Ball Corporation, a global leader in sustainable aluminium beverage packaging, has announced that its collaboration with Metaxa and design agency Simil, has been awarded a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2026. Recognised as one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions, the ISC celebrates excellence in quality, design and craftsmanship.

The Metaxa ready-to-drink (RTD) range secured the top honour in the New SKU/Range Extension category, reflecting the brand’s ambition to translate its Greek heritage into a modern RTD format for new drinking occasions.

When Metaxa sought to enter the rapidly growing RTD market, it turned to Mallorca-based design agency Simil to develop the creative concept. Ball Corporation joined the process early, helping ensure the design ambition could be translated effectively onto the can.

GlobalData insights show that FABs and RTDs grew fast, with CAGR of 6% between 2019 and 2022 and are expected to keep growing through 2029. Cans are forecast to grow faster than the wider category, with a projected CAGR of 6.1% between 2023 and 2029. Mintel NPD data also shows that, as of YTD August 2026, 57% of new FABs/RTD launches were in cans.

Designed to evoke the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the artwork features Metaxa’s signature sun rays, iconic Greek islands and a crisp white background inspired by traditional Greek architecture. The design positions Metaxa RTD as a refreshing, convenient option for modern social and summer occasions, while retaining a strong connection to the brand’s Greek roots. Prominent flavour and cocktail cues were placed at the centre of the pack to support immediate recognition and strong shelf appeal. Ball’s high-accuracy print capabilities helped retain the clarity and depth of these details, preserving Metaxa’s Mediterranean-inspired brand story on the can.

“Receiving a gold medal at the ISC is a strong recognition of what can be achieved when brand vision, design creativity and packaging expertise come together early in the process,” said Jag Bains, VP commercial EMEA at Ball Corporation.

“For Ball, this collaboration was about helping bring Metaxa’s Greek-inspired story to life on the can, while delivering the premium quality and shelf presence consumers increasingly expect in the RTD category. We are proud to have supported Metaxa and Simil in turning a distinctive creative idea into an internationally recognised packaging success.”

Xavier Tallot, managing director at Metaxa, added: “This recognition is a proud moment for Metaxa as we bring our Greek spirit into new, more casual drinking occasions. Together with Ball and Simil, we created packaging that reflects Metaxa’s Mediterranean character, makes the cocktail proposition clear at first glance and feels fresh and relevant for today’s RTD consumers.”

For RTD brands, aluminium cans offer a lightweight, portable and recyclable format that supports convenience while helping products stand out in crowded retail coolers. The format also helps protect beverage quality and aligns with consumers’ expectations for premium, ready-to-enjoy drinks.