Frank Grillo, founder and managing director of Altamura Distilleries, has been awarded a Top 50 honour at the OnCon Icon Awards, reinforcing his position as a leading entrepreneurial voice in the global drinks industry.

Recognised for his impact within the global spirits sector, this marks Grillo’s second Top 50 accolade, having previously been named Top 50 in 2020 and Top 100 in 2021, underlining consistent, long term peer endorsement at the highest level of business leadership.

The OnCon Icon Awards celebrate the achievements of top organisations and executives worldwide. Winners are determined through peer and community voting, with individuals selected based on their impact within their organisation and industry, contribution to professional communities through thought leadership, ability to drive innovation, and demonstration of exceptional leadership.

Grillo’s rising global profile in modern spirits is reflected in features across Forbes and leading trade titles including Drinks International, Global Drinks Intel and The Drinks Business. Under his leadership, Altamura Distilleries sits at the forefront of a new wave of premium brands shaping the narrative of ‘Brand Italy’, driven by provenance, prestige positioning and a sharp focus on collaboration and emerging talent.

Prior to founding Altamura Distilleries, Grillo built his career as a senior marketing executive, holding Chief Marketing Officer roles across technology and telecommunications before moving into consultancy. His background in brand strategy, customer experience and commercial growth has been instrumental in shaping Altamura Distilleries into a business that combines marketing precision with product authenticity.

Grillo founded Altamura Distilleries on the unconventional premise of distilling vodka from Altamura’s ancient durum wheat, a grain historically used in Italy’s PDO protected bread.

That concept has evolved into one of the most talked about premium vodka propositions globally, now distributed internationally and adopted by leading bartenders and hospitality institutions. Built on provenance, flavour and cultural storytelling, Altamura Distilleries represents a clear departure from neutral vodka production, championing terroir and ingredient led identity.

The award also reflects Grillo’s ability to operate beyond traditional category boundaries, blending brand, culture and commerce into a modern luxury proposition that resonates across both trade and consumer audiences.

Speaking on the win, Grillo commented:

“This is my third time being recognised by OnCon, which makes it particularly meaningful. This award is a tribute to the entire Altamura team, whose passion and commitment continue to drive the brand forward. To be acknowledged consistently over time, and by a community of respected peers, is something I am incredibly proud of.”

With global expansion continuing and presence deepening across the world’s leading bars and cultural platforms, this recognition signals sustained momentum and a leadership approach defined by originality, conviction and long term vision.

OnConferences is a leading organisation connecting top professionals across industries, promoting collaboration, innovation and thought leadership. Through its conferences, awards and networking platforms, it provides a space for executives and organisations to exchange insight and drive growth within their respective sectors.

  • Altamura Distilleries is the creator of the world’s first vodka distilled entirely
    from 100% Altamura durum wheat – the same PDO-protected grain behind
    Pane di Altamura, the world’s only bread with Protected Designation of Origin
    status.
  • Founded by Frank Grillo and Steve Acuna, two Americans who relocated to
    Puglia in southern Italy, Altamura Vodka is triple distilled and bottled at 43%
    ABV to preserve the wheat’s distinctive character: a smooth, full-bodied spirit
    with umami depth, cereal sweetness and a clean, warming finish.
  • Altamura Vodka was named to the Drinks International Bartenders’ Choice list
    in 2026 and serves as the Official Vodka Partner of The World’s 50 Best
    Hotels.
    Its accolades include:

    🥇 Double Gold & Best Imported Vodka – The Fifty Best Vodka Awards
    🥇 Two Gold Medals – Global Spirits Masters 2022
    🏆 Best International Vodka – New Orleans Spirits Competition, Tales of the
    Cocktail 2023