Tuesday, at PACK EXPO International, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI, gpi.org) announced the winners of its 2014 Clear Choice Awards. This year, eleven consumer product goods companies were recognized for their achievements in creating innovative glass packages with shelf impact.

The winners were chosen from the field of 71 entries based on criteria including innovation, package design (including container label and closure), and consumer appeal. The panel of independent judges featured Paul Koning, Specialist and Instructor at Michigan State University School of Packaging; Angelica Sbai, National Director Wine & Spirits, Palm Restaurant Group; Jarad Slipp, Estate Director at RdV Vineyards, Master Sommelier; and Richard Turcsik, Executive Editor, Grocery Headquarters magazine.

In addition to seven products specifically selected by the judges, three other products received President’s Choice awards, selected by GPI’s president, Lynn Bragg  – two for advancements in sustainability and one for reinvention and innovation.

GPI also announced the winner of the People’s Choice Competition. Voting for this selection was conducted over a one-week period on GPI’s Facebook page.

The winning products are:

Beer Category: Miller Fortune
Brand Owner: MillerCoors
Glass Manufacturer: Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Conversion Recognition Category: BeanBlossom Hard Cider
Brand Owner: Oliver Winery
Glass Manufacturer: Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Cosmetics/Fragrance Category: Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion
Brand Owner: Estee Lauder
Glass Manufacturer: Vitro Packaging, LLC

Distilled Spirits Category: Jim Beam Signature Craft
Brand Owner: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Glass Manufacturer: Vitro Packaging, LLC

Food Category: Beech-Nut Baby Food
Brand Owner: Beech-Nut
Glass Manufacturer: Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Non Alcoholic Beverage Category: Straus Family Creamery Organic Milk
Brand Owner: Straus Family Creamery
Glass Manufacturer: Ardagh Group

Wine Category: Moreno Sparkling Wine with Metallic Leopard Print
Brand Owner: Moreno BHLV
Glass Manufacturer: Ardagh Group  

President’s Award for Advancements in Sustainability: Squatters Organic Amber Ale
Brand Owner: Utah Brew
Glass Manufacturer: Anchor Glass Container

President’s Award for Advancements in Sustainability: Q-Tonic
Brand Owner: Q-Drinks
Glass Manufacturer: Vitro Packaging, LLC

President’s Award for Reinvention and Innovation: Ball Decorative One Gallon Jar
Brand Owner: Jarden Brands
Glass Manufacturer: Anchor Glass Container

People’s Choice Award: Seagram's Distillers Reserve 1.75
Brand Owner: Pernod Ricard
Glass Manufacturer: Ardagh Group

“The entries for this year’s Clear Choice Awards came from many companies that wanted to showcase their products in high quality packaging,” says Lynn Bragg, president of GPI. “A well-designed glass package provides many benefits. It’s the healthier choice for consumers and the environment and it also preserves the purity of a product.”

The 2014 Clear Choice Awards winners receive industry-wide recognition and brand-building promotion. The winning products are also on display at PACK EXPO, currently happening in Chicago.