Australia’s premier craft beer event, GABS Craft Beer & Cider Festival (GABS) has launched the inaugural GABS Can Design Awards, presented by Orora, which aims to shine a light on the talent and creativity in Australia’s craft beer industry.
Breweries are invited to submit just one beer can design, released over the last year, for consideration in the Awards, and are encouraged to engage their staff and customers to identify the design they are most proud to hang their hat on.
GABS Event Director Craig Williams stated that the Awards fill a gap in recognising the importance of great design and visual communication in a brewery’s efforts to engage customers.
“Every year, there are numerous craft beer awards celebrating the best-in-class beers brewed around the country,” said Williams.
“Highly trained judges are looking at the style, clarity, flavour profile, aroma and mouthfeel. They’re looking at what goes inside the can. But what about the outside of the can? That brilliantly executed artwork that first catches a craft beer lover’s eye. That pop of colour, witty copy, and bold design that leaps off the shelf. In the world of craft beer, first impressions count. And it’s time to celebrate the creativity of the designers and marketers behind those important moments.”
Judging for the Awards will encompass two key phases; a ‘People’s Choice’ poll where craft beer lovers can review an online gallery of all submissions before casting their vote; and from this, a shortlist of 10 designs to be considered by an expert panel to decide the ultimate winner.
“Throughout the campaign, we’ll be talking a lot about the design process and what it takes to bring an idea to life, from the brief to the final can manufacture.” Williams added. “There are some truly brilliant people out there working in this space, and we think it’s a fantastic way to really showcase this side of the brewing world.”
The top 10 shortlisted breweries will share in a $8000 prize pool. The winner of the GABS Can Design Awards will take home the ‘Orora Golden Can Trophy’, a free set of printing plates for their next print with Orora, as well as the honour of claiming the inaugural title.
Submissions are being accepted now and until 17 July at www.gabshub.com, with voting and judging taking place from 24 July until 21 August and the winner is announced on Friday 28 August.