Peroni Nastro Azzurro launches a celebration of Italian design in collaboration with iconic Italian brand Alessi

In celebration of iconic Italian design, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is proud to launch the first ever Peroni Blue Ribbon Design Awards in April 2009, in collaboration with Alessi and Designboom.com.The awards have been created in order to offer individuals the chance to design pieces for the authentically Italian occasion of Aperitivo.
 
Renowned for their unique style, natural flair and creativity, the Italians have produced some of the world’s most widely admired designers and enduring designs. Craftsmanship, passion and attention to detail have consistently been the key ingredients to great Italian design over the years.

To celebrate these intrinsically Italian qualities, two of Italy’s most established and iconic brands, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Alessi, are collaborating once again in 2009.

Alberto Alessi, responsible for Marketing Strategies and Design Management at Alessi HQ, commented, “I am glad to collaborate with Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Designboom on the Peroni Blue Ribbon Design Awards, as Aperitivo is an important part of Italian culture and a focus area for Alessi. I am excited to see how the designers will interpret the ritual of Aperitivo and embrace the Italian approach to design.”
The deeply Italian values of craftsmanship, passion and attention to detail are reflected in Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s approach to brewing. The authentically Italian beer is made using only the highest quality ingredients, giving it a distinctively crisp and refreshing taste since 1963.

The Design Awards Brief
Design enthusiasts will be asked to enter the Peroni Blue Ribbon Design Awards exclusively through designboom.com submitting a drawing, prototype or sketch that epitomises the values of Italian design, for the occasion of Aperitivo, whether it be kitchenware, small furniture, gadgets or glassware.

Aperitivo is a stylish and elaborate social occasion that combines delicious small plates of food with refreshing alcoholic drinks, during the early evening hours, as a relaxing prelude to dinner.

The Judging - Giudizio Finale
The high profile judging panel will include experts in the world of design, including Alberto Alessi. They will whittle the thousands of entries down to a final 30 and select one winner of the prestigious Peroni Blue Ribbon Design Award 2009, giving the potential for their item to be put into production and to appear in the Alessi range.

To coincide with London Design Week in September, the finalists will have their designs showcased in an exclusive Peroni Nastro Azzurro-Alessi exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.

Nicole Elias, Development Director at the Institute of Contemporary Arts added, “This project is a great testament to the tradition and history of Italian design allowing today’s young, up-and-coming designers to make their own contribution. We are thrilled to see such prestigious Italian brands working together to bring this to life”.

Individuals can enter the competition at www.designboom.com until 8th June 2009. The winner will be announced in July 2009.

For more information visit www.peroniitaly.com

-ENDS-

For further information:
Peroni Nastro Azzurro UK Press Office
Shine Communications
Sophie Knight or Rachel Beckett
Email: sophie.knight@shinecom.com

            rachel.beckett@shinecom.com
 Tel: 020 7100 7100

Notes to Editors:

About Peroni Nastro Azzurro:
• Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the leading number one Italian imported lager in the UK
• Peroni Nastro Azzurro has been imported to the UK since 1965 as a bottled beer (4
   pack – 330ml & 66cl).  It is now also available in selected draught outlets nationwide
• Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a well-balanced, clear pale lager made by brewing the finest
   spring-planted barley and Italian maize combined with malts and hops to create the
   highest standard of premium beer
• Website:  www.peroniitaly.com