It’s the news that AF drinks producers from Sydney to San Francisco have been waiting for: the 2024 World Alcohol-Free Awards is now open for entries.

The only international competition dedicated to drinks at 0.5% ABV and below, the inaugural Awards saw 400 drinks in every style imaginable being put through their paces by an international panel of expert judges.

‘We had wines, spirits, beers, kombuchas, cocktails, functionals and a good number of drinks that we weren’t expecting and had never seen before,’ said head of judging Chrissie Parkinson. ‘And with alcohol-free being such a creative space, we’re expecting lots of variety in 2024 as well.’

Prospective entrants can submit their products online at  www.worldafawards.com with entries open until early February. But producers are encouraged not to wait until the last minute – particularly if they are based outside Europe.

‘This is an international competition, with products and judges from all over the world, but the judging takes place in London,’ said Parkinson. ‘So if you’re a long way from northern Europe it’s worth allowing plenty of time for the delivery of your samples.’

‘We had some truly inspirational performances last year,’ added WAFA co-director, Chris Losh. ‘Products that nobody had ever heard of that picked up Gold Medals, even Trophies. If you believe in what you’re doing you should send your product in to be judged. It could be you on the winner’s rostrum in a few months time.’