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 22^nd 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

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) named the winners of its 21^st 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

Hear from O-I

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

Hear from Eight Arms Cellars

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

Hear from Route 66 Sodas LLC

Non-Carbonated Beverage Category Winner

Winning Product: Very Cherre^TM Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice

Manufacturer: Very Cherre^TM 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 Cherre^TM 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 Cherre^TM 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 Kraken^TM 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 Kraken^TM Black Spiced Rum is the newest offering from Proximo and weighs in at a legendary 94 proof. The Kraken^TM 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’s^TM 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

Hear from Proximo

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

Hear from DIAGEO

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.

Read the 2010 Clear Choice Awards news release

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).