This year more than 120 Craft Brewers entered the 2024 Great Australasian Beer Spectacular Can Design Awards competition from Australia and New Zealand, with the most unique and eclectic designs once again submitted, all determined to take home the Orora Golden Can Trophy.
Every year, Craft brewers across Australia and New Zealand are invited to submit their most creative and outstanding can design from the past year to be eligible for entry.
GABS Can Design Awards uses both public opinion and expert judgment in determining the best in craft beer design. of the entries attracted thousands of votes from the public, with an experienced panel of leading creative thinkers, brand, and packaging experts providing a thorough evaluation of the finalist designs to select the winner from the top 10 finalists across Australia and New Zealand.
On the expert judging panel is our very own Andrew Morwood (Enhancement & Graphics Manager) from our Orora Cans Decoration Centre of Excellence. Andrew participates each year on the panel, and is pivotal in choosing the winning finalist in can design!
Taking home gold in Australia and New Zealand
The annual awards are shared across two regions: Australia, which celebrates the Can Design Awards, and New Zealand, which hosts the Label Design Awards.
Taking home first place in Australia was WA’s Beerfarm ‘Fruitasaurus Rex’, designed by Steffi Schmidt. This delicious Imperial Fruited Pastry Sour Beer featured artwork which was inspired by a fusion of T-Rex, pinball, and fruit. The can design perfectly complements the beer inside, promising a fruit explosion journey for consumers’ tastebuds.
In New Zealand, Hop Federation’s ‘Hold the Line NZIPA’ designed by Evan Matthews secured the top spot in the label awards. The label design beautifully honours the New Zealand bush, capturing the essence of connection to the land and its gifts. The concept of ‘escapism’ heavily influenced the design process, while ensuring that the brand icon – the hop – remained the central focus.
This year’s designs reflect a remarkable evolution in craft beer can art. As consumer spending patterns shift, the importance of standing out on the shelf is more pronounced, and it is anticipated that label creativity will continue to be a vital element in new beer releases as first impressions matter more than ever.” – GABS
Along with the Orora Golden Trophy, the winner receives printing plates from Orora plus a brewery stand at GABS 2025 Beerfest.
Orora supporting the best in Craft Beer
Since 2020, Orora has proudly been the presenting partner of the annual awards where the coveted Orora Golden Can Trophy is presented to the winners each year. Orora’s participation in the GABS Can Design Awards highlights the collaboration between industry leaders and the craft beer community.
As craft brewers continue to explore new flavours and styles, the GABS Can Design Awards offers a stage for the designers behind craft beer packaging. This event celebrates not only taste but creativity and storytelling that enhances the craft beer experience.
Read more about the annual GABS can design awards proudly presented by Orora.
