Best Label Project
Name: Bristol Honey Rum
Company: Harkwell
Description:
Harkwell Labels partnered with Chew Valley Distillery to create a premium label for Bristol Honey Rum that would stand out in the competitive spirits market while celebrating the product’s local heritage. The design combines a detailed Bristol cityscape with a honeycomb-inspired background and premium silver embellishments, reflecting both the rum’s honey-infused character and Bristol provenance.
The project’s defining feature is the use of variable data printing to generate individually positioned bees on every label, ensuring no two bottles are identical. Using HP SmartStream technology, Harkwell produced 1000 unique label variations, transforming a standard print run into a collection of one-of-a-kind designs that enhanced shelf appeal, consumer engagement, and perceived product value.
Project Completion Date: December 9, 2025
Customer Reviews:
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Supporting Statement
This project showcases how digital print can be used to create something truly unique rather than simply producing multiple copies of the same label.
While variable data printing is often used for numbering, names or simple personalisation, Harkwell used the technology as a core part of the design. Through a bespoke HP SmartStream workflow, every label featured a different combination of bees, varying in number, size, position and orientation. The result was a production run of 1,000 labels where no two bottles were the same.
A key challenge was ensuring the variable elements looked like a natural part of the design rather than something added afterwards. Intelligent placement rules were developed to position the bees within the available space while maintaining the visual balance of the artwork and creating a sense of movement across the label.
The project also required significant development work to achieve consistent print quality across every variation. A bespoke white ink construction was created to retain the transparency of the bees’ wings while ensuring strong colour reproduction and detail throughout the design. This allowed the bees to remain impactful regardless of where they appeared on the label.
Producing 1,000 unique labels while maintaining colour consistency, registration and finishing quality demonstrates the flexibility and capability of modern digital print technology. The finished label combines creative design, technical expertise and innovative use of variable data to create a product that stands out on shelf and encourages consumer engagement.
The result is a premium label that successfully reflects the quality of the product while demonstrating how digital print can add value beyond traditional packaging, turning a standard label run into a collection of individually unique designs.
Entry ID: 2052