• Finalists and winners at PIDA 2025.
    Finalists and winners at PIDA 2025.
  • The reusable and recyclable PIDA table centrepieces were created by Ball & Doggett.
    The reusable and recyclable PIDA table centrepieces were created by Ball & Doggett.
  • Co-MCs Zaidee Jackson and Damian Wilson kept the crowd engaged and excited.
    Co-MCs Zaidee Jackson and Damian Wilson kept the crowd engaged and excited.
  • Some 280 pacakging professionals gathered for the PIDA 2025 celebrations.
    Some 280 pacakging professionals gathered for the PIDA 2025 celebrations.
  • Woolworth's Fonnie Chang and Denise Dela Cruz made the trip to the stage several times. Overall, Woolowrths took home 3 golds and 1 silver award.
    Woolworth's Fonnie Chang and Denise Dela Cruz made the trip to the stage several times. Overall, Woolowrths took home 3 golds and 1 silver award.
Close×

It was a glittering night of celebration and recognition as packaging professionals from across Australia and New Zealand gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on 6 May for the 2025 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards gala.

The annual event, hosted by the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), honours outstanding achievements in packaging design and innovation, recognising the individuals and companies leading the charge in excellence and sustainability across the industry.

AIP president John Bigley welcomed guests to Australasia's most prestigious packaging awards event.
AIP president John Bigley welcomed guests to Australasia's most prestigious packaging awards event.

AIP president John Bigley welcomed the 280-plus guests in attendance, reminding them that packaging innovators in the region consistently perform exceptionally well at the WorldStar Awards, with a streak of top 3 position placements in the last four years. 

With enthusiastic finalists and supporters in the room, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as awards were presented across a wide range of categories, including Food Packaging Design, Beverage Packaging Design, Health, Beauty & Wellness, and Sustainable Packaging Design, among others.

The 'top' scorer of the night was Woolworths, taking home three golds and a silver across several categories. 

The 2025 awards also shone a spotlight on professional achievement, with winners announced in the AIP President’s Award, the Industry Packaging Professional of the Year, and the AIP Distinguished Service Award. Emerging talent was also recognised through the ABA Scholarship Program, awarding Diplomas and Certificates in Packaging Technology to deserving recipients.

Woolworths packaging team scored big: Fonny Chang and Denise Dela Cruz pick up one of the three gold awards achieved.
Woolworths packaging team scored big: Fonny Chang and Denise Dela Cruz pick up one of the three gold awards achieved.

All 2025 PIDA winners will be eligible to compete on the global stage, automatically qualifying for entry into the 2026 WorldStar Packaging Awards – the most prestigious international packaging competition.

As Bigley pointed out, the PIDA Awards are a key driver of industry progress, encouraging innovation that meets the demands of functionality, sustainability, and shelf appeal. As the exclusive feeder program for the WorldStar Awards, they serve as a benchmark of excellence for the region.

PKN was there to witness the industry’s night of nights – a powerful reminder of the strength, creativity and commitment that underpins packaging innovation in Australasia.

For full results of each category, click on the links below:

Company Awards

Food Packaging

Beverage Packaging

Domestic & Household

Health, Beauty & Wellness

Labelling & Decoration

Outside of the Box

Special Awards:

Sustainable Packaging Design

Individual Awards:

Industry Packaging Professional of the Year

AIP Distinguished Service

ABA Scholarships (Diploma in Packaging Technology + Certificate in Packaging)

AIP President’s Scholarship (Diploma in Packaging Technology)

Food & Drink Business

As consumers lean towards functional food and beverages, the sports and energy drink market is leading the charge. Market research company, IMARC Group, has released its Australia Sports and Energy Drinks Market report for 2024, outlining current trends and expected growth over the next decade.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) ANZ Produce Executive Program (PEP), a leadership and business development program for the fresh produce industry, will make its New Zealand debut from 17-22 August.

Thomas Foods International has moved from two shifts to one extended single shift at its Lobethal processing facility, due to drought and lower livestock supply. The company said it was a “difficult but necessary decision”, given current market conditions.