GVBOT announces winners of the 2026 Rix Awards
For Immediate Release
VANCOUVER, B.C. —The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is thrilled to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Rix Awards.
Anthony von Mandl, Founder, Owner, and CEO of The Mark Anthony Group of Companies, will be honoured with the Rix Award for Community Citizenship in recognition of his philanthropy and advocacy initiatives that foster human and economic progress, building a brighter future for all.
Purdys Chocolatier, a Canadian chocolatier, confectionary, and retail operator, will receive the Rix Award for Corporate Citizenship, celebrating their commitment to investing in community and lasting change, seeking opportunities to support, advocate, and create more kindness.
The awards will be presented at the 38th annual Governors’ Gala & Rix Awards on April 16, 2026, at the JW Marriot Parq Vancouver. This signature event brings together leaders from business, government, and the community to recognize exceptional contributions to civic leadership and community engagement. The Board of Trade will also induct its immediate past chair, Walter Pela, Regional Managing Partner of KPMG Canada, into its esteemed Council of Governors as part of the evening’s celebrations.
2026 RIX AWARD FOR COMMUNITY CITIZENSHIP – Anthony von Mandl
Founded at the age of 22 without a dime, Anthony von Mandl built a multi-billion-dollar drinks company from the ground up in British Columbia with no outside financing or major acquisitions. He accomplished this by creating ‘new-to-world' drink categories and iconic brands that completely transformed the industry. The Mark Anthony Group recently announced it is expanding into non-alcoholic beverages including teaming up with football legend Lionel Messi to create Más+ by Messi, a Next Generation Hydration Drink to address people’s health and wellness globally.
During the global pandemic Anthony invested $2B to build the most technologically advanced breweries in North America in the past 30 years. These state-of-the-art facilities are without parallel anywhere in the world, purpose designed and built to produce his breakthrough iconic White Claw Hard Seltzer — the most successful new beverage launched since prohibition — along with a diverse portfolio of leading beverage brands, which he is now expanding internationally.
Anthony pioneered luxury organic winemaking in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley where his seven Iconic Wineries have won ‘World’s Top Pinot Noir & Chardonnay’ in London and the first 100-point scores ever for Canadian white and red wines.
Anthony's impact extends far beyond business. His leadership is characterized by a profound sense of responsibility toward society. Through the von Mandl Family Foundation, he supports various vital causes, including advanced cancer research, youth education, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of arts and culture. As a strong advocate for global initiatives that foster human and economic progress, Anthony continues to make an impact in building a brighter future for all.
A Member of the Order of British Columbia and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Anthony is also a recipient of France’s Légion d’Honneur. He holds six Honourary Doctorates and has been inducted into the B.C. Business Hall of Fame, and Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.
2026 RIX AWARD FOR CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP – Purdys Chocolatier
Purdys Chocolatier has been Canada's Chocolatier since 1907. As a proud, family-owned company, they craft a wide range of chocolate gifts using premium ingredients and sustainably sourced cocoa. Community and people are at the heart of Purdys Chocolatier, and they find opportunities to support, advocate, and create more kindness.
Honoured with the Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship, Purdys Chocolatier champions causes close to Canadians’ hearts through their Purple Partnerships initiative and Seasonal Fundraising Program. Since 2019, they’ve proudly raised over $1.4M for children’s hospital foundations across the country through the Dear Santa Program—a reflection of their deep commitment to meaningful impact. Their Seasonal Fundraising Program has contributed over $50M to community initiatives over the past 10 years. These efforts are especially meaningful because they reflect the causes that matter most to their customers and the very reasons for their fundraising efforts.
From supporting children’s hospital foundations to uplifting 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, and BIPOC communities, Purdys Chocolatier continues to invest in lasting change. For over 118 years, Purdys Chocolatier has fostered connections and sparked joy by crafting exceptional chocolates and embracing a deep dedication to community and purpose.
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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Media contact:
Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com