The GABS Craft Beer Can Design Awards have wrapped up for another year, with striking results highlighting the immense creativity within Australia’s craft brewing scene.
This competition attracted entries from over 120 breweries, each nominating one design to represent their innovative approach to beer can art. The contest results were determined through a combination of public voting and the discernment of a panel of judges renowned for their expertise in beverage packaging and design.
In a notable achievement for Western Australia’s Beerfarm, their design for the Fruitasaurus Rex emerged as the national winner, earning the revered Orora Golden Can Trophy. The can’s vibrant artwork, designed by Steffi Schmidt, features a playful theme revolving around a fruit-loving T-Rex engaging in a game of pinball. This bold visual complements the beer’s profile—an Imperial Fruited Pastry Sour—and underscores the flair and imagination thriving within beer label design.
South Australia proudly spotlighted its own craft brewing talents with three local breweries clinching the top spots in the state category. Coopers Brewery led the pack with its Coopers Botanic Ale can, which earned the state’s highest commendation. Designer Jonathon Jones highlighted the intent behind the artwork, stating, “We were looking to create a fresh take on our 162 years of brewing heritage. This unique beer is a surprising twist on our Aussie icon Sparkling Ale so we wanted to capture a design that had modernity, was fresh and approachable whilst driving intrigue with craft beer drinkers and loyal Coopers drinkers alike.”
Following closely was Bowden Brewing’s Soolong Sucka Tealeaf IPA with a design by Georgia Butterworth, which humorously claims to be the “cuppa for the hippest grandma in the land.” The third spot was awarded to Robe Town Brewery for The Bicycle label, a nod to the cycling excursions of Maris, the Master Brewer. Designed by Kristi Biezaite, the label aims to attract both beer lovers and cyclists, particularly during the bustling tourist season in Robe.
Nationally, the second and third places were tightly contested. Seven Mile Brewing’s Snozzberry Mixed Berry Sour, crafted by Greg Hodgson, and Dangerous Ales’ Nelson Ha-ha DDH Hazy IPA, designed by Emily Reid, secured the silver and bronze positions respectively.
The winners in other states also showcased compelling designs that reflect the diverse approaches to brewing and branding across the region. From the vibrant and quirky to the elegant and understated, these labels not only serve as effective marketing tools but also as canvases that express the brewers’ stories and artistic visions.
This year’s GABS Craft Beer Can Design Awards have not only rewarded individual brilliance but have also illustrated how integral visual arts are to the evolving craft beer culture. As competition intensifies and consumer interests sway towards distinctive branding, the importance of such contests is more evident than ever.
Check out all the designs here: https://gabsfestival.com/2024-cda-aus/
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