Kazakh Design Wins Top Honor at 2026 Dieline Awards for Kumys Branding

A Kazakh design project has won the top prize at the 2026 Dieline Awards. The winning entry, Saf Qymyz, is a commercial branding concept for kumys, a traditional fermented mare’s milk drink. The victory marks a major achievement for the country’s creative industry on the global stage. The project was created by Almaty-based agency Jas.Brands. Their design features a sleek, minimalist look with a monochrome palette on an aluminium can. At its centre is the silhouette of a kese, a traditional felt drinking vessel, tying the modern packaging to Kazakh heritage.

The Dieline Awards, part of the Luxe Pack exhibition, drew over 1,500 entries worldwide in the conceptual design category for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages. Saf Qymyz stood out among competitors, earning the highest recognition from judges.

This win highlights the growing influence of Kazakh designers in international competitions. The award also brings attention to kumys, a culturally significant drink, through contemporary branding. The success may encourage further innovation in the country’s design and packaging sectors.