Brandimage, one of the world's leading design firms and part of Schawk, Inc., offering fully integrated brand development services designed to deliver meaningful brand experiences for consumers, announced that its Chicago office has been distinguished by GDUSA (Graphic Design USA) with six 2012 American Package Design Awards recognizing the value of design to advance the brand promise and forge an emotional connection with the consumer at the moment of truth.

For nearly five decades, Graphic Design USA has sponsored national design competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity for creative professionals. Of these, the American Packaging Awards are the fastest growing. This competition celebrates not only well-designed graphics, but also the power of design to advance the brand promise and forge an emotional connection with the consumer at the moment of truth. This year, there were nearly 1,600 entries, up 10 percent from the previous year, but only a very selective 250 firms were recognized for their work.

Marketers are challenged as never before to convey their messages and promote their brands across consumer touchpoints whether it's at home, on the go, at the store or on the shelf. Package design is increasingly the differentiator in the consumer's purchasing decision.

"Packaging delivers compelling brand experiences for consumers. It's the only point that stands between the brand and the hand of the shopper," said Rob Swan, vice president, executive creative director, for Brandimage's Chicago office. "For us, compelling package design helps our clients tell compelling brand stories where it counts most -- at the shelf. We are very proud that this work for our clients has been singled out as examples of excellence in design."

In the Food & Beverage category, Brandimage was awarded Certificates of Excellence for:

Healthy Choice 100%, Brand Owner: ConAgra

Hunt's Dinner Sauce, Brand Owner: ConAgra

Nature Valley Granola Thins, Brand Owner: General Mills

Yoplait Greek Yogurt, Brand Owner: General Mills

In the Household/Garden category, Brandimage was awarded Certificates of Excellence for:

Avex, Brand Owner: Ignite USA

Corelle Life Styles, Brand Owner: World Kitchen, LLC

"Nothing in marketing communications resides closer to the brand itself than packaging," said Alison Schulte, executive vice present, managing director for Brandimage's Chicago office. "These awards are an acknowledgement of the power that strategic packaging design has on turning shoppers into buyers and how design can help our clients win at any point of consumer influence."