01 44 52 02 02
For many years, the Cadrat d’Or trophy has been awarded for quality and technique. A look back at the history of the most respected trophy in the printing world.
The origins of the Cadrat d’or
The Cadrat d’Or competition was created in 1956 by Robert Vallet, President and founder of the CCFI (Compagnie des Chefs de Fabrication de l’Imprimerie). Since 1956, this competition has rewarded the best designs from the French printing industry. The respectability of this competition comes from the fact that absolutely all printers can compete. It doesn’t matter the size of the printing works or the print processes they use… The competition is independent.
ITAB
Every year, the ITAB organises the Cadrat d’Or competition. ITAB is an association under the 1901 law. Created in 1952, the ITAB brings together all the professionals in the graphics industry. CCFI works with numerous professional bodies. As such, it contributes its experience and ideas on all practical issues relating to the printing profession.
How to enter the competition
The competition is open to all French printers. However, in some years, the cadrat d’or is awarded within the European framework. The competition is free. To enter, you need to submit a file to the jury. This must include 2 or 3 works and a registration form. The designs presented to the jury must be works that have been proposed to customers. The works must be industrial; no prototypes will be accepted. The jury is made up of the president of the C.C.F.I, the companions of the C.C.F.I, the former winners of the cadrat d’or and personalities from the world of graphic arts.
Judging criteria
The jury for the cadrat d’or is required to judge the technical quality of the prints, whatever the printing process. The jury will examine in detail the quality of the reproduction, the register, the colouring, the evenness of the inking, the absence of smudges, etc. Finally, the jury will pay close attention to the overall quality of the work.
The benefits of the Cadrat d’or trophy
From the point of view of the graphics industry, being a winner means that you are the printer who pays the most attention to quality and technical criteria. It’s a guarantee of respect for the customer. Being a winner is also a team effort, because this trophy is intended for everyone who worked on the project… More than anything else, the Cadrat d’Or will sound like a mark of excellence to your suppliers, subcontractors and principals.
The latest winners
In 2012, the cadrat d’or trophy was awarded to Sia Art et Caractère. In 2013, it was awarded to Imprimerie Média Graphic, and in 2014, it was awarded to Imprimerie Escourbiac.
The 59th cadrat, the last cadrat, was awarded in 2015 to Pierre Gradenigo, CEO of Imprimerie Stipa. Gradenigo had already won the cadrat in 2010, and says that “this is by far the finest prize a printer can receive”.
The next competition
The 60th cadrat d’or will be awarded on 19 May. You have until 30 April 2016 to submit your work. Send all your entries to Cabinet BL, 55, rue des Vinaigriers- 75010 Paris.
Other article: