Created in 1956 by the Chairman of the CCFI (Compagnie des Chefs de Fabrication de l’Imprimerie), Robert Vallet, the Cadrat d’or competition is the oldest and most prestigious competition in the field of French printing.
Each year, the quality and technical excellence of a printer is rewarded.
This competition is recognised in the graphics industry as the most famous and prestigious prize awarded in the profession.

2018 will see the 62nd edition of the competition

Entries for the 62nd Cadrat d’Or competition are now open. This prestigious competition is open to all French printers, in all fields: offset, digital, flexo, gravure, etc. And whatever the nature of the products and works entered for the competition. The competition covers books, brochures, catalogues, labels, packaging and point-of-sale displays.

To enter the competition, entrants must submit between two and four different types of printed matter. The main condition is that these printed products must be produced in France after 1 January 2017.

Entries are submitted and examined anonymously. The jury, made up of graphic arts professionals and leading figures from the graphic arts industry, pays close attention to three criteria. Firstly, the quality of the printing: the absence of smudges, the sharpness and balance of the colours and the evenness of the inking are all carefully examined. The printing process is obviously taken into account, as are the papers used to produce the work. The second criterion is the quality of the finish. Finally, the jury judges the overall quality of the work submitted.
The winner of the Cadrat d’Or competition wins a trophy, of course, and above all a degree of recognition for the excellence and quality of his or her work. The competition has had a real positive impact, with real commercial spin-offs for the winners.

A look back at previous Cadrat d’Or awards

The 2017 edition rewarded the first participation of Labelys-Etiqroll, based in Rochecorbon in Indre-et-Loire (37). Founded in 1986, Labelys-Etiqroll employs around 40 people and specialises in the manufacture of self-adhesive labels, mainly for wines, spirits and cosmetics. The printer is able to use different printing techniques and develop all kinds of self-adhesive labels, so as to offer a made-to-measure service.

No fewer than twelve entries were examined for this 2017 edition. Labelys-Etiqroll won over the jury with a portfolio of adhesive labels featuring impeccable technique and expertise.

This was the second time the competition had rewarded a label printer.

For this year’s Cadrat d’Or competition, candidates must submit their entries by 1 June 2018. Registration details are available on the ITAB website. The winner of this year’s competition will be announced on 12 June 2018 at Saint-Jean-Porte-Latine, the annual festival of printers and typographers.
A constructive and enriching experience for French printers.

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