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).

“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

Samuel Adams Barrel Room CollectionWinning 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

Miller Lite Vortex® bottleWinning 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


Winning Product: The Tentacle

Eight Arms CellarsManufacturer: 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

B&M Baked Beans “Beanpot”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

Route 66 SodasWinning 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

Very CherreTM Montmorency Tart Cherry JuiceWinning 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

Adina HolisticsWinning 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

The KrakenTM Black Spiced RumWinning 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

Hear from Proximo


Flavored Alcoholic Beverage (FAB) Category Winner

Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks

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

Dancing WatersWinning 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.

Product Showcase

See the latest winners of the Clear Choice Awards

2017 Winners         2016 Winners


2014 Winners         2013 Winners


2012 Winners         2011 Winners


2010 Winners         2009 Winners


2008 Winners         2007 Winners


2006 Winners         2005 Winners