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Kaleidoscope | Brand Strategy, Packaging Design & Packaging Prototyping Agency | Chicago, IL
Mars EXCEL - Brand Identity
Mars EXCEL - Packaging Design

EXCEL GUM

Engaging the Next Gen of Gum Chewers

The Mars EXCEL team aimed to refresh its packaging to attract Gen Z consumers while maintaining loyalty from its core audience and meeting Québec’s Bill 96 requirements for bilingual packaging. This redesign also brought the opportunity to address inconsistencies across the range, and establish a scalable design system for future innovations and improved shelf impact.

Our team began by analyzing Gen Z purchase drivers through consumer trends and category audits. Using our methodology, we prioritized brand prominence, integrated bilingual requirements, and enhanced appetite appeal with custom illustrations and product renderings. Collaborating with Mars’ Insights Team, lead concepts were validated through consumer research before adapting the refreshed graphics across 40 SKUs.

The modernized EXCEL gum packaging system is designed to elevate shelf presence, ensure consistency, and support the brand’s evolution. The system now extends to multi-pack SKUs, display cases, and in-store merchandising, positioning Excel for stronger consumer resonance.

Our Role

  • Packaging Design
  • Consumer Research
  • Design Implementation
  • Product Illustrations
  • Brand Guidelines
  • Digital Rendering
  • Packaging Prototyping
Mars EXCEL - Before and After
Mars EXCEL - Packaging Portfolio
Mars EXCEL - Flavor Variety
Mars EXCEL - Brand Activation
McCain

McCain

MCCAIN Easier to shop. Easier to enjoy. Because Together is Golden. After introducing a warm, energetic new brand positioning overseas, frozen potato leader McCain recognized the need to redesign its U.S. packaging to match—while also enhancing shopability and...

Duracell

Duracell

Duracell Building a Better Battery Pack You don’t get to be the #1 trusted battery brand by resting on your laurels. When Duracell was ready to debut Optimum, an alkaline battery with a new cathode system, the packaging team knew the experience had to look and feel...

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Headquarters

700 N Sacramento Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612

Phone

+1 773-722-9300

Email

contact@thinkkaleidoscope.com

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