
As with aroma, it is judged exclusively whether taste faults are present. These include, for example:
- metallic notes
- excessive bitterness
- unnatural sweetness
- fermentation faults
- oxidation
- disturbing aftertaste
5. Harmony, balance and value
This criterion summarises the overall impression of the product. The following are evaluated in particular:
- harmony
- unbalanced acid-sugar ratio
- balance
- density
- complexity
- length
- mouthfeel
- drinking pleasure
- naturalness
- value
The DHL principle developed by Wolfram Ortner is also applied here:
- Density – How compact does the product appear?
- Harmony – How well balanced are all the components?
- Length – How sustainable is the taste?
These three elements together form the basis of the overall evaluation.
4.2 Scoring scale
| Rating | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| (--) | faulty / very weak | 10 |
| (-) | weak | 13 |
| (O) | good | 16 |
| (+) | very good | 19 |
| (+ +) | exceptional | 20 |
Each of the five main criteria is scored with this scale. The sum gives the total score.
4.3 Medals
| Points | Award |
|---|---|
| 95.3 – 100 | Double Gold |
| 90.0 – 95.2 | Gold |
| 80.0 – 89.9 | Silver |
| 71.0 – 79.9 | Bronze |
| below 70 | no award and no publication |
4.4 Sensory description
Every product additionally receives a detailed written assessment in German and English. This includes, among other things:
- aroma profile
- taste
- mouthfeel
- harmony
- particular features
- potential for improvement
The evaluation protocol in German and English serves as feedback for the quality development of the entrant and is an essential element of the competition.
4.5 Publication of evaluations
Only products with a score of at least 71 points (Bronze) are published.
The producer of course receives all results including the complete sensory description. This ensures that valuable guidance for product improvement is available without weaker results being communicated publicly.
4.6 Course of the jury evaluation
Every product is evaluated independently by three jury teams. Each team has at least one product specialist. In this way both product-specific expertise and sensory objectivity are ensured.
Products are always tasted in ascending order from 0.0 / non-alcoholic to low-alcohol.
For special product groups (e.g. spirit alternatives, sparkling tea or kombucha) a specialist is deployed.
Every sample is served anonymously, evaluated independently, completed individually and discussed in the team. Only then does the group evaluation take place.
The evaluations are subsequently checked. In the event of larger deviations, further discussion, control tasting and, if necessary, an additional evaluation are provided for. The final decision is taken by the competition management together with the jury.
4.7 Categories and product groups
The product groups of the World FunDrinks Award (WFA) are oriented to the international 0.0 Alcohol, No- & Low-Alcohol sector and take into account both traditional beverage categories and modern innovations. The aim is a fair and as objective as possible evaluation of comparable products.
1 Non-alcoholic beers
- Lager
- Pils
- Helles
- Export
- Märzen
- Wheat beer / Weißbier
- Dark beer
- Bock
- India Pale Ale (IPA)
- Pale Ale
- Stout
- Porter
- Craft Beer
- Special and seasonal beers
Groups may also be combined by the organiser, for example: Classic beer styles, Modern beer styles, Special and creative beers.
2 Non-alcoholic wines
- White wine
- Rosé wine
- Red wine
- Orange Wine
- Cuvée
- Varietal wines
- Premium wine and barrique ageing
3 Non-alcoholic sparkling wines
- Sparkling wine
- Semi-sparkling wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Sparkling Rosé
- Sparkling Tea
- Sparkling Botanical Drinks
- Sparkling Cuvée
4 Spirit alternatives
- Gin Style
- Rum Style
- Whisky Style
- Brandy Style
- Aperitif Style
- Bitter Style
- Vermouth Style
- Herbal Style
- Amaro Style
- Digestif Style
- Cocktail Base
5 Botanical Drinks
- Botanical products
- Botanical Blends
- Herbal beverages
- Spice beverages
- Tea and herbal infusions
- Juniper and spice beverages
6 Functional beverages
- Adaptogenic beverages
- Protein drinks
- Vitamin drinks
- Mineral and electrolyte beverages
- Energy drinks
- Wellness drinks
- Recovery drinks
7 Coffee & Tea
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Nitro Coffee
- Coffee Drinks
- Matcha
- Premium Tea
8 Premium Soft Drinks
- Craft Lemonade
- Cola
- Citrus Drinks
- Fruit Drinks
- Adult Soft Drinks
- Herbal Soda
9 Ready-to-Drink (RTD)
- Tonic Water
- Bitter Lemon
- Ginger Ale
- Ginger Beer
- Cola Mixer
- Citrus Mixer
- Cocktail Mixer
10 Innovation
Products that, due to their recipe, production or concept, cannot be clearly assigned to an existing product group.
- New beverage concepts
- Hybrid beverages
- Innovative fermentation products
- Botanical innovations
- Functional Premium Drinks
- Future Drinks
Principle
The organiser reserves the right to adapt, expand or introduce new product groups in line with international market developments. The aim is a future-oriented, fair and sensorially comprehensible evaluation of all non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages within the framework of the World FunDrinks Award – The Modern Art of Taste.
An incorrect group may result in point deductions in the evaluation. There are clear definitions; incorrectly submitted products may in the worst case be judged as “not typical”.
The detailed registration forms can be downloaded at www.WorldFunDrinks.com.
5. Marketing & Advertising Benefits
An award at the World FunDrinks Award is far more than a medal. It serves as an internationally recognised proof of quality and supports producers sustainably in marketing, distribution and brand positioning.
Use of the World FunDrinks Award brand is subject to clearly defined licence and trademark guidelines. These ensure a uniform and credible appearance of all awarded products.
5.1 Use of the brand
The brand “World FunDrinks Award” and all associated logos, medals and designations are legally protected. Use is permitted exclusively within the framework of the following provisions and – where required – on the basis of a valid licence agreement.
In principle the following applies:
- Use of the brand in press work, social media and on the company’s own website is permitted free of charge.
- Use on product packaging, labels, hangtags or sales units requires a licence agreement.
- All uses must comply with the original logos and the current vintage rules. Logos may not be altered!
5.2 Medals
The medals of the World FunDrinks Award (Double Gold, Gold, Silver, Bronze) may be used only for the specifically awarded product and exclusively in the original form.
Overview of usage rights
| Use | Permitted | Licence required |
|---|---|---|
| Website / online shop | ✔ | no |
| Social media | ✔ | no |
| Press & PR | ✔ | no |
| Brochures & flyers | ✔ | no |
| Bottle label | ✔ | yes |
| Packaging / carton | ✔ | yes |
| Hangtag | ✔ | yes |
| Direct print on bottle | ✔ | yes |
Important rules for medal use
- Only for the identical, awarded product
- Exclusively original logos of the WFA
- Vintage indication mandatory (e.g. “Gold 2027”)
- Maximum period of use: two years from publication
- Licence agreement required for product contact (label, packaging, hangtag)
5.3 Logos
Every awarded participant receives digital medal logos in two versions after official publication:
- Web version – optimised for online use (website, social media, newsletter)
- Print version – high-resolution for print media and licence use
Logos may be used exclusively in accordance with the provisions of this handbook and – in the case of product-related use – in accordance with the concluded licence agreement. Alteration of the logos (colour, proportions, elements, vintage) is not permitted.
Print-ready logos are released exclusively to participants with a valid licence agreement.
5.4 Licence models
Official WFA medal logos corresponding to the respective product category are provided for all awarded products. This applies in particular to products in the categories “Alcohol-Free (0.0)”, “No Alcohol” and “Low Alcohol”. Use of the medal logos is governed by the applicable trademark and licence provisions of the World FunDrinks Award. Two options are available for the use of medals and logos on products, labels or packaging:
A. Medal stickers
Ready-produced self-adhesive medal stickers can be ordered from the organiser. Prices are graduated and will be communicated on request.
Procedure:
- Advance information of results (early February)
- Order of the desired quantity
- Production (approx. 4–5 weeks)
- Delivery or collection at the office
- Use from the day after official publication
B. Licence agreement for own production / label printing
Producers who wish to print medal logos themselves on labels, hangtags or packaging conclude a licence agreement with World-Spirits. The agreement regulates:
- the exact scope of use (products, quantities, period)
- provision of the print-ready original files
- licence fee
- trademark obligations
5.5 Advertising
Use of the brand and the medals in advertising is in principle desired and supports the international visibility of awarded products. The following principles must be observed:
- Every mention of a medal must include the reference to the World FunDrinks Award and the vintage (e.g. “World FunDrinks Award Gold 2027 – Product name”).
- Classifications (Recommended / First-Class / Master-Class / World-Class Producer) may be used in press and advertising texts.
- Listing of several vintages is permitted (e.g. Gold 2027, Silver 2026), provided the maximum period of use of two years per medal is observed.
- In case of uncertainty about the permissibility of an advertising statement, a short enquiry to the organiser is recommended.
5.6 Examples of permitted applications
Permitted:
- “World FunDrinks Award Gold 2027 – Botanical Sparkling No. 1”
- “Awarded Double Gold at the World FunDrinks Award 2027”
- “World-Class Producer 2027”
- Display of the original medal with correct vintage on the website
Not permitted:
- Use of a medal for a different or altered product
- Use without vintage indication
- Use before the official publication date
- Alteration or imitation of the original logos
6. Publication of Results
Publication takes place on a fixed date and is subject to a clear information embargo. This ensures fairness towards all participants and uniformity of communication.
6.1 Before publication
Until the official publication date the following applies:
- No information on individual results or rankings
- No disclosure or publication of logos
- No press or social-media communication about medals or classifications
The advance information (early February) serves exclusively for ordering medal stickers and preparing licence agreements. It is confidential and may not be published.
6.2 From publication
From the official publication date participants and the public receive:
- Official result lists
- Digital diplomas / certificates
- Medal logos (web and, on request, print version)
- Press information
- Entries in the World FunDrinks Finder
- Display in the WFA app
- Further communication measures by the organiser
7. Trademark Provisions
The following basic rules summarise the essential trademark provisions. They are binding for all participants.
7.1 Basic rules
- Only identical products – The medal applies exclusively to the specifically evaluated and unchanged product.
- Only original logos – Alterations to the form, colour or design of the logos are not permitted.
- Vintage mandatory – Every use must include the vintage of the award.
- Maximum two years – The period of use is a maximum of two years from the publication date.
- Licence required – For every product-related use (label, packaging, hangtag) a licence agreement is mandatory.
7.2 Further provisions
- After expiry of the two years or after the awarded batch has been sold out, the medal may no longer be used.
- In the event of a change of product name, a new quality check is required.
- Use before the official publication date is prohibited and will be sanctioned.
- In the event of trademark infringements the organiser grants a period of one month for rectification. If this is not complied with, the organiser reserves the right to take legal action and to impose a contractual penalty.
- Repeated or deliberate infringements may lead to exclusion from future competitions.
8. General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
By registering for the World FunDrinks Award the participant fully accepts the following General Terms and Conditions as well as the entire competition rules.
8.1 Subject of the contract
The subject of the contract is participation in the World FunDrinks Award 2027 including the sensory evaluation, the announcement of the results and the associated marketing and communication services in accordance with the applicable conditions of participation and the present handbook.
8.2 Participation
- Registration takes place exclusively via the official online platform.
- Participation becomes binding only upon receipt of full payment.
- The participant guarantees the accuracy and completeness of all information provided as well as the availability of the necessary rights of use for submitted images and texts.
- Identical products may be submitted only once and only with clear disclosure.
8.3 Publication
All properly submitted and evaluated products participate in the publication of the results. Subsequent exclusion or waiver is in principle not possible after the registration deadline has expired.
Publication takes place in the official media of the World FunDrinks Award (website, Finder, apps, press information, etc.). The organiser decides on the nature and scope of the presentation.
8.4 Trademark rights and rights of use
The provisions of Chapters 5 and 7 of this handbook form an integral part of these GTC. The participant grants the organiser the free, temporally and spatially unrestricted right to use submitted image and text material in connection with the World FunDrinks Award.
Publication or use of medals and logos before the official publication date is prohibited and may be sanctioned with a contractual penalty of up to EUR 10,000.–.
8.5 Liability
- The organiser is not liable for printing errors or incorrect information in publications, unless these were caused intentionally or by gross negligence.
- The organiser assumes no liability for loss or damage of samples during transport.
- In the event of quality deviations between the submitted sample and the market product, the organiser reserves the right to carry out control tests. The costs may be charged to the participant.
- The liability of the organiser is limited to intent and gross negligence.
8.6 Force majeure and cancellation
Free-of-charge cancellation is possible until 31 October of the registration year. Thereafter a refund is excluded.
In the event of force majeure (natural disasters, pandemics, official orders, war, etc.) the organiser is entitled to postpone dates or adjust the scope of services. There is no claim for damages in such cases.
8.7 Place of jurisdiction and applicable law
Austrian law applies. Pursuant to § 104 JN (Jurisdiction Norm) the jurisdiction of the Austrian court competent for Bad Kleinkirchheim in terms of subject-matter and venue is agreed.
The place of jurisdiction is the court competent for Bad Kleinkirchheim in terms of subject-matter and venue.
WORLD FUNDRINKS AWARD
Untertscherner Weg 3 • A-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim • Austria
Version 2027 • Status: August 2026-1
