Costa Group, The Packaging Hippie and Red Gem recognised at Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards
Packaging designs for fruit and vegetable products have taken the spotlight at the annual Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) with Costa Group, The Packaging Hippie and Red Gem commended.
Costa Group and The Packaging Hippie were awarded the 2024 Marketing Design gold award for their premium grapes paper bunch bag. The pair also received the 2024 Food Packaging Design silver award for their Amorette premium mandarins paper bag offering.
The winner of the 2024 Save Food Packaging Design bronze award was Dutch Cream Potatoes Red Gem by Red Gem Packers & Growers and The Packaging Hippie.
The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) the PIDA are designed to recognise companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field in Australia and New Zealand. The awards are also the exclusive pathway for all Australia and New Zealand entries into the WorldStar Packaging Awards, which are coordinated by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
The PIDA judges commended all winners and provided comments on entries taking out the gold awards.
For the Costa Group and The Packaging Hippie’s Costa Group and The Packaging Hippie’s premium grapes paper bunch bag, the judges said the paper bag for Autumncrisp grapes was a pioneering example of how innovative design can transform packaging into a powerful marketing tool.
“The key to its visual and functional appeal lies in its unique structural design, specifically the use of a see-through mesh paper window, which is a significant departure from traditional plastic alternatives. The solution was an innovative paper-based mesh window integrated into the front of the bag, allowing visibility from multiple angles, not just from above. This feature is critical in maintaining consumer trust by allowing them to inspect the quality of the grapes at eye level, directly influencing their purchasing decisions,” the judges said.
“The synergy between the recyclable paper material and the structural design of the mesh window enhances the overall aesthetic and functional quality of the packaging. This combination not only supports the weight and volume of the grapes but also contributes to the product’s premium presentation on store shelves.
“The front of the pack prominently displays the eco credentials of the packaging. By highlighting these features in a consumer-facing manner, the packaging directly communicates the brand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
