Editor’s Note: Registration for this event has closed. Click here to see the medalists.
Presented by the American Craft Spirits Association and CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, the Craft Spirits Packaging Awards celebrates excellence and creativity in the design of craft spirits labels and packaging. Medalists will be featured in the January issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, with Best in Show gracing the cover. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts.
Registration closed on Nov. 13, 2020. We will announce the medalists on Dec. 16. Stay tuned for more details.
The competition is open to all producers of craft spirits. No physical samples are required for entry (some winning entries may be asked to ship samples for photography).
Packaging companies and/or designers may enter on behalf of craft spirits producers. Awards will be given to the distillery and credit will be given to the company/designer in CRAFT SPIRITS magazine.
A panel of design experts will judge labels and packaging in the following categories:
- Best Brandy Packaging
- Best Gin Packaging
- Best Ready-to-Drink
- Best Rum Packaging
- Best Specialty Spirits Packaging
- Best Vodka & Grain Packaging
- Best Whiskey Packaging
- Best Portfolio (Recognizing outstanding packaging across a range of products three or more products. Must be entered separately from individual entries.)
- Readers’ Choice Award (Judged by CRAFT SPIRITS magazine readers)
- Best in Show
Judging Criteria
Aesthetics: How does the packaging appeal to you from a design/artistic perspective?
Innovation: How original is the design? Does it stand out on a shelf?
Emotional Appeal: How does the packaging make you feel? Does it connect with you?
Brand Communication: How well does the packaging tell the story of the brand/product through visual/design/copy elements?
The packages that rate highly on all of those criteria are the ones that connect with consumers and drive trial and sales, even when those consumers have not previously encountered your products. The best brands are dressed for success.