The World Pastis Awards are back, and registration is officially open for 2026. If you’re a distiller or a producer, this could be your moment to kick-start your Pastis journey.
But what exactly are these awards, and why should you care?
What Are the World Pastis Awards?
The World Pastis Awards represent the pinnacle of recognition in the drink industry, since 2007. Think of them as the Oscars for drinks and Pastis: a prestigious global competition that identifies, honors, and promotes the most exceptional Pastisto consumers and industry professionals worldwide.
The competition involves a rigorous tasting process conducted by expert judges who evaluate entries across multiple categories. From traditional Pastis de Marseille to innovative new launches, the awards celebrate excellence in both taste and design.
You can compete in two main categories: Taste and Design. The Taste category awards the best-tasting Pastis, while Design encompasses multiple subcategories including Bottle Design, Label Design, Limited Edition, New Launch, and Gift Packs, among others. Whether your strength lies in crafting an exceptional recipe or creating stunning packaging, there’s a category waiting for your entry.
Looking Back: 2025 Winners
Last year’s competition highlighted the diversity and innovation happening across the Pastisworld. The gold medal went to Distillerie de Lyon with their Anis des Gones Rouge, while they also secured silver with their Anis des Gones Bleu. This marks their fourth consecutive year of recognition, an impressive streak that cements their reputation as one of the leading quality producers in the modern Pastis landscape.
Distillerie C’est Nous also claimed gold for their Pastis du Verger, proving that newcomers can compete at the highest level. Their win demonstrates how fresh perspectives and innovative approaches are making waves in the industry. All from Normandie!
Silver also went to Distiloire’s Pastis Meskad, while bronze awards honored Distillerie Bourgeois for their Pastis du Jura, and Distillerie de la Seine for their 777 Pastis Artisanal.
What stands out from the 2025 results? The mix of established names and emerging distilleries. Whether you’re a heritage producer or a passionate newcomer with fresh ideas, the judges are recognizing quality above all else. That’s what makes these awards worth pursuing.
Why Winning Matters: The Real Impact
Let’s be honest: it’s really hard to get Pastis noticed. Most people only know Ricard, some in the south of France might also know Pastis 51 or Pernod. This is why initiatives like the World Pastis Awards (or Pastis Project!) can give exposure to regional producers, through recognition and social media presence.
We’re also not just talking about a shiny medal to put on your shelf. Previous winners of World Drinks Awards competitions have reported concrete, measurable results. Take Spitzmund, a German egg liqueur producer, who saw a 15% increase in sales following their win, along with expansion into several new distribution regions. “It validated years of craftsmanship and hard work, and the award has now become a trusted mark of quality for consumers”, mentioned Andreas Werner, co-founder of the brand.
According to Camilo Roman, master distiller for Residentas Rum, “winning this award has helped us showcase our product to potential buyers worldwide. In early-stage companies like ours, recognition plays an important role in getting your brand out there.”
World Drinks Awards has been running for almost 20 years now and has a strong footprint online. Each winner gets their own profile on the World Pastis Awards website with direct links to your site. With thousands of monthly visitors actively seeking quality Pastis, that’s exposure targeting exactly the audience you want to reach. That’s in addition to receiving logos and certificates from the institute. These materials will give you credibility that resonates with both consumers and distributors.
Important Dates for Your Diary
Time moves fast, so mark these critical deadlines:
- Entry Deadline (Taste & Design): January 6, 2026
- Shipping Deadline: February 3, 2026
- Final Tastings & Winner Announcement: April 7, 2026
- Global Winner Announcement: June 2, 2026
The entry deadline is coming up quickly. If you’re considering entering, now is the time to start preparing your submission. We will make sure to report the new winners in 2026!
Who Should Enter?
The World Pastis Awards welcomes entries from across the industry, including distillers, agents, importers, wholesalers, or retailers of Pastis. All entries must be available for purchase, even if it’s just nationally and can’t be shipped abroad. The awards recognize products that consumers can actually buy, not experimental batches or limited prototypes.
Quantities Required:
For Taste Entries:
- 3 bottles minimum of 500ml each
For Design Entries:
- 1 bottle
You can enter both the Taste and Design categories. The registration fees highly depend on which categories you enter, how many bottles you send and which currency you’re using, so make sure to check out all the details on the official registration page.
Why 2026 Could Be Your Year
From established Marseille producers to innovative craft distillers, the Pastis Market is more dynamic than ever. New recipes, creative bottle designs, and fresh marketing approaches are reshaping how consumers discover and enjoy Pastis.
The World Pastis Awards 2026 offers you a platform to showcase your contribution to this evolution. Whether you’re perfecting a traditional recipe passed down through generations or experimenting with contemporary techniques, your work deserves recognition.
The January 6 deadline is approaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your brand, reach new customers, and join the ranks of award-winning Pastis producers. Register now at the World Pastis Awards website!
Need help navigating the registration process or writing to them in English/French? Contact us and we will be happy to help you!
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