Every year, there are numerous craft beer awards celebrating the best-in-class brews made around the country. 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 label? 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.
The GABS Label Design Awards were initiated to celebrate the creativity of the designers and marketers behind those important moments.
We invite you to submit ONE design released in the previous year. Cast your mind back, gather feedback from your staff and customers, and pick the design you’re most proud to hang your hat on.
Design submissions AUGUST 2025.
We’ll call on the craft beer lovers of New Zealand to have their say, opening up a People’s Choice voting platform and online gallery.
Voting takes place AUGUST 2025.
A shortlist of 10 designs will be presented to a panel of experts for a final assessment.
Judging takes place SEPTEMBER 2025.
At the culmination of the campaign we’ll announce the winner and runners up via all GABS Marketing Channels.
Winner will be announced SEPTEMBER 2025.
Not only will the WINNER of the GABS Label Design Awards have the honour of claiming the title, arguably the gold standard in celebrating some of the most creative people in this exciting industry, they will also take home:
The coveted Orora Golden Can Trophy plus a set of printing plates
It’s not just the winning brewery who receives a prize!
The designer behind the winning can design will walk away with $1,000 in cash.
The annual awards, now in its fifth year, showcases the best in craft beer label design. The humble label has transformed into a blank canvas for street art, challenging brewery creatives to craft designs that capture attention and tell the story of the delicious beer inside. Here are the designs that have come out tops each year!