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A steel container resembling a hip flask, designed for Scotch whisky brand Ballantine’s, was a double winner at the 2006 Best in Metal Awards.

The flask (pictured) was named overall winner and also topped the consumer appeal category at last month’s event, sponsored by the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) and held in London. It was made by Crown Speciality Packaging and designed by French design company Hot Shop for brand owner Chivas Brothers.

MPMA director Tony Woods said: “A great deal of thought has gone into this container. It uses the impact of metal intelligently and cuts through the mass offering to grab the consumer’s attention.”

Other winners included the Cross & Blackwell Waistline shaped can developed by Crown Food Europe for Premier Foods, which triumphed in the food category.

Developed for the Waistline range of low-calorie coup and baked bean products, it was the first mechanically expanded shaped can filled in the UK for processed foods.

“This can demonstrates how the innovative use of shaping technology can produce a package that stands out at point of sale, help build product differentiation and reinforce brand values,” said Woods.