Pernod Ricard takes SIP Supernova hospitality competition global
The SIP Supernova global hospitality competition is returning bigger and better than ever before, and will culminate in a global event in Tokyo in May 2026.
SIP is Pernod Ricard’s global trade advocacy platform, standing for ‘Share. Inspire. Pioneer.’
The SIP Supernova programme and competition aims to support aspirational hospitality professionals with fewer than six years’ experience via a fully integrated mentorship-driven educational opportunity and competition. Participants will benefit from opportunities focused on education, empowerment, plus the chance to upskill and build confidence.
The competition, founded by Pernod Ricard China in 2024, is designed to recognise the full spectrum of hospitality skills – creativity, hosting, and leadership – and is open not only to bartenders but all hospitality professionals from the following regions: mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE, and new markets for this year Spain, Germany, South Africa, Malaysia and Japan.
In addition, one ‘Wild Card’ entry will be selected from outside of these markets.
Pauline de Pins, Pernod Ricard global trade advocacy leader, said: “We are so excited to be taking SIP Supernova global.
“The programme is not a classic cocktail competition – it’s designed to empower the participants with educational tools and experiences providing them with the skills they need to pioneer the next generation of hospitality.”
Introducing MentorSIP
This year, SIP Supernova is introducing MentorSIP, a new mentorship initiative hosted by industry experts to support participants on their journey.
Mentors include renowned industry experts such as: Juliette Larrouy, co-founder of Schmuck, New York; Keith Motsi, head bartender and beverage operations at Virtu, Four Seasons, Tokyo; Jean Trinh, founder of Alquímico, Cartagena; and Danil Nevsky, @cocktailman and currently the fifth most influential bartender in the world, according to Bar World 100.
Successful applicants will be able to utilise SIP’s mentorship opportunities, and have access to SIP’s ongoing programme of events.
So, how can hospitality professionals get involved?
The competition gives applicants the opportunity to showcase their skills and experience spanning three core areas: creativity and innovation, hosting and serving, and operations and systems.
Applicants must complete three steps, each designed to ‘share, inspire and pioneer’ beginning with designing a drink to engage multiple senses.
Secondly, SIP Supernova is keen to hear about each person’s experience in hospitality, what drives them, what fuels their growth, community and creativity. This can be submitted in either essay or video form.
And thirdly, those interested in applying should demonstrate how they can be forward-thinking. What are the big issues currently impacting hospitality, and what solutions could be introduced to tackle these situations? Again, video or essay submissions are welcome.
Entrants will have the chance to showcase their creativity throughout the contest using seven Pernod Ricard brands: Código 1530, Ki No Bi, Altos, Havana Club, Absolut, Jameson and Monkey 47.
They will also be asked to explore the idea of Sensory Architecture – focusing on what truly makes a great drink and a memorable
experience.
Pernod Ricard will be hosting local heats in each market. The winner from each region will have the chance to compete at the global final that will take place in Tokyo, Japan, in early May 2026.
Furthermore, a trio of standout winners will be chosen to take part in a ‘SIP internship’. The experience will include an education programme, which will be hosted by a team from the World’s 50 Best Bars, and a trip to Pernod Ricard’s Código 1530 Tequila distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
For more details and to apply for the SIP Supernova programme, visit the SIP Supernova website: www.join-sip.com/en/events/
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