Recognition for Kawesqar Vodka at WSWA Access LIVE 2025

The most influential event in the alcoholic beverage industry brought together distributors, brands, and experts in Denver, United States, highlighting innovations, trends, and global recognition.

Denver, February 5, USA - The alcoholic beverage industry held its annual gathering at WSWA Access LIVE 2025, an event that brought together key players in the sector at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center from February 3-6. Considered the most important event in the sector in the United States, this event offered a unique space for product showcases, innovation competitions, and business opportunities.

The fair was attended by distributors, importers, retailers, and producers from around the world, with key industry figures and over 3,500 attendees. Among the companies present, Vista Hermosa Distillery, with its Kawesqar Vodka product, based in Coyhaique, Chile, achieved a significant milestone by winning a silver medal in the "Brand Battle" competition, consolidating its position in a highly demanding market. Its artisanal distillate, Kawesqar Vodka, impressed the judges with its quality and production process, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and innovation.

“We're about to begin, and we're starting with excellent news. We won a silver medal in the show competition, which is a tremendous honor. We already won our first medal in our first competition. So we hope to go for more ,” expressed an excited Yuliyan Popov, founder of Kawesqar, celebrating this achievement that positions his company in a highly competitive market.

Fernando Johnson Durán, acting director of Corfo, the entity that has supported the company through the Semilla Expande, Desarrolla Inversión, and DFL15 programs, highlighted the achievement of Kawesqar Vodka and the importance of state support for the growth of Chilean entrepreneurship. NJ “This recognition demonstrates that regional ventures can achieve world-class standards with innovation, quality, and strategic vision. At Corfo, we have supported Kawesqar Vodka in its consolidation process and are proud to see how they manage to stand out at an international event of this level. We will continue working so that more companies can access these opportunities and position themselves in global markets,” he stated.

“Receiving quality recognition like a silver medal at a world-class event in the United States, in a highly competitive industry, is a clear demonstration of Aysén's potential and a reward for the efforts of Yuliyan and her team, which will undoubtedly boost their growth,” said Pedro Araneda Reyes, regional representative of IncubatecUfro, a seed funding sponsor in the region.

In addition to the competition, WSWA Access LIVE 2025 offered a series of conferences and panels featuring experts in consumer trends, industry sustainability, and market strategies. One of the most anticipated moments was the keynote address by Breaking Bad actors and entrepreneurs Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, creators of the Dos Hombres mezcal brand, who shared their experience building a brand in a highly regulated and competitive market.

The event also served as a platform to discuss the impact of consumer trends on the industry. According to a report presented at the fair, the premium and craft spirits segment continues to grow, with a 12% increase in sales in the last year, driven by consumer preference for high-quality, sustainable products.