What We Learned, and What We Missed at Sweets & Snacks 2025
At Sweets & Snacks 2025, flavor innovation stole the show, but something was missing. While branding dazzled, structural packaging design barely made a ripple. We’re diving into why that matters and where brands could be pushing the boundaries. Curious what was overlooked? Let’s unpack it.
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!).
A Case Against QR Codes in Package Design
If you’re not familiar with QR codes – those black and white squares you find on advertisements, business cards, and packaging - they’re two-dimensional (2D) bar-codes that when scanned, connect consumers with digital content online. When you scan a QR code using an...
The Cause and Effect of Truth in Design Agencies
What shapes your ethical work standards? To understand this, you need to look deeply inward at how your code-of-conduct was formulated at a very young age and how it was enabled or deterred as it evolved over time to form your current ethical work standards that you...
Kaleidoscope Client Work Featured in Brand Packaging 2012 Design Gallery
Brand Packaging's Design Gallery Volume 10 is more than just a study in good design. It provides leading examples of packaging that successfully demonstrates structural and graphic innovation, makes a strong impact at shelf, conveys a brands story, and meets consumer,...
Observational Thinking: Global Visual Vandalism
There is an inane, primal need for people to be seen and heard. It is amazing to see how many people seek to make a more permanent, indelible mark within their environment. Many satisfy that desire in a socio-economic fashion by striving to garner a higher social...
Stay Ahead of the “Pack” In 2013: How To Plan For The Top Retail Packaging Trends
Working with retail and national brand clients every day at Kaleidoscope, it’s our job to think strategically and stay ahead of the latest trends in packaging and branding, so that we can best position our clients for success. The Private Label Manufacturers...
Observational Thinking Part 1 – Auburn is the New Black
It is amazing how many people seek to alter their physical traits surgically or cosmetically for reasons of perceived beauty, emulation, trends, fads, religion, rebelling, and/or a combination of psychological and cultural influences. When you really think about it,...
You Can’t Force Love: Why Developing a Great Brand Eludes Process
A great brand design agency understands that creating an identity is a bit like being a love-sick romantic. The emotional rollercoaster can feel like a tear-jerking chick flick. There’s a discovery phase, where you come to a new realization or understanding and life...
Deliver on Delight
**This is the first post in Kaleidoscope's Guest Post series. Occasionally, we partner with contributors who offer a unique point of view that is of value to our readers. Browse our Guest Post section for the full list of Guest Posts. ** Wants and needs. The nice to...
The Most Important Trends In Private Label Branding
We recently participated in #pckgchat, a monthly Twitter chat that discusses important issues in the packaging industry. The topic was private label package design and branding. At Kaleidoscope, we have a special interest in this area since some of our clients are in...
Is Packaging Part of the Product?
We’ve seen this question posed a lot lately. Great packaging can be the front door to a great product. Sometimes the packaging is the product – think travel cargo pants that zip out of one of the pockets. Other times, the packaging is integral to the product...
Naming a Brand: Top 5 Research and Selection Considerations
Brand Strategy TOP 5 RESEARCH AND SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS Kaleidoscope September 18, 2012 Naming research is tricky. It’s not quite the same as traditional advertising or even packaging design research. If you’re looking for a winner, then you will undoubtedly be...
Why Process is Threatening Creativity: Using Co-Creation & Iterative Design Thinking to Build Tomorrow’s Successful Brands
On Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 our own CEO Gary Chiappetta, with Steve Jones, CEO of Fair Oaks Farms Brands, Inc. will be speaking at this year's Brand Packaging: Packaging That Sells Conference in Chicago, IL. Brand Packaging follows a mission to elevate the...