El Jefe Energy Wins the Colored by INX Can Design Contest 

Winning the seventh annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest marked a significant milestone for El Jefe Energy – Sinister Razz, a fast-growing energy drink brand.

Developed by El Jefe Energy and produced in collaboration with manufacturing partner Can-One USA, the winning design combined bold creativity with precise color execution. 

Using the INX Color Catalog as the foundation for color selection, the team created a package that delivered exceptional shelf impact while maintaining color consistency from concept through production.

The award-winning Sinister Razz design reflects El Jefe’s commitment to creating packaging that attracts consumer attention.

“It was a huge moment for our team,” said Ryan Marsh, co-founder and CEO of El Jefe Energy.

“We always believed packaging should feel just as powerful as the product itself, so being recognized by an industry leader was incredibly meaningful. It validated the creative risks we take as a brand, and showed that independent brands can compete at the highest creative level… Our goal has always been to build El Jefe into a globally recognized energy brand while staying authentic to the culture and identity that made it stand out in the first place.”

Transforming El Jefe’s creative vision into a finished package required close collaboration with manufacturing partner Can-One USA, the U.S. division of global packaging manufacturer Can-One Berhad. 

The two companies have developed a working relationship focused on innovation, quality, and creating cans that reflect the brand’s distinctive identity – an approach that helped produce this year’s winning design.

“Winning this award reflects a strong partnership from start to finish,” said Nick Hanna, Head of Creative & Branding at Can-One USA. “Working with the El Jefe team shows how closely our companies collaborate to bring a creative vision to life. This recognition highlights what’s possible when that level of coordination and alignment comes together.”

Color management was one of the defining elements of the project. The Colored by INX Can Design Contest recognizes excellence in metal decorating by celebrating creativity, print quality, and the effective use of the INX Color Catalog. 

Hanna added, “The INX Color Catalog was extremely helpful throughout the color selection and production process because it provided a standardized and reliable reference point for both our team and El Jefe Energy. Since the design relied heavily on bold, vibrant colors and strong shelf presence, the catalog helped streamline communication and reduce guesswork during the approvals stage. Working from opposite sides of the country, it allowed for a much more seamless color selection process and helped keep both teams aligned throughout production.”