Founded in 2019, The Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAS) is the only global awards competition to recognize and celebrate the importance of craft beer marketing and design as a key to success in the industry. The CBMAS expanded its industry significance as a leading expert in marketing trends with the presentation of a marketing seminar at the 2021 Craft Brewers Conference, as well as by recognizing influential beer industry insiders with its “People of the Year” Award and, via a podcast, Marketing on Tap, sponsored by EGC Group.

With the consistent growth of craft breweries, the need to be more creative in marketing efforts is becoming an ever increasingly important aspect of success in the brewing industry. In 2020, there were a total number of 8,764 craft breweries in the United States, based on the latest data of the Brewers Association. With increasing competition, the art of craft beer culture, creative marketing tactics have become an essential part of craft beer brewery’s business growth and retail sales strategy. Marketing, label design, creativity and other efforts to connect with potential customers and build recognizable brands becomes an increasingly key factor in retailing beer products and building up brewery following. 

The CBMAS has extended its entry period for the 2022 awards to Valentine’s Day due to the recent COVID Omicron surge.

Exciting news for this year includes the expansion of their global judge panel to include over 500 beverage and beer industry professionals world-wide in over 24 countries, making the CBMAS the largest awards program of its kind in the world. Seven Canadian judges have joined the panel this year including Brewers Journal’s very own Publisher, Richie Piotrowski. Other Canadian judges include Ben Gough, Brian Murray, Terry Andryo, Justin Longoz, Bob Russell and PJ L’Heureux.

Other well-known Judges who have returned or joined include Ralph Steadman, David Carson, Tara Nurin, Zane Lamprey, Jon Contino, Matt Furman, Harry Schuhmacher, Megan Stone, and Keith Villa, among others.

“We’re excited to welcome more than 500 judges from all around the world to this year’s panel, all professionals in brewing, marketing, design, and beyond,” said Jackie DiBella, CBMAS Co-Founder. “We appreciate their volunteer support to visually critique and rank the entries. We can’t wait to see who Crushed It in 2022!”

“While entries are pouring in from all over the world, many have asked for more time to enter due to COVID-related staffing issues and delays, and we totally get it” said Jim McCune, CBMAS Co-Founder. “Happy Valentine’s Day to beer lovers worldwide.”

Entries are open to anyone involved in marketing within the brewing industry around the world—including cider and hard seltzer, and mead. Breweries, their agencies, artists, and marketing partners are all invited to enter their work.

The 2022 CBMAS encompasses over 40 categories that cover all aspects of brew marketing—from labels to logos and tap handles to taprooms. Eleven new categories have been added by popular suggestion, and returning this year are the popular “Sustainability–Environmental Awareness” and “Human Rights” categories.

The CBMAS’ judging process is a robust, credible, and transparent digital scoring system that’s ranked by an influential and respected worldwide panel of more than 500 beer, marketing, and design experts.

The CBMAS’ presenting sponsor—for the third year in a row—is Hillebrand, the world’s leading global beverage logistics company. Prabh Hans, VP of Domestic Services for Hillebrand North America—headquartered in Houston, TX—was a strong supporter from the start.

“It’s awesome to see how the CBMAS have grown,” said Hans. “What an amazing platform, connecting brewers around the world, and celebrating their creativity. We can’t wait to see who is awarded a prestigious Crushie award as recognition for their passion-fueled work this year!”

Many design companies and agencies are taking notice and submitting their work. This truly underscores the CBMAS’ focus on the growing importance of creative art and design in packaging and brand building as marketing tactics for brewers to stand out in today’s ever-growing and competitive marketplace. Chicago, IL-based INX, an international ink company, has returned as a sponsor this year.

“As an integral part of the metal decorating and packaging industry, INX International is excited to be a part of the CBMAS,” said Sarah Jacks, Manager, INX Color Perfection®. “What a fantastic way to give recognition to the talent that so many brands have brought to the craft market! We can’t wait to see the impressive branding, designs, and hard work that this year’s applicants bring to the competition!”

The upcoming awards celebration will take place during the week of the 2022 Craft Brewers Conference in May in Minneapolis, MN. For additional information and continued updates, visit https://craftbeermarketingawards.com