The FESPA Awards programme, now in its 30th year, showcased innovative and inspirational entries with no exception to the high standards set by the previous Awards programmes. The hundreds of global entries were judged by industry experts who in their distinguished careers have contributed significant advances to the techniques and technology across the industry. The expert judges who rose to the challenge of short listing the most exceptional entries which were in turn put forward for the People's Choice Award voted for by the public. Winners were announced at the sumptuous FESPA Awards Celebration Dinner on 22nd May, held alongside FESPA Digital 2014.
This year's categories were fewer in number allowing for more scope for interpretation, presenting an opportunity for both established industry professionals and newcomers to demonstrate their creativity and technical expertise in their field – many awards were stolen away by entrants from the UK.
Congratulations to Press On, who was presented with Gold for its Display Book in the category of In-store Project of the Year, judged by Leonardo Bianchi, Specialist in Packaging and Product Innovation for Burton's Biscuit Co, Pedro Jacques de Souza, leading printer and board member of POPAI Portugal, and Pascal Delfosse, Managing Director and Owner of Glaznost. Bianchi spoke enthusiastically of the work, "really impressed with the quality," and described the graphic design as "very creative, highlighting the high end market of the consumer brand."
Charterhouse, was presented with Bronze for its BMW IDrive Cube in the same category, Mr Bianchi praised "the use of multimedia and traditional printing technologies (which) delivered a very good theatrical experience for the end use. Overall execution outstanding!"
Digital Plus, was presented with Bronze for its inspiring and commemorative piece of artwork designed to give thanks and recognition to the exceptional people who had donated organs at the Royal Berkshire NHS Hospital, in the brand new category of interior decoration, judged by Felipe Araujo and Daniel Perez of Egue and Seta interior design agency, Barcelona, and Barry Forester, Managing Director of Standfast and Barracks and Anstey Wallpaper Company, UK. Mr Forester described the work as "a 'grand' project in every sense."
Horizon Digital Print, Ireland, was presented with Gold in the category of Integrated Print Campaign of the Year, judged by Haris Munif, Head of Marketing at Samsung, Mark Cruise, Head of Print Management at BskyB, and Folker Wrage, Chief Creative Director at Wrage/Antwork. Mr Cruise commented, "a grand idea executed well with some cracking feedback and results. Well done!"
Racoon London, represented by Richard Clark, was awarded Gold in the category of Outdoor and Vehicle Decoration, judged by Hwie-Bing Kwee, Owner of Omnimark in the Netherlands and Andy Wilson, Managing Director at Press On. Mr Kwee described the entry as "great promotion of our profession."
Grapefruit Graphics, was presented with Bronze in this category for its digitally printed hummingbird vinyl wrap for the hull of a Clipper 60 yacht. Mr Wilson praised the "good presentation, application and install."
Lastly, VGC Colourlink, based in Essex was presented with Silver for its entry into the Functional Print of the Year category, judged by Neil de Greef, owner of Screenline Printhouse, South Africa and Jacek Stencil, PASJA Poland. Mr de Greef praised the entry, "the application of the product is very unique and functional. Well done."