Rotocon Launches third Annual Competition for Student Wine Label Designs. ROTOCON, a leading name in the label printing and packaging industry, has officially launched its third annual student wine label design competition. This prestigious event, held in collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), provides undergraduate students in the Department of Visual Communication (Integrated Communication Design – ICD), Faculty of Arts and Design, an incredible opportunity to showcase their creativity.
With 60 enthusiastic students participating, this competition serves as a platform to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry applications. Through this initiative, ROTOCON continues to nurture young talent and provide hands-on experience in wine label design.
A Closer Look at the Competition Structure
Competition Briefing and Industry Insights
The competition officially began on 24 February, when Banie Stafford, a representative from B Creative—ROTOCON’s marketing agency—met with the students for an informative briefing session. The session covered:
- An introduction to ROTOCON – Understanding the company’s role in the label printing and packaging industry.
- Key printing processes and embellishments – Exploring modern printing techniques, including die-cutting, embossing, hot foil stamping, and other advanced printing technologies.
- Fundamental wine label design elements – Discussing aspects such as paper quality, typography, color usage, and branding strategies.
- Understanding the target market – Teaching students how to create labels that align with consumer preferences in the competitive wine industry.
This session provided students with valuable knowledge on designing effective wine labels that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with the target audience.
Role of SA Litho Label Printers in the Competition
ROTOCON is collaborating once again with SA Litho Label Printers, a well-known company in the label printing industry, to bring this competition to life. SA Litho Label Printers will be responsible for printing the winning label design, ensuring that the final product meets professional industry standards.
Dawrian Salies, General Manager of SA Litho Label Printers, will be one of the esteemed judges on the panel, alongside:
- Michael Aengenvoort – CEO of ROTOCON Group
- Banie Stafford – ROTOCON’s marketing representative
The judging panel will convene on 14 April to evaluate the designs based on creativity, technical execution, and market relevance.
Awards and Recognition
The competition winner will be celebrated at the official ROTOCON Awards Function on 15 April. In addition to this honor, the winning student will receive further recognition at WineLand Media’s 30 Under 30 Awards on 30 May.
For the sixth consecutive year, ROTOCON is proudly sponsoring this prestigious event, further solidifying its commitment to youth development in the printing industry.
What This Means for Students
This competition is more than just an opportunity to win an award; it’s a gateway to career-building experiences. It allows students to:
- Gain hands-on experience in wine label design
- Network with industry professionals in the label printing and packaging industry
- Enhance their portfolio with professional-grade design projects
- Increase their visibility among potential employers and industry leaders
Winning Design: Route 62 by Zenzele Nkambule
This year’s winning design, Route 62, was created by Zenzele Nkambule, an Advanced Diploma: Integrated Communication Design (ICD) student. The label stood out for its:
- Innovative use of color and typography
- Attention to branding and target audience appeal
- Technical precision in layout and embellishments
Nkambule’s design not only impressed the judges but also captured the essence of wine branding excellence.
Why Wine Label Design Matters
A wine label is more than just a piece of paper—it is the face of the brand. It plays a crucial role in attracting customers and communicating essential information about the wine’s origin, quality, and uniqueness.
Elements of a High-Quality Wine Label
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Typography | Choosing fonts that match the brand’s personality and create visual appeal. |
| Color Palette | Using colors strategically to evoke emotions and align with wine categories (e.g., bold reds for cabernet, soft pastels for rosé). |
| Paper Selection | High-quality paper with special finishes enhances the label’s texture and premium feel. |
| Embellishments | Techniques such as foil stamping, embossing, and die-cutting add elegance and uniqueness. |
| Brand Storytelling | Incorporating elements that tell a compelling brand story and connect with consumers. |
ROTOCON’s competition emphasizes these critical elements, helping students understand how design influences consumer decisions in the wine industry.
ROTOCON: A Leader in the Label Printing and Packaging Industry
With headquarters in Hamburg and Cape Town, and branches in Johannesburg, Durban, Asia, and the USA, ROTOCON has built a strong reputation for delivering customized turnkey solutions to the label printing and packaging industry.
What ROTOCON Specializes In
ROTOCON provides cutting-edge solutions in:
- Flexographic and digital printing
- Label embellishment technology
- Die-cutting solutions
- Automated finishing systems
- Inspection and quality control tools
Their commitment to innovation, quality, and youth development is evident through initiatives like the student wine label design competition.
The Future of Wine Label Design Competitions
ROTOCON’s continued investment in youth and social development through this annual competition sets a powerful precedent. As the competition grows each year, it:
- Encourages more students to pursue careers in design and printing
- Strengthens the bond between education and industry
- Elevates the quality and creativity of wine label designs
With increasing student participation, the competition reflects the evolving landscape of label printing and branding in South Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
ROTOCON’s third annual student wine label design competition is more than just a contest—it’s a transformative experience for students entering the competitive world of wine label design and printing.
