Jacques Arnold, Deputy Lieutenant; Viscountess De L’Isle; Justin Petszaft, MD Atom Group; Lord-Lieutenant Viscount De L’Isle (front row L-R) with members of Maverick Drinks staff. (c) Atom Group
The Lord-Lieutenant, Viscount De L’Isle MBE visited Tonbridge-based company Atom Group on Thursday 24th January to present The Queen’s Award for Enterprise to Maverick Drinks, the distribution arm of Atom Group.
Lord-Lieutenant Viscount De L’Isle with Justin Petszaft, MD Atom Group. (c) Atom Group
Maverick Drinks won the award in the International Trade category for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years. Founded in 2014 as part of the Atom Group, Maverick Drinks was initially established to distribute in the UK, but this strategy evolved in 2016 with increased focus on driving international distribution in markets where craft spirits have a strong consumer interest. In the past three years, they have entered over 50 new markets including the USA, Taiwan and Australia. Overseas sales have grown by 499% over the last three years and the proportion of total sales exported has more than tripled.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious award for UK businesses that excel at international trade, innovation or sustainability.
Ben Ellefsen, MD of Maverick, said, “Our vision is a world in which every single drink is as close to perfect as possible, and our exponential export sales growth over the past year is testament to one of our core values – zero compromise on liquid quality.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the highest award that can be bestowed on a UK company, and product quality alone doesn’t explain this monumental win. This achievement is down to our supremely talented, dedicated and hard-working teams, our global network of incredible and highly-committed distributors and above all the discerning consumers who enjoy our brands the world over. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for helping us to achieve this award.”
Lord-Lieutenant Viscount De L’Isle meeting Maverick Drinks staff. (c) Atom Group
During his presentation speech the Lord-Lieutenant said “It is an immense pleasure for me to present The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category – on Her Majesty’s behalf – to this innovative Kent-based company that is making its name around the world and continuing to expand year on year at an amazing rate.
Today’s event exemplifies achievements, success and excellence. It identifies what is an exceptional accomplishment by any standards – especially at a time when Britain’s trading position within Europe and across the globe is somewhat uncertain.”
