By Katie Locke
The Vertex Awards are widely recognized as the leading global competition dedicated to private brand package design. At MBD, we share that same focus on excellence—working alongside our retail partners to deliver strategic, creative, and executional solutions that drive loyalty to the store brand and increase performance on shelf.
This year, MBD was honored with 14 Vertex Awards across grocery, convenience, club, and specialty retail. Each recognition reflects a shared commitment between our team and our retail partners to elevate retail brands through creative, system-driven design.
Below is a look at this year’s winning work:
7-Eleven — 7-Select Replenish Zero
Built for immediate recognition, Replenish Zero uses bold color blocking and clear benefit communication to signal hydration and functionality. The design ensures strong standout in the competitive ready-to-drink beverage space.
7-Eleven — 7-Select Fit & Fuel Nuts
MBD designed a performance-oriented system that anchors this product within the functional snacking space. Clear protein messaging, structured layouts, and strong visual hierarchy support quick navigation for on-the-go consumers.
7-Eleven — 7-Select Seasonal Fall Harvest
This limited-time offering leverages warm color palettes and seasonal graphics to create a sense of immediacy and occasion. MBD’s design enhances shelf disruption while clearly signaling a special, time-bound assortment.
7-Eleven — 7-Select Jurassic World Food Containers
Blending licensed entertainment with everyday utility, this design connects playful, recognizable visuals with practical functionality. The result is a product that resonates with both families and collectors.
Staples — Pick Me Up Provisions Protein Bars
A design system built for clarity and confidence, Pick Me Up Provisions simplifies the protein bar set through bold color differentiation and intuitive nutrition communication. The result is a highly navigable package that supports quick decision-making while reinforcing trust at shelf.
Staples — ProGel Elite (New Brand)
Developed as a new performance-driven brand, ProGel Elite balances technical credibility with a refined, premium aesthetic. MBD created a clean structure and disciplined visual cues help communicate function and efficacy without overwhelming the consumer.
PriceSmart — Member’s Selection Tequila
This design embraces restraint to signal quality. MBD used refined typography, confident brand blocking, and premium material cues create a sophisticated expression that aligns seamlessly with the broader Member’s Selection portfolio.
Grocery Outlet — SimplyGO Pork Rinds
Bold and highly expressive, the SimplyGO Pork Rinds packaging leverages strong flavor cues and high-contrast color to stand out in a crowded snack set. The design reinforces approachability and value while maintaining a distinct shelf presence.
Grocery Outlet — SimplyGO Organic Beans
With a focus on transparency and trust, MBD designed the SimplyGO Organic Beans with clean layouts and ingredient-forward communication to simplify the shopping experience. Organic cues are integrated seamlessly to reinforce brand credibility.
BJ’s Wholesale Club — Wellsley Farms Cheese & Fruit Snack Packs
Designed for scale and impact in a club environment, this packaging combines strong appetite appeal with clear product segmentation. The result is a polished, family-friendly solution that enhances visibility and ease of shop.
Smart & Final — First Street Canned Fruit
Balancing heritage with modernization, the redesign introduces cleaner layouts, elevated photography, and stronger brand presence. The result is a more contemporary look that maintains trust and familiarity.
Sprouts Farmers Market — Sprouts Gelato Pops
A vibrant, flavor-forward design brings energy to the frozen aisle. MBD designed this package with strong color differentiation and clear product cues to enhance shopability while reinforcing indulgence and quality.
Sprouts Farmers Market — Sprouts PB&J Dippers
MBD reimagined a nostalgic concept through a modern, playful lens. Bold fruit imagery and approachable messaging create a clear, engaging experience for both kids and parents.
Sprouts Farmers Market — Sprouts Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
This design elevates a staple category through confident color, clear ingredient storytelling, and a strong brand block. The packaging delivers both authenticity and standout on shelf.
Celebrating Partnership and Craft
Each of these projects reflects close collaboration between MBD and our retail partners—grounded in strategy, informed by real retail environments, and executed with precision.
While earning 14 Vertex Awards is a meaningful milestone, the real success lies in the work itself: building store brands that are cohesive, compelling, and designed to perform.
We’re proud of the teams, the partnerships, and the shared commitment to raising the standard for private brand design!
