TORONTO, Aug. 16 /CNW/

Labatt was honoured as one of the world's leading innovators for its Labatt Blue Cold One can at the 19th annual DuPont Awards for Innovative Packaging ceremony held on Friday, August 11 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The company was presented with the competition's most significant new development award - the prestigious Diamond Award - for the specially engineered can packaging that, once chilled, keeps beer cold longer.

An industry-leading innovation, Labatt Blue Cold One cans are wrapped with a thin, insulating layer that protects beer from heat transferred from warm hands, condensation and the outside temperature - the top three factors that cause beer to become warm. Initially made available in Ontario and Quebec in May 2005, the Cold One innovation is currently in select markets throughout the United States, and has also been introduced in Brazil.

"We are thrilled to win this international award which reinforces our commitment to innovation and being an industry leader," says Harvey Carroll, vice president marketing, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "The Labatt Blue Cold One is just one innovation in a long history of innovations from Labatt - from the twist-off cap to ice brewing technology. And there's more to come. Innovation is part of Labatt's commitment to addressing the needs and wants of consumers in interesting and exciting ways."

The specially-engineered DuPont-developed wrap on Labatt Blue Cold One cans called "Cool2Go" is made by placing a high tech, polymer insulation between two layers of Melinex film. This patented process results in a thin thermal barrier that keeps beer colder longer. The added layer of insulation also makes Labatt Blue Cold One cans more comfortable to hold.

"The application of this technology to beer cans was a worldwide first and deserves to be recognized as a leading packaging innovation," says Scott Nelson, DuPont Awards Committee Member. "We look for packaging developments that provide a real benefit to consumers and make a significant impact on the industry - clearly the Labatt Blue Cold One cans did just that."

About the DuPont Awards:

The DuPont Awards for Innovation in Food Processing and Packaging were inaugurated in 1986 as an international industry competition. DuPont sponsors the competition in cooperation with Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association in Gloucestershire, England, and the National Food Processors Association in Washington, D.C. Entries are judged by an international panel of qualified experts and are evaluated on a number of criteria from the degree of innovation to impact on the consumer. Since its inception in 1986, the competition has received more than 800 entries from over 35 countries. During that time more than 180 innovations have been honoured.

About Labatt Blue:

Labatt Blue is the best-selling Canadian beer in the world. Introduced in 1951 as Labatt Pilsener, it was named for the colour of its label by fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team. Blue was the first brand in Canada with a twist-off cap and won the gold medal in The Monde Selection, Brussels in 2003. Labatt Blue is a well-balanced, fully matured, full flavoured beer with a fruity character and a slightly sweet after taste. Labatt Blue uses specially selected Hallertau aromatic hops and has no preservatives. Founded in London, Ontario in 1847 and the proud brewer of more than 60 quality beer brands, Labatt, Canada's leading brewer, is part of InBev, the leading global brewer by volume.