Glass Packaging Institute Announces 2013 Clear Choice Award Winners

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) on September 23, 2013 announced the winners of its 2013 Clear Choice Awards at Pack Expo, one of the packaging industry’s premier conferences.  

 

This year, seven consumer product goods companies were recognized for their achievements in creating innovative glass packages with shelf impact. Entries were judged on innovation, package design (including container label and closure), and consumer appeal.

 

The winning products are:

 

Wine Category: ANEW Riesling

 

Brand Owner: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

 

Glass Manufacturer: Verallia North America

 

Distilled Spirits Category: Jack Daniel’s Unaged Tennessee Rye

 

Brand Owner: Brown-Foreman

 

Glass Manufacturer: O-I

 

Beer Category: Kona Longboard Island Lager

 

Brand Owner: Kona Brewing Company

 

Glass Manufacturer: O-I

 

Non Alcoholic Beverage Category: Starbucks Iced Coffee

 

Brand Owner: Starbucks

 

Glass Manufacturer: O-I

 

Food Category: Tostitos® Salsa

 

Brand Owner: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.

 

Glass Manufacturer: O-I

 

Cosmetics/Fragrance Category: JAFRA Garden Fairy EDT

 

Brand Owner: JAFRA

 

Glass Manufacturer: Vitro

 

Conversion Recognition Category: McCormick Vodka

 

Brand Owner: McCormick Distilling Company

 

Glass Manufacturer: Ardagh North America

 

This year’s panel of independent judges included Robert Bush, Professor, Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, Virginia Tech University; Andrew Kaplan, Managing Editor, Beverage World magazine; Silvio Marcacci, lead contributor, Lost in the Beer Aisle blog; and Rick Edwards, head bartender of a major Washington, D.C. restaurant and bar.

 

In addition to the products selected by the judges, three other products received President’s Choice awards – a new designation to this year’s program. These awards, selected by GPI President Lynn Bragg, are given to products for notable advancements in technological innovation and design, or conversion from another packaging type to glass. The winners of these awards are:

 

President’s Choice Award for Product Conversion: Hidden Valley™ Sandwich Spread & Dip

 

Brand Owner: The Hidden Valley Food Products Company

 

Glass Manufacturer: Vitro

 

President’s Award for Advancements in Sustainability: Green Flash

 

Brand Owner: Green Flash Brewing Company

 

Glass Manufacturer: Verallia North America

 

President’s Award for Advancements in Sustainability: Nantucket Nectar

 

Brand Owner: Juice Guys

 

Glass Manufacturer: Ardagh North America

 

In addition, Mad Cow Wine from Maize Valley Winery and manufactured by Verallia North America was selected as the winner of the People’s Choice Competition. Voting for this selection was conducted over a one-week period on GPI’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ChooseGlass).

 

“The entries for this year’s Clear Choice Awards showcased a trend in the artistry and value-add that glass packaging provides to the consumer,” said Lynn Bragg, President of GPI. “Nothing communicates purity, quality and value to consumers like a well-designed glass package.”

 

This year’s winners typify why so many high-end products are packaged in glass. Numerous food, beverage and fragrance companies recognize that glass is the optimal packaging choice because it preserves the integrity of their products, while also being 100% and endlessly recyclable.

 

The 2013 Clear Choice Awards winners receive benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand-building promotion. The winning products are also on display at PACK EXPO, currently happening in Las Vegas.

 

Images of the winning products can be viewed at: www.gpi.org/product-showcase. High resolution images are available upon request.

About GPI

 

On behalf of the North American glass container manufacturers, the Glass Packaging Institute promotes glass as the optimal packaging choice, advances environmental and recycling policies, advocates industry standards and educates packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI associate members represent a broad range of suppliers to the industry.