Supreme award

Sponsored by Whitmar Publications

Johnnie Walker Dubai 1 of 1 by PSL GmbH (Diageo)

(L-R) Lindsey Pearson, managing director, Whitmar Publications, Stefan Schlichte, business development at PSL, and Paul Horton, principle, packaging and graphics at Diageo

The judges said: “An outstanding and clear overall winner: Judges could not find a single fault with its impeccable attention to detail. A masterclass of personalised unique gift bottles using advanced printing technology driven by an AI engine that transforms the Dubai landscape. A pure digital execution that continues to drive innovation forward. Well done to the Diageo team and its tribe of collaborative supplier who dare to dream.”

Analogue-to-digital

Sponsored by Dantex Group

Hydreau Sports Hydration Powders by QLM Label Makers Australia

(L-R) Dave Reynolds, UK and Ireland sales manager, Dantex Group, Socheata Sun director of sales and marketing, QLM Label Makers Australia

The judges said: “A fine example where the benefits of digital printing, has showcased the exceptional quality through crisp, and vibrant design/creative. Combined with low MOQ’s has delivered both cost efficiencies and a bold, high-impact visual result.”

Also nominated:

• Americas Wine & Spirits for Memento Mori 2023
• Sealed Air for Wegmans Jambalaya
• Litograf for Fa Men Slovenska Series

Application excellence – primary packaging

Sponsored by Packaging Innovations & Empack

Compass Box Gagga by Label Apeel

(L-R) Chris Newhouse, head of sales at Packaging Innovations & Empack and Emily Kellock, commercial director, Label Apeel

The judges said: “The judges were impresses with the innovative submission for a primary packaging label. Well executed and good use of substrate.”

Also nominated:

• Label Power for Rivertown Artisan Gin
• Harkwell for Peanut Butter v. Chocolate Brownie Film
• pouches.co.uk for Chocolate Button Stand Up Pouch

Best company to work for

Sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance

Bakers

(L-R) David Bunker, director, Compass Business Finance, Kirsty Dailly, Tom Baker, Simon Chandler, and Jamie Doogan from Bakers

The judges said: “A standout and clear investor in its staff, environment and policies. A family business that clearly has at its heart its people. Honest authentic and integrity. A fantastic company to work for.”

Also nominated:

• A4labels.com
• Midland Regional Printers

Best use of personalisation

Sponsored by Screen

Mailer Boxes by Fast Printed Packaging

(L-R) Bobby Grauf, head of sales UK and Ireland, Screen Europe, Hannah McManus and Clare Maher, Fast Printed Packaging

The judges said: “Showcases traditional personalisation that can be used in everyday packaging to enhance the product – well executed.”

Also nominated:

• Harkwell for Honey Rum Labels
• Celeritas Solutions for Jack Daniels Honey Gift Experience

Best use of water-based inks

Sponsored by Epson SurePress

Baileys Festive Bottle 2025 by Perigon GmbH (Diageo)

(L-R) Chris Smith, account manager, Epson UK, and Paul Horton, principal, packaging and graphics at Diageo

The judges said: “An exceptional entrée that showcases how far water-based inks have come. The team have utilised a unique digital print system without compromising the personalised and impactful creative idea.”

Also nominated:

• Eco Flexibles for Hot Chocolate
• Label Tec Scotland for Man O’ Sword

Environmental company of the year

Sponsored by CERM

Midland Regional Printers

(L-R) Andrew Strand, business development manager UK and Nordics, Cerm, Kate Tew and Annette Coxon from Midland Regional Printers

The judges said: “The winner of this award recognises the outstanding dedication and commitment to advancing sustainable printing processes and workflows. It reflects their clear approach and dedication to supporting key initiatives that reduce overall environmental impact and contribute positively to the global effort to address climate change.”

Also nominated:

• Spectrum Digital Labels
• A4labels.com

Excellence in design

Sponsored by Dantex Group

The Ephemera Collection by Spirit Labels

(L-R) Jeff Hulston, sales consultant, Dantex Group and Jana Lincoln, accounts director, Whitmar Publications

The judges said: “The judges were impressed by the complex range of designs specifically created to showcase digital print and executed to an incredibly high standard.”

Also nominated:

• MCC Americas Wine & Spirits for RuVango 2019
• MCC Glasgow for Bruichladdich X4 Wrap
• QLM Vietnam – Hoang Ha Label Co. for JK 7

Excellence in finishing and embellishment

Sponsored by ABG International

Saigon Spirits Labels by QLM Vietnam – Hoang Ha Label Co.

(L-R) Mark Hyde, sales manager, A B Graphic International and Socheata Sun, director of sales and marketing, QLM Vietnam

The judges said: “A technical masterclass in pushing the boundaries of traditional foil finishing. A challenging design that met all the aspects of the category in full.”

Also nominated:

• Reflex Labels+ for Copeland Distillery Cask Strength Double
• Spirit Labels for Fettercairn 29yo Vanguard Series
• MCC Adelaide for Terai India Craft Gin

Excellence with hybrid printing

Sponsored by Domino

Bad Wolf by Label Apeel

(L-R) Craig Clawson, sales manager for digital print, Domino and Emily Kellock, commercial director, Label Apeel

The judges said: “A very good example and well executed label incorporating different print methods to excellent effects.”

Also nominated:

• Midland Regional Printers for HIT PreWorkout Electric Orange
• Showcase Creative for Spacestor
• All4Labels UK for Rook Nitro Stout

Excellence with inkjet – labels

Sponsored by Durst

Series 1 Doom – Imperial Stout by Label Express

(L-R) Simon Cosh, UK and Ireland label business development manager, Durst UK and Simon Williams, managing director, Label Express

The judges said: “Judges were particularly impresses with the consistent level of detail of the print in the intricate text and design. Very well executed.”

Also nominated:

• Amberley Labels for Fancy That Double Dry Hopped IPA
• Beau Label for RIP Van Winkle

Excellence with toner – labels

Sponsored by Fujifilm

Tastes of the Orient by QLM Label Makers Malaysia

(L-R) Shaheena Pall, QLM Label Makers Malaysia, Darren Godfrey, business development manager UK and Ireland, Fujifilm, Socheata Sun, director of sales and marketing, QLM Label Makers Malaysia

The judges said: “The judges unanimously agreed that this was a flawless example showcasing excellent tonal detail and colour contrast creating an impactful and elegant label.”

Also nominated:

• The Label Makers for Tempting Fete
• Label World for Killarney Irish Gin
• QLM Label Makers Australia for Pukara Estate – Connoisseur Labels

Future star

Sponsored by Mark Andy

Polina Hrechka from Celeritas Solutions

(L-R) Anthony Cotton, European sales manager, Mark Andy, and Polina Hrechka, business support, Celeritas Solutions

The judges said: “In a very strong category, the judges felt that Polina had demonstrated significant development of her role within a very short period to become central to the business. Her clear curiosity and ability to take on complex and varied tasks will ensure that her career trajectory continues into management and beyond. A clear future star for the industry.”

Also nominated:

• Cameron Davies from Grit & Pearl
• Charlie Hawker from A4labels.com
• Nat Haytayan from Harkwell
• Vytautas Konstantinavicius from Label Apeel

Innovation

Sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance

Johnnie Walker Dubai 1 of 1 by PSL GmbH (Diageo)

(L-R) Jonathan Bennett, commercial director, Close Brother Asset Finance, Stefan Schlichte, new business development, PSL, and Paul Horton, principle, packaging and graphics, Diageo

The judges said: “The judges were impresses with the crisp delicate print quality. Great tonal print and a top contender in a tough category. Looking forward to seeing more from this printer in the future.”

Also nominated:

• Fast Printed Packaging for FlexHold Boxes
• Sealed Air for Sealed Air 5440 Digital Hybrid Print Technology

Packaging

Sponsored by Gallus Group

Jason Kong Gin by QLM Vietnam – Hoang Ha Label Co.

(L-R) Ross Holloway, label specialist, Heidelberg UK and Socheata Sun, director of sales and marketing, QLM Vietnam – Hoang Ha Label Co.

The judges said: “A uniquely differentiated combination of bespoke and different label and pouch spirit packaging. A bold design that stands out taking full advantage of the HP collage clear winner and disruptive format for the category.”

Also nominated:

• Showcase Creative for Google Pixel
• Spirit Labels for Speymhor 12yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tubes
• PackEz for Silk Route Dew of Dunhuang

Self-promotional print

Sponsored by Bar Graphic Machinery

Digitally Printed Corrugated Packaging by Saica Packaging Livingston

(L-R) Adam James, managing director, Bar Graphic Machinery, and Mark McIntyre, structural designer, Saica Pack

The judges said: “In terms of demonstrating the breadth and depth of the company’s capabilities this swatch excelled in showcasing, exploring and comparing the diverse effects on offer. The judges would have been please to use the swatch in client meetings.”

Also nominated:

• QLM Vietnam – Hoang Ha Label Co. for QLink QLink Gift Box
• CCL Label / Unilogo Digital Printing for Fandeck
• Harkwell for InfoPeel Tab

Stand up pouches

Sponsored by Digital Labels & Packaging

Full Power Cacao Pouch 1kg by Harkwell

(L-R) Racheal Swinyard, advertising manager, Digital Labels & Packaging, and Andrew Mansfield, managing director, Harkwell

The judges said: “An intricate and impactful design with eyes that follow you. A favourite with the judges in a highly impressive and competitive category.”

Also nominated:

• QLM Vietnam – Hoang Ha Label Co. for Petia Dog Food Pouch
• Eco Flexibles for Just Health Powders
• QLM Label Makers Australia for Whiskey Cashew Caramel Brittle

Best first-time entrant

Sponsored by Keypoint Intelligence

Man O’ Sword by Label Tec Scotland

(L-R) Tod Curtis, business development director EMEA, Keypoint Intelligence, and Richard Pepper, chairman, Whitmar Publications

Also nominated:

• Label Express for Series 1 Doom – Imperial Stout
• Beau Label for RIP Van Winkle
• Celeritas Solutions for Jack Daniels Honey Gift Experience