2011 Clear Choice Awards Winners
Top 10 Package Designs of 2011 Showcase Innovation
Today, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) announced the winners of its 2011 Clear Choice Awards. Sponsored by GPI since 1989, the Clear Choice Awards honor consumer product goods (CPG) manufacturers who expand the frontiers of glass packaging design by using glass containers in innovative ways.
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) named the winners of its 22nd Annual Clear Choice Awards through a virtual event on the GPI website featuring videos and photos of award-winning product designs (watch the video and download photos).
This year’s awards recognize 10 consumer product goods (CPG) companies and their achievements in expanding the frontiers of glass packaging design in the following categories: beer, wine, food, carbonated beverage, non-carbonated beverage, organic food or beverage, distilled spirits, flavored alcoholic beverage (FAB), cosmetics or fragrances and conversion recognition (products that have been converted to glass packaging from other forms of packaging).
“These winning package designs demonstrate that glass continues to be the ‘clear choice’ for consumers who want a package that complements today’s healthy and environmentally-conscious lifestyles,” says Lynn Bragg, President of the Glass Packaging Institute, who notes that glass is one of the “greenest” packaging choices, being 100 percent and endlessly recyclable. “Additionally, nothing communicates purity, quality and value to consumers like a well-designed glass package.”
Beer
Winning Product: Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
Manufacturer: Boulevard Brewing Co.
Glass Container Supplier: Verallia
Glass Label Supplier: Mainline Printing
Packaging Description: The newly designed bottle from Boulevard Brewing Co. maintains consistency with the branding of its Smokestack Series and creates a distinctive appearance on the shelf or the table. The bottle is reminiscent of the shape of the 750 ml champagne bottle with brand embellishment “Boulevard Brewing Co.” near the shoulder that enhances the simple, elegant appearance.
Press Contact: Julie Weeks jweeks@boulevard.com
Wine
Winning Product: Freemark Abbey 125th Anniversary Blend
Manufacturer: Jackson Family Wines
Glass Container Supplier: Verallia
Label: Collotype
Metal badge: Tribeca
Packaging Description: This new wine tells the story of Freemark Abbey, one of the first women-built wineries in the Napa Valley. Josephine Tychson’s legacy continues today with the Jackson Family Wines celebration of 125 years of winemaking with the release of “History”.
Press Contact: Karen Sue Jenkins KarenSue.Jenkins@kjmail.com
Food
Winning Product: Sir Kensington’s Gourmet Scooping Ketchup
Manufacturer: Kensington & Sons LLC
Glass Container Supplier: Leone Industries
Label: Gintzler Graphics
Packaging Description: Sir Kensington’s is all natural “scooping ketchup” made from vine ripe tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and agave nectar. The jar is a hearty glass cube, tapering at the crown to a scooping-size mouth, topped with a large, elegant lid. The bottle’s rich design embodies the cutting edge innovation executed with a wink, a nudge, and a taste for the classic.
Press Contact: Scott Norton scott@sirkensingtons.com
Carbonated Beverage
Winning Product: H-E-B Dr. B®
Manufacturer: H-E-B
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging, Inc.
Label: Vitro Packaging, Inc.
Packaging Description: H-E-B Dr. B is a crisp clean soft drink made with pure cane sugar. The glass bottle is a great example of a clean and sleek retro design with UV cured inks to represent the vintage soda.
Press Contact: 1-800-432-3113
Non-Carbonated Beverage
Winning Product: Kyäni Sunrise®
Manufacturer: Kyäni Inc.
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging, Inc.
Label: Vitro Packaging, Inc.
Packaging Description: Kyäni Sunrise® is a complete multi-vitamin in the form of a delicious drink. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, the drink is packaged in a tapered, cobalt blue bottle that gives this premium beverage a clean premium image.
Press Contact: Scott R. Seedall sseedall@kyanicorp.com
Organic Food or Beverage
Winning Product: TruBee Honey
Manufacturer: TruBee Honey
Glass Container Supplier: O-I
Packaging Description: TruBee Honey is a raw, gourmet honey that uses glass packaging to showcase the simplicity and beauty of pure honey. For TruBee Honey, glass is the only choice because it’s recyclable and, visually, it’s the next best thing to seeing pure, raw honey come out of the hive.
Press Contact: Laura Kimball info@trubeehoney.com
Distilled Spirits
Winning Product: Finlandia Vodka
Manufacturer: Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd.
Glass Container Supplier: O-I
Label: Eurostampa and Guidotti CentraStampa
Packaging Description: Finlandia Vodka is pure and natural and is made from 10,000-year-old glacial spring water and barley grown in Finland’s pristine landscape. The crystal clear bottle captures the purity of the vodka through the natural fluid forms of glacial ice frozen in time.
Press Contact: Mike Taylor Mike_Taylor@B-F.com and Jennie Meador Jennie_Meador@b-f.com
Flavored Alcoholic Beverage
Winning Product: Calypso Bay
Manufacturer: American Vintage Beverage Co.
Glass Container Supplier: Anchor Glass Container
Label: Spear
Packaging Description: Calypso Bay is the newest sensation in the Flavored Alcohol Beverage category. The smooth tapered body with the flared footed heel presents a superior hand feel for the consumer. The clear liquid allows the colorful back label to show through the product hinting at the flavor within. The flint bottle, topped with a black twist crown closure, and labeling technique, give this package a sophisticated clean look.
Press Contact: Ian Galbraith igalbraith@markanthony.com, 604-269-7017.
Cosmetics or Fragrance
Winning Product: Espirit D’Oscar
Manufacturer: Oscar de la Renta
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging, Inc.
Packaging Description: Esprit D’Oscar Eau de Parfum is a modern interpretation of Oscar de la Renta’s signature scent, inspired by chic and sophisticated women of today. The spirit of femininity re-imagined in a timeless floral-oriental fragrance that is exceptionally feminine and sparkling in spirit. The shape and clarity of the glass bottle integrate the Esprit D’Oscar concept, resulting in a very delicate design.
Press Contact: Glenn Tatem Glenn.Tatem@maesa.com
Conversion Recognition
Winning Product: Traders Point Creamery Cottage Cheese
Manufacturer: Traders Point Creamery
Glass Container Supplier: Verallia
Label: Packaging Systems
Packaging Description: Traders Point Creamery chose to package their 100% grass-fed organic cottage cheese in recyclable glass containers to further their goal of offering award-winning artisan products to benefit the health of their customers and the planet. The glass jars maintain the cottage cheese’s integrity and the shelf life of the cheese is extended. Traders Point Creamery is proud to offer possibly the only cottage cheese to be packaged in glass in the United States.
Press Contact: Gail gail@traderspointcreamery.com
Judging
Submissions for the 2011 Clear Choice Awards were judged on innovation (in container form and product category), package design (including container, label, and closure), and shelf impact. This year’s judges were:
- Barry Roebuck — Creative Director, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
- Derek Neuland — Founder, ThirstyDudes.com and Overglued.com
- Jason Draper — ThirstyDudes.com, Owner, Wooden T-Shirts
- Joe Pryweller — Editor/Conference Director, Packaging Strategies
- Jonathan Hunter — University of Wisconsin-Stout, School of Packaging
- Robert Meisner — CPP, CPLP, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout
2010 Clear Choice Awards Winners
Top 10 Package Designs of 2010 Showcase Innovation
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) named the winners of its 21st Annual Clear Choice Awards through a virtual event on the GPI website featuring videos and photos of award-winning product designs (watch the video and download photos).
“The winning products demonstrate that glass continues to be the ‘clear choice’ for consumers who want a package that provides a premium feel and also protects the products they are buying,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Designing and packaging in glass for foods, beverages, and fragrances ensures your product has a competitive edge.”
“More consumers should know of the good work that is being done with glass packaging,” says Mark “Coach” Smallwood, Mid Atlantic Green Mission Specialist/Local Forager at Whole Foods and 2010 Clear Choice Awards judge.
This year’s Awards recognized 10 consumer product goods (CPG) companies and their achievements in expanding the frontiers of glass packaging design in the following categories—beer, wine, food, carbonated beverage, non-carbonated beverage, organic food or beverage, distilled spirits, flavored alcoholic beverage (FAB), and cosmetics or fragrances—as well as an overall package design winner.
“As always, the entries for GPI’s 2010 Clear Choice Awards represent some of the best in new packaging and show off the great innovation and design talents that keep the packaging industry working at the top of its game,” says Joe Pryweller, Managing Editor at Packaging Strategies. “With the pool of entries so deep, it made the task difficult to identify the winners. Yet, even in this crowded field, some packages stood out for their sheer invention, novel detail, and ability to rise above others on the shelf and exclaim ‘look at me.’”
Overall Package Design Winner
Winning Product: Samuel Adams Barrel Room Collection
Manufacturer: The Boston Beer Company
Glass Container Supplier: Anchor Glass Container
Package Decorator: Quest Industries, LLC
Packaging Supplier: WS Packaging
Package Designer: Kenneth Hirst at Hirst Pacific, Ltd.
New Product Trend: Super high-end decoration and design for premium beer packaging
Packaging Description: The Boston Beer Company developed a beer that is barrel aged, and for this offering, needed a very special bottle. The container is “Black Glass” in a shape somewhat reminiscent of a barrel. The Barrel Room Collection has an embossed cartouche in the shoulder and the Sam Adams signature debossed in the heel. Sealed with a champagne cork and wire bale, the container is decorated with screen printing and pressure sensitive labeling, color-coded to the brew within. The glossy black finish of the bottle is only achieved after exposing the glass to very high temperatures during the curing process. This is a special product in a special glass package.
Press Contact: Katie Powell, The Boston Beer Company, (617) 368-5035, Katie.powell@bostonbeer.com
Hear from The Boston Beer Company
Beer Category Winner
Winning Product: Miller Lite Vortex® bottle
Manufacturer: Miller Lite
Glass Container Supplier: O-I
Designer of Bottle Label Graphics: McDill Design
Supplier of Bottle Labels: Multi-Color Corporation
New Product Trend: Creating unique drinking experiences through innovative design
Packaging Description: Like a whirlwind, a stunning example of O-I innovation has hit the U.S. market. The new Vortex bottle features internal embossing, or raised ridges on the inside of a bottle, in a spiral, “swirling” pattern. O-I’s new Vortex bottle launched with MillerCoors’ Miller Lite brand and is the star of its summer promotions. Visible in the bottle’s neck, the striking design grabs the attention of beer drinkers across the country. A result of a group collaboration within O-I, the Vortex bottle was created by a design team that worked on developing glass concepts that provide consumers with unique drinking experiences. This new twist on the standard 12 oz. beer bottle creates marketplace differentiation and attracts new consumers.
Press Contact: Scott Bussen, MillerCoors, Marketing Communications, (312) 496-2969, scott.bussen@millercoors.com
Wine Category Winner
Winning Product: The Tentacle
Manufacturer: Eight Arms Cellars
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
Package Designer: John Schall of John Schall Design
Package Silk Screening: Monvera Glass Décor
New Product Trend: Using striking silk screen labeling on elegant glass for wine applications
Packaging Description: The glass bottle used for Eight Arms Cellars’ The Tentacle wine comes from the new eco-series from Verallia (formally Saint-Gobain). This is a lighter weight, more eco-friendly glass bottle. The full wrap silk screen was designed by John Schall and printed at Monvera Glass Décor. The combination of the bottle and the design creates a compelling, stand out package.
Press Contact: Iain Boltin, Owner/Winemaker, Eight Arms Cellars, (510) 932-3019, iain@eightarmscellars.com
Food Category Winner
Winning Product: B&M Baked Beans “Beanpot”
Manufacturer: B&G Foods, Inc.
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
Package Label: Fort Dearborn
Package Closure: Crown Cork Closures
New Product Trend: Combining container shape and embossing to convey culinary heritage
Packaging Description: For years, attempts to “can” baked beans were unsuccessful, lacking flavor and texture. B&M re-ignited the tradition of baking beans in brick ovens allowing the flavor to slowly penetrate each bean. B&M then seals the beans in amber glass pots for UV protection and to hold their freshness and flavor until the container is opened. B&M employees take pride in producing products of superior quality, not just the flavor on the inside, but the finished product on the outside. The “Beanpot” has a design like no other. Pay attention to the explicit detail at the top of the jar defining our American Heritage.
Press Contact: Matthew Lindberg, Account Supervisor, ICR Inc., (203) 682-8214, Matthew.lindberg@icrinc.com
Carbonated Beverage Category Winner
Winning Product: Route 66 Sodas
Manufacturer: Route 66 Sodas LLC
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
Bottle Design Concepts: Scott A. Cameron
Bottle Text: Scott A. & Elizabeth R. Cameron
Illustrations: Tom Birmingham, Art Of His Mind
Art Design: Rachel Buck
New Product Trend: Updating nostalgic brands with premium labels and packaging
Packaging Description: The Folks at Route 66 launched their soda flavors—Root Beer, Orange, Lime, Black Cherry, and Cream—in an updated new package. The combination of the new glass package and the addition of new flavors are making the brand stronger and giving the consumer the perfect beverage choice.
Press Contact: Scott A. Cameron, President, Route 66 Sodas LLC, (417) 588-4466, sodajerk@rote66sodas.com
Non-Carbonated Beverage Category Winner
Winning Product: Very CherreTM Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice
Manufacturer: Very CherreTM by Old Orchard Brands, LLC
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
Closure: Crown Closures
Label: Chattanooga Label Systems
New Product Trend: Creating brand recognition through container shape and decoration
Packaging Description: Very CherreTM Montmorency Tart Cherry juices were launched in 2009, utilizing a proprietary glass bottle designed to be ergonomic, to be environmentally friendly, and to maintain the product’s freshness. The look and feel of the glass conveys quality to the consumer, and the embossed cherry-round bottle shape instantly becomes a recognizable part of the brand. The glass bottle helps position the product as a premium juice and helps to define the brand image.
Press Contact: Matt Jackson, Director, Lambert, Edwards & Associates, (616) 233 - 0500, mjackson@lambert-edwards.com
Hear from Very CherreTM by Old Orchard Brands, LLC
Organic Food or Beverage Category Winner
Winning Product: Adina Holistics
Manufacturer: Adina For Life, Inc.
Glass Container Supplier: Anchor Glass Container & Vitro Packaging
Package Label: Spear
Package Closure: Silgan
New Product Trend: Using unique labeling and container shape for premium organics
Packaging Description: Holistics has been launched as an all-natural elixir with great taste and fewer calories than competitive products. Glass was a natural choice to protect the ingredients and emphasize its organic roots. A non-traditional shape and clear pressure sensitive label help the brand stand out from the crowd.
Press Contact: Jon Rarrick, BullsEye PR, (212) 671-1080 x 103, JR@BullsEyePublicRelations.com
Hear from Adina For Life, Inc.
Distilled Spirits Category Winner
Winning Product: The KrakenTM Black Spiced Rum
Manufacturer: Proximo
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
Package Designer: Stranger and Stranger, London, UK
Label Supplier: JR Cole Industries, Charlotte, NC
Closure supplier: Alcan Capalux (amcor), St Cesaire, Quebec, Canada
New Product Trend: Using glass container shape for fun functionality
Packaging Description: The KrakenTM Black Spiced Rum is the newest offering from Proximo and weighs in at a legendary 94 proof. The KrakenTM is imported black rum from the Caribbean and blended with over 11 secret spices. The rum takes its name from the mythical sea beast, which is said to have wreaked havoc with tall ships and rum running vessels throughout history. The Kraken’sTM proprietary bottle provided by Vitro Packaging LLC is a replica of a Victorian Rum bottle and features two handles - allowing for easy portability (as well as pour-ability).
Press Contact: Evy Gonzalez, evygonzalez@yahoo.com
Flavored Alcoholic Beverage (FAB) Category Winner
Winning Product: Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks
Manufacturer: DIAGEO
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc. & O-I
Package Label: Spear
New Product Trend: Conveying “premium” and “refreshing” through clean packaging and labeling
Packaging Description: Glass conveys a greater sense of product “premium-ness” and cues over packaging alternatives (e.g. cans). There is a higher level of consumer preference with beverages packaged in glass versus other packaging formats. Smirnoff premium malt mixed drinks utilize a classic shaped long neck bottle and clear pressure sensitive labeling for a clean look.
Press Contact: Joshua Friesen, Diageo North America, (203) 229-2100, Joshua.Friesen@diageo.com
Cosmetics or Fragrances Category Winner
Winning Product: Dancing Waters
Manufacturer: Bath and Body Works
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
Overcap: Maesa
Pump: Aptar
Folding Carton: MPS (Multi Packaging Solutions)
New Product Trend: Using masculine packaging in fragrances category
Packaging Description: Dancing Waters, by Bath and Body Works, is a summer-inspired fragrance infused with basil, a kiss of fresh lavender, watery tea rose and sheer notes of dewy moss. This fragrance is brought to the market thanks to a squared-shaped bottle made by Vitro Packaging LLC. Just a spritz leaves you instantly invigorated and refreshed with a burst of bright fragrance.
Press Contact: Monica Rowe, Vice President of Public Relations, Bath and Body Works, (212) 904-8137, MRowe@bbw.com
All 2010 Clear Choice Awards winners will receive an award and benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand building media coverage. All 2010 winning products will be displayed at InterBev 2010 (September 22 - 24) in Orlando, FL, and at The Showcase of Packaging Innovations® at PACK EXPO International 2010 (October 31 - November 3) at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
Submissions for the 2010 Clear Choice Awards were judged on innovation (in container form and product category), package design (including container, label, and closure, and shelf impact. Judges included:
Charlie DiGregorio, MSU School of Packaging
Charlie is a recent graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Packaging. During his undergraduate studies he was an active member of the student chapter of IoPP and served one term as the Vice President. Charlie interned at the Campbell Soup Company where he was able to work across their entire product portfolio. Charlie is interested in food & beverage packaging, new package design, and sustainable package design. Since graduation, Charlie has been traveling and searching for career opportunities.
Dan Matauch, Principal/Creative Director, Flowdesign, Inc.
Dan brings with him over fifteen years of experience in package design. He has worked with start-up and Fortune 500 beer, beverage, food, spirits, and other consumer goods companies developing brand identity, new product packaging, and package/brand redesigns. Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Package Design at Michigan State University followed by an MBA in Marketing at the University of Tampa. Since founding Flowdesign, Inc. in 1997, he has been very successful in developing a highly creative, results-oriented package design team. Flowdesign’s package designs have won many awards and can be found in retail stores across the United States.
Dennis Young, CPP, Specialist, MSU School of Packaging
Dennis Young is a faculty member of the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. He has over 40 years of packaging industry experience at IBM, Lansmont Corporation and Dennis Young and Associates, his consulting firm. Dennis has a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Packaging and a Master of Science degree in Service Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Dennis is a Certified Packaging Professional, Fellow Member of IoPP, a member of ASTM International, and 2009 inductee into the Packaging Hall of Fame.
Joe Pryweller, Managing Editor, Packaging Strategies
Joseph Pryweller is managing editor of Packaging Strategies, a position he has held since 2005. Joe’s duties include supervising content and production of Packaging Strategies Newsletter, a 27-year-old business and technology publication for top packaging professionals, and managing content for all Packaging Strategies conferences and e-newsletters. Previous to that, he worked as senior reporter for eight years at Plastics News, where he managed coverage of plastics packaging. His journalism experience also includes stints with a public-relations agency, a major trade association and a daily newspaper in Newport News, Va. Joe has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a bachelor’s degree in communications/business from Michigan State University.
Mark “Coach” Smallwood, Green Mission Specialist, Whole Foods
Coach is the Regional Green Mission Specialist for Whole Foods in the Mid-Atlantic Region. His responsibilities include 40 facilities located in Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Coach is focused on the environmental footprint of the region including best sustainable business practices, waste diversion from landfills, energy efficiency, education and community outreach. Coach has been a consultant to the green industry, an organic farmer and a public school educator. He was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and has a degree in Education from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Yousef Zaatar, VP Operations, Z International
Yousef Zaatar has developed a very robust global career within the consumer products, packaged goods, travel & entertainment, and transportation industries. Most recently he was Vice President of Bacardi Global Packaging, handling innovation and packaging development globally for BACARDI as well as playing a key role in Global Quality Assurance for the company in America. The foundation of Zaatar’s career was as the Project Sustaining Engineer at Walt Disney World in Orlando, where he was responsible for implementing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and reengineering the high-tech transportation system, Mark VI monorail. Zaatar earned his MBA, Summa Cum Laude, while working for Disney. He received his degree in Electrical Engineering, Cum Laude, from North Carolina State University, after having earned his Computer Science degree in Madrid Spain. Zaatar has won several national packaging awards, and has been the speaker at several national and international marketing and packaging summits.
2009 Clear Choice Awards Winners
Glass containers continue to provide a premium image in a ‘green’ package
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) named the winners of its 20th Annual Clear Choice Awards through a virtual event on the GPI website featuring video of the winners and award-winning product designs (photos of the winning products can be downloaded at from the GPI website and video can be found on YouTube). This year’s Awards recognized twelve consumer product goods (CPG) companies and their achievements in expanding the frontiers of glass packaging design.
“Designing and packaging in glass ensures that your product has the competitive edge, as more and more consumers are demanding glass for its pure, recyclable, and premium characteristics,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Glass containers continue to lead the pack in providing the aesthetics consumers want in a ‘green’ package.”
GPI honored the top package designs in each of the following categories—alcoholic beverage, non-alcoholic beverage, food, and cosmetics—as well as an overall package design winner and recognized one package design in the conversion recognition category.
“In the busy world of packaging and package design it was incredibly refreshing and exciting to find so many extraordinary examples of creativity displayed by the powerful submissions entered in this year’s Glass Packaging Institutes Clear Choice Awards,” said Chris Lyons, Group Publisher, ST Media, Design Group, and 2009 Clear Choice Awards judge.
Watch the 2009 Clear Choice Awards:
Overall Package Design
Winning Product: Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon
Manufacturer: Jackson Family Wines
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
New Product Trend: Using precious metals to enhance premium packaging cues
Packaging Description: This new yet classic package design exudes craftsmanship and quality from the first impression. The combination of brand name, glass package design, and screen-printing label application process using platinum detailing demonstrates a clear commitment to quality, tradition and innovation.
Press Contact: Ryan Kukol, Brand Manager, Jackson Family Wines - 707-525-6250 - Ryan.Kukol@jacksonfamilywines.com
Alcoholic Beverage Category, Crystal Winner
Winning Product: Canadian Club 30 Year Aged Whiskey
Manufacturer: Beam Global Spirits and Wine, Inc.
Glass Container Supplier: O-I and Pavisa
New Product Trend: Combining embossed premium materials to connote a rich heritage
Packaging Description: To celebrate Canadian Club’s 150th anniversary this limited edition bottle was created as a commemorative package for the 30-year aged whiskey. The bottle is an exceptionally clear flint glass that features brand embossing along the shoulder and on the base of the bottle. Enhancing the exclusive appearance is the 10 karat gold label and Canadian Club emblem. The finished product is a premium representation of the Canadian Club brand and its 150-year tradition.
Press Contact: Dan Cohen, Public Relations Manager, North America, Beam Global Spirits & Wine - 847-444-7657 - Dan.Cohen@beamglobal.com
Alcoholic Beverage Category, Emerald Winner
Winning Product: [Down Under] by Crane Lake
Manufacturer: Bronco Wine Company
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
New Product Trend: Revolutionizing the wine industry with lightweight glass
Packaging Description: This innovative package uses Saint-Gobain Containers’ new eco-friendly Revolution bottle. At about 10.5 oz., this bottle weighs nearly 50% less than that of most wine bottles in today’s market. This ‘revolutionary’ package reduces the packaging carbon footprint by 25% and is made with at least 50% recycled glass with a recycled label.
Press Contact: Harvey Posert, PR Director - 707-963-2685 - HposertPR@comcast.net
Alcoholic Beverage Category, Amber Winner
Winning Product: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Manufacturer: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
New Product Trend: Convenience through premium all-in-one packaging
Packaging Description: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey boasts a sleek, tapered glass container. The rugged beauty of the label speaks to the whiskey’s Colorado heritage. The package also boasts a silver pouring cap, which is placed on top of the bottle neck.
Press Contact: Doug Long, 5Stone Advertising - 303-296-1226 - doug@5stonead.com
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Category, Crystal Winner
Winning Product: Cold Spring Water
Manufacturer: Cold Spring Brewing Company
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
New Product Trend: Combining innovative glass decorating techniques for shelf impact
Packaging Description: This outstanding product is presented in a fully decorated 18 oz. glass bottle and uses Vitro’s screen-printing technology and applied ceramic labeling. The decoration is a combination of acid etching and inks, making possible the window effect of the front label. This combination of bottle and decoration make this presentation an eye-catching package for today’s demanding customer.
Press Contact: Doug Pergl - 626-961-9800 - dave.p@johnlenore.com
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Category, Emerald Winner
Winning Product: Pepsi Natural
Manufacturer: Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages
Glass Container Supplier: Anchor Glass
New Product Trend: Combining product and container for coherent brand messaging
Packaging Description: In a world of artificial flavors and colors Pepsi Natural is a new and refreshing difference. The glass package has a smooth contemporary look and feel in one’s hand. Its simplicity in form and label accentuates the simplicity and natural qualities of the product contained within.
Press Contact: Michelle Naughton, Public Relations, Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages - 914-253-2950 - michelle.naughton@pepsi.com
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Category, Amber Winner
Winning Product: Cheerwine & Diet Cheerwine
Manufacturer: Carolina Beverage Corporation
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
New Product Trend: Communicating retro-sophistication through classic bottle and label design
Packaging Description: The packaging has been updated for Cheerwine and Diet Cheerwine. The product is now available in a retro-feeling, knurled glass bottle decorated with Vitro’s screen-printing applied ceramic labeling. The package improvement carries forward on the box as well, creating a complete package.
Press Contact: Angela D’Amario, Account Supervisor, Hauser Group - 404-222-0600 - a.damario@hausergroup.com
Food Category, Crystal Winner
Winning Product: Paesana Olive Extravaganza
Manufacturer: L & S Packing Company Inc. Manufacturers of Paesana Gourmet Italian Specialties
Glass Container Supplier: Leone Industries
New Product Trend: Show-stopping container designs for maximum product visibility
Packaging Description: The glass jar for Paesana Olive Extravaganza is a unique combination of sophistication and simplicity. The glass is a beautiful example of elegance, showing off the product inside to it’s maximum potential. The multi-sided glass jar can also be used after the product is finished for decorative purposes.
Press Contact: Phillip Schommer, National Sales Manager - 631-704-9994 - Philip@paesana.com
Food Category, Emerald Winner
Winning Product: Medela Inc.
Manufacturer: Medela Glass Nursers
Glass Container Supplier: O-I
New Product Trend: Reintroducing glass package designs with updated usability
Packaging Description: Medela has introduced 4 oz. and 8 oz. glass bottles to their baby feeding offerings. The glass bottles are ideal for collecting, storing and feeding breastmilk. Made from safe and durable glass, the bottle will retain the breastmilk’s beneficial properties. The glass bottles afford an ergonomical grip, graduation marks and are compatible with Medela breast pumps. The glass bottles are also easy for parents to clean and are recyclable.
Press Contact: Katherine Sands, The Reynolds Group - 312-541-9300 x107 - ksands@reynoldsgroup.com
Food Category, Amber Winner
Winning Product: Tostitos Chunky Salsa (47.5 oz.)
Manufacturer: Frito-Lay, Inc.
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
New Product Trend: Creating brand differentiation through alternative size packaging
Packaging Description: The new packaging for Tostitos Chunky Salsa provides greater product differentiation from competitors with an easy to grip neck for ease of pouring. The pressure sensitive label helps to reinforce product quality and fresh taste, while embossing the brand name on the neck of the bottle adds further branding recognition.
Press Contact: Aurora Gonzales, Director, Public Relations, Frito-Lay North America - 972-334-3821 - aurora.gonzales@pepsi.com
Cosmetics Category, Crystal Winner
Winning Product: Vitality by Liiv Botanicals
Manufacturer: AVON
Glass Container Supplier: Vitro Packaging
New Product Trend: Using package design to highlight fresh and natural cues
Packaging Description: Liiv Botanicals eau de toilette spray was launched early this year in a 50 mL glass bottle featuring a leaf-shape debossed on the bottle to symbolize the freshness of this eau de toilette.
Press Contact: Lauren Newman, AVON - Lauren.Newman@avon.com
Conversion Recognition
Winning Product: Traders Point Creamery Fromage Blanc
Manufacturer: Traders Point Creamery
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.
New Product Trend: Dairy industry returns to glass for pure, premium, and sustainable characteristics
Packaging Description: Until the beginning of last year, Traders Point Creamery was packaging its products in plastic cups. They are now packaging this main line of products in glass, which is unique in the dairy industry. Traders Point Creamery whole milk, chocolate milk, and yogurt are also packaged in glass containers. Based on the success of these products, many other companies have followed suit. The company is a strong believer in glass, believing that it gives the consumer a pure product which is not influenced by plastic, is transparent and thus shows the product within, letting customers know what they are buying, and can be easily recycled. Glass also gives their products a traditional look, which makes it stand out in the retail case. Traders Point Creamery products are of the utmost quality, and therefore, glass, as the quality packaging material, is the container of choice. The label on this package also comes off, so the sleek, clear glass is reusable for future storage.
Press Contact: Gail Alden, Director of Marketing, Media and Events, Traders Point Creamery - 317-733-1700 - gail@tpforganics.com
Submissions for the 2009 Clear Choice Awards were judged on innovation (in container form and product category), package design (including container, label, and closure), and shelf impact. Learn about the Clear Choice Awards Judges.
“Glass is an endlessly fascinating packaging sector and each year the Glass Packaging Institute’s Clear Choice awards succeeds in recognizing and celebrating new and appealing container inventiveness,” noted Ben Miyares, Vice President, Industry Relations, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, and 2009 Clear Choice Awards judge.
All 2009 Clear Choice Awards winners will receive a Clear Choice Award and benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand building media coverage. All 2009 winning products will be displayed at the Worldwide Food Expo in Chicago (October 28-31) and at The Showcase of Packaging Innovations(R) at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2009 (October 5-7).
Announcing the 2008 Clear Choice Award Winners
Consumer packaged goods manufacturers continue to choose glass for new product introductions, purity, and sustainable positioning
The 2007 Clear Choice Award Winners
Consumer packaged goods manufacturers continue to choose glass for new premium product introductions and organic product positioning
Glass Packaging Institute Announces its 2006 Clear Choice Award Winners
Consumer packaged goods manufacturers continue to choose glass for new premium product introductions and organic product positioning
Glass packaging institute announces its 2005 clear choice award winners
Glass continues to be the preferred packaging material for premium new consumer packaged goods.
Made with organic fruit from California Wild Poppy Juice is sweetened with organic agave nectar and mixed with spices from around the world. The flavors include: Blood Orange Chili, Peppermint Lemonade, Plum Licorice, Peach Vanilla and Grapefruit Ginger. The bright colored juices are packaged in 10 oz. glass bottles with applied ceramic labeling.
Order the Flexo Color Guide - Edition X »
Use our Carbon Calculator to find out how much energy you can save by recycling your glass containers.
About the institute
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.
