Foodservice Packaging:

The Forgotten Frontier

Discover the untapped potential of foodservice packaging in revolutionizing brand presence and consumer engagement. From cultivating chef buy-in to leveraging innovative packaging designs, we explore trends in reshaping the future of food marketing and sustainability.

OUR THINKING

The World Through Our Lens

It’s all about perspective. Our team has thoughts on CPG branding, strategy, design, packaging, prototyping, sustainability, design trends, and just about everything else impacting our industry. Want a fresh POV in your inbox? Subscribe for updates (and follow us on social!).

Thirsting for Change

Thirsting for Change

In a world where water was once just a basic necessity, hydration brands are making waves with innovative strategies and eye-catching designs. From challenging industry norms to embracing sustainable packaging, these brands are redefining the beverage market. Explore the social media tactics, unique formulations, and packaging designs that have propelled these challengers into the spotlight. Are these trends here to stay, or will the traditional giants make a splash? Discover the secrets behind the rise of hydration brands that are not just quenching thirst but leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

The Path to a Greener Future

The Path to a Greener Future

Explore the profound shift towards sustainability in UK supermarkets, where green initiatives, recycling programs, and eco-conscious shopping practices are shaping a greener future. Learn how British retailers are pioneering change for a more environmentally responsible shopping experience.

4 Winning Strategies for CPG Start-Ups

4 Winning Strategies for CPG Start-Ups

Explore innovative strategies that can propel your CPG start-up to the forefront of the market. In this article, we unveil four winning strategies that encompass charity initiatives, subscription models, ingredient transparency, and community engagement. Discover how these tactics can help your CPG brand rise above the competition and leave a lasting impression.

How To Make Better Strategic Decisions For Your Brand

How To Make Better Strategic Decisions For Your Brand

Whenever we tell the story of our partnership with Fairlife—back when it was an emerging startup and before it was acquired by Coca-Cola—there is one anecdote that never fails to shock a roomful of people. It’s the part when our client stakeholder, a former CPG beverage executive, decides to chuck the consumer validation research and go with his gut.

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions in CPG Packaging

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions in CPG Packaging

As packaging experts, we’re deeply invested in what’s happening in and around our industry, from emerging brands to disruptive design trends to innovative materials. From time to time, we’ll highlight a new company, product, or innovation that’s changing everything—and on our radar this month is Danimer Scientific and its suite of sustainable packaging solutions.

Pushing Brand Boundaries: Unconventional Substrates in Design

Pushing Brand Boundaries: Unconventional Substrates in Design

When it comes to packaging, is anything more boring than a plastic tube? Plastic is a ubiquitous petroleum product (one consumers definitely have feelings about); a tube is a simple shape. As brand designers, what can we do differently?

Turns out, everything. Design involves trying out all the options. Look at the marketplace…if you want to stand out, you have to be different. Being different is scary. What if consumers don’t like it? How much will it cost? The risks are real.

Standing Out on Shelf

Standing Out on Shelf

Even those of us who work in CPG every day walk our store aisles mindlessly much of the time, our thoughts on a million other things. When you’re hitting Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, Costco or Sam’s Club every single week (or more if you, ahem, forget something), it takes a lot to notice the items you buy over and over, and you may not be in the mindset to check out something new very often.So what does it take to capture the attention of even the most jaded shopper? It may seem obvious, but the thing that really gets us to stop, consider, and purchase is…color.

Sustainable, Premium, and Tech-Driven

Sustainable, Premium, and Tech-Driven

We’re naturally biased, but it’s no secret that packaging design is an essential aspect of modern branding and marketing. Innovative packaging designs are often the key factor that sets a product apart from its competitors: 72% of American consumers say their purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by the packaging design of the products they buy (or don’t buy). As packaging experts and enthusiasts, we always have an eye out for exciting material and design trends to help our clients’ brands stay relevant. Here are a five to watch right now.

Buckle Up!

Buckle Up!

As consumers continue to adopt this new wave of technology and, in some instances, have been forced to do so with remote schooling and virtual graduation ceremonies, brands (and the designers who support them) will also need to consider these new platforms to connect with their audiences and create brand experiences.

Adapting To What’s Next

Adapting To What’s Next

The world of design and branding is one of never-ending changes, but that’s what keeps it so exciting and challenging…in a good way! Over my tenure, I have worked for a range of agencies and clients, and all of them have pushed me to address and adapt to their various business needs. What I’ve observed over the past years is how the design industry has collectively shifted towards lower budgets, faster timing, and agency downsizing. Due to the confluence of these changes, here are the three most significant trends I’ve observed.