Craft Beer Marketing Awards Expands Global Judges Panel to More Than 500 Industry Professionals Across the World

Entry Deadline Extended to February 14, 2022 Due to COVID

NEW YORK, NY— Reaching a milestone, the Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAS) expands its worldwide judges panel to include over 500 industry professionals from over 24 countries.

“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.”

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

“I’ve watched the Craft Beer Marketing Awards rise so quickly to prominence and am honored to participate as a judge alongside top contributors from the beer community,” said Tara Nurin, independent beer/spirits journalist and author. “As a female writer who has studied women’s involvement in the beer world, I appreciate that the CBMAS recognizes the achievements of creative and influential women in the industry.”

Due to the recent COVID Omicron surge, the CBMAS has extended their 2022 awards season entry deadline to: February 14, 2022.

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

The CBMAS is now in its third season. Founded in 2019, this is the only global awards competition to recognize and celebrate the importance of craft beer marketing and design as a key to success in this highly competitive marketplace.

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 movers with their “Industry People of the Year” Awards.

And, as a way to make its voice literally heard, the CBMAS has launched a podcast, Marketing on Tap, sponsored by EGC Group.

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

The 2022 CBMAS encompass over 40 categories that cover all aspects of brew marketing—from labels to logos and tap handles to taprooms. New categories have been added by popular suggestion, and returning this year are the “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!”

A new 2022 CBMAS Gold Sponsor is Arryved, based in Boulder, CO, which specializes in point- of-service for craft breweries, restaurants, and other craft destinations.

“We see creativity across this industry every day – and it just keeps getting better,” said Alex Ostler, Head of Marketing, Arryved. “We’re excited to be a part of the CBMAS this year to help celebrate those who are continuing to come up with innovative ways to get their brand name out there.”

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 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
craftbeermarketingawards.com.