Tweet

Puglia’s durum wheat vodka brand recognised for the marketing behind its ever-expanding international reach

Altamura Distilleries, the Puglia-based producer of the world’s first vodka distilled entirely from Altamura durum wheat, has been named one of the Top 50 Marketing Teams at the 2026 OnCon Icon Awards. Announced at the virtual awards ceremony on 27 October, the recognition celebrates the team behind the international growth of a vodka made from a distinctly local Puglian grain, now available in more than 26 markets.

Voted for by the public, the OnCon Icon Awards recognise organisations and business leaders around the world for their leadership, innovation and impact on their industries. Voters were asked to recognise teams that combine success with a positive organisational impact, contribute to their fields through thought leadership, bring innovation to their projects and demonstrate exceptional leadership. The award follows a strong year of trade recognition for the brand, which was named in the Drinks International Bartenders’ Choice list earlier in 2026. The full list of 2026 winners can be found at www.onconferences.com/awards.

Altamura Distilleries was co-founded by Frank Grillo and Steve Acuna after the two Americans relocated to Puglia. Their idea was to create a premium vodka from a single, distinctly local ingredient: 100% Altamura durum wheat, the grain used for Pane di Altamura, the first bread in Europe to be awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

The vodka is now poured at some of the world’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, including Clemente Bar in New York, Paradiso in Barcelona, Maybe Sammy in Sydney and The Donovan Bar in London.

In luxury hospitality, the brand is the Official Vodka Partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, a partnership that has introduced it to leading hoteliers, bartenders and industry figures worldwide.

Frank Grillo, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Altamura Distilleries, said: “This award is a credit to our marketing team and to everyone who has helped take Altamura to some of the best bars and hotels in the world. When Steve and I moved to this country, we wanted to make something that could only come from Italy. That’s what makes the vodka so special, with its origins in durum wheat. Seeing that idea recognised internationally means a great deal to all of us.”

He added: “We’re still a young brand and there is a lot more to come. Our focus now is on bringing Altamura Distilleries to new markets and showing more bartenders and drinkers what an Italian vodka can be.”

The award comes as Altamura Distilleries continues to expand internationally. The vodka is now sold in more than 26 markets worldwide, including 26 US states, with recent launches in Japan, Hong Kong and mainland China. In August 2026, the company appointed drinks industry veteran Kevin Schmudde as Head of USA to lead the next stage of its growth in the country.