We’ve Been Shortlisted – Again!
We’ve always said the Field Marketing & Brand Experience (FMBE) Awards are one of the biggest highlights of our year. And we really mean it! They’re the moment the whole industry comes together to celebrate brilliant ideas, great execution, and the real magic that happens when you put products into people’s hands.
So, we’re absolutely thrilled to share that we’ve been shortlisted once again, this time for the Shopper Connection Award for our work with the wonderful team at Vahdam Teas. And we couldn’t be prouder.
A Quick Reminder: What Are the FMBE Awards?
If you’ve read our previous blogs, you’ll know we’re big fans of the FMBE Awards, and for good reason. They’re widely recognised as the awards for brands and agencies working in field marketing and experiential activity.
Run by Frank Publishing through the Field Marketing & Brand Experience platform, the awards shine a spotlight on everything that makes this industry exciting: live demos, in-store interactions, brand experiences, roadshows, pop-ups, and all the clever creativity that brings products to life in the real world. The judging panel is made up not just of industry experts, but also real brand representatives and clients — which means when you’re shortlisted, the recognition truly counts. It reflects quality, impact, and craft.
From team awards to design, digital integration, immersive experiences and in-store demos, the FMBE Awards cover the full range of what our world is all about. And that’s why being shortlisted always feels special — it’s a celebration of both the work itself and the people powering it.
Being Shortlisted Never Gets Old
No matter how many times we attend the FMBEs (and trust us, it’s been a fair few!), hearing that we’ve been shortlisted still gives the whole team a buzz. It’s a huge moment of pride — not just because of the recognition, but because it means the work we’re doing is really landing with shoppers and brands.
For us, being shortlisted reflects:
- The passion and energy our teams bring to every campaign
- The trust our clients put in us to represent their brand
- The impact we consistently deliver in-store
- The creativity and care behind every activation
And when it’s for a partnership as exciting as Vahdam Teas, it feels even more special.
About the Project
Vahdam Teas was already a customer favourite in Costco Canada, and the company wanted to replicate that success in the UK with a 2025 launch. As a rotational item, they needed strong initial sales to secure future listings. Working with Fizz Experience, they decided that dual demos would be the best way to drive sell-through by allowing members to sample all five turmeric-based blends alongside a snack to recreate a familiar tea-drinking experience.
For this, we paired Vahdam teas with cookies as a ‘feel good’ treat, as well as macadamia nuts to help reinforce the health credentials of the teas. These product pairings meant we could create a sensory-led experience that felt natural, all while introducing a new flavour profile. The result? A warm, approachable moment of discovery, with complementary products that encouraged trial and built instant understanding. After the launch event, Vahdam Teas saw a strong opening sales and received really positive feedback from members.
Why This Matters to Us
It’s no secret that experiential and in-store activity is more important than ever. Shoppers want to touch, taste, smell, ask questions — they want to experience brands in real life, not just scroll past them.
Being shortlisted shows that the work we do at Fizz isn’t just about exhibiting products, it’s about connecting brands with customers. It creates genuine moments of discovery, and for products like premium teas, that’s everything.
It also tells us that:
- Our approach to sampling continues to move the needle
- Our teams deliver exceptional customer engagement
- Our partnerships with brands are strong and collaborative
- Our work genuinely stands out in a crowded field
For the Vahdam Teas activation, that recognition means a lot. The brand has a beautiful story, rich heritage and premium offering — and helping UK shoppers discover that through live sampling was a real privilege.
Thanks to You
We wouldn’t be here without our incredible brand partners, our dedicated field teams, and the shoppers who stop, chat, and give new products a try. We’re grateful for every campaign, every collaboration, and every opportunity to bring products to life in-store.
And of course, a huge thank you to the FMBE Awards for the shortlisting — and for continuing to champion creativity, innovation, and the power of real human interaction. Whether we take home the trophy or not, we’re already incredibly proud. But… we won’t pretend we’re not hoping to add another shiny award to the shelf!