When you hear the word innocent, words like pure and blameless come to mind; right? We have found a label that is as innocent as it comes from the way it is manufactured to the container it adheres to. UK based beverage company Innocent Drinks has been producing a variety of wholesome drinks such as a line of fresh juices, smoothies and juicy drink boxes!

What I love about the packaging is that the name fits the design and also matches the product. Innocent Drinks is proud to be a sustainable company producing wholesome products as well as eco-friendly packaging. All of their packaging is created from the least amount of recycled products, and production waste (from water and energy) is closely monitored. Check out the juice box packaging design in the top photo. I’m sorry but if that isn’t the epitome of sweet and innocent then I don’t know what is! Each label or carton features a version of the trademark apple character with a halo perched above its head. Some of the apple graphics are more detailed while others are simplified to an outline drawing. My favorites are the juicy drink designs above because they feature the apple character with graphics printed over it to look like a child drew over it with marker. 

Check out another awesome juice smoothie label in our Cheeky Fruit Smoothies blog!

Remember when we blogged about throwback packaging redesigns from companies like Pepsi and 7UP? Well Dr. Pepper has joined the ranks of sodas who have released throwback packaging. The current packaging for the soda was designed after its uniquely sweet flavor that is difficult to pinpoint. Company CEO W.W. Clements commented, “I've always maintained you cannot tell anyone what Dr Pepper tastes like because it's so different. It's not an apple, it's not an orange, it's not a strawberry, it's not a root beer, it's not even a cola. It's a different kind of drink with a unique taste all its own." In fact, the soda is a combination of 23 blended flavors, hence the design for the current packaging with the number 23 printed in bubble lettering below the logo.

The most recent Dr. Pepper packaging redesign, to be released in January of 2012, is a throwback to soda packaging of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Notice how the text has been enlarged and slanted to read vertically? Vertical text for soda packaging was extremely popular in the 80’s and 90’s; it was not until recently that soda packaging designs were printed horizontally more frequently. The vertical design as well as the addition of the purple and red color splash does, however, make the can design pop. It’s also interesting that the design has ditched the classic cherry red background in favor of sleek silver, which balances out the retro design and brings it into the 21^st century. Not to worry though Dr. Pepper fans; the 23 flavor blended recipe will not be changing as a part of this throwback redesign, common in other throwbacks.

What other throwback packaging have you found on the market?

If you were to line up a variety of energy drink brands, you would be faced with an explosion of bold packaging. To match the effect of the drink, energy drink packaging typically consists of vibrant or florescent colors, bold text, geometric patterns, and/ or ultramodern graphics! Premium Beverage Group has announced some new packaging for a new energy drink being released next month. The drink is produced by OSO Beverages and the packaging is unlike any other energy drink on the market. Also, OSO is only sold in high end bars and restaurants in New York City. The typical energy drink is sold at convenience/grocery stores marketed to the general public; OSO is marketed towards a higher end clientele.

Check out the bottled OSO energy drink photo above. Each clear glass bottle is labeled with a simple gold/silver neck label printed with the company name in elegant black writing; much different from the typical energy drink packaging. The main label for the bottle is also quite simple, designed as only a small rectangle with rounded edges and a wavy shape in the center. Notice that the logo also doubles also the name of the company: the rectangle stands for the two “O’s” and the wavy shape in the middle stands for the “S.” Even the canned drinks were designed with solid gold/silver cans printed with the logo and text in muted versions of the colors.

Check out our previous blog on another energy drink with some spirited packaging!

Not even a month ago, Coke launched their most unique holiday can redesign in company history. The soda company partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise money for the polar bear’s endangered habitat. Along with providing financial support, Coke also turned their classic red soda cans to a snowy white, as we blogged about last month.

Well as of December 1^st, breaking news hit announcing that Coke will be pulling all white polar bear cans due to customer complaints. The most common complaint is that the white polar bear Coke can looks too similar to the Diet Coke can and consumers were getting them confused. The mass confusion was even causing a drop in sales and so the company made the decision to pull the white cans. Do not fear for the polar bears, however, as they plan to replace the white polar bear cans with newly designed red ones as seen in the above right photo. We have seen customer complaints like this before when companies have altered the packaging design of a popular product. Remember when we blogged about Tropicana doing the same thing when customers were outraged that the orange with straw graphic were dismissed? Marketing professor at NYU Sam Craig said it best, “The fundamental thing is that people don’t like change.”

For more details on this soda can recall, check out the article from ABC News.

Packaging that glows in the dark has been a recent industry trend especially in the beer/spirits market. A benefit of glow in the dark designs is that they are an unexpected packaging element that can go unseen until put under specific lighting. According to The Dieline, “Glow in the dark packaging gives brands a second chance to interact with the consumer through hidden graphics and text.”  Beer and spirit labels are more frequently held under black lights and dimmer lighting than others, as this type of lighting is popular at bars/clubs where alcoholic beverage are sold.

Check out the Heineken glow in the dark bottle below as featured in our Pentaward Winners blog. Once the green bottle is submersed under darker lighting, detailed line graphics are exposed within the white sections of the label. Another popular beer that has had a glow in the dark label is Miller Genuine Draft. Similar to the Heineken label, the “Miller” text and surrounding border will glow a bright blue. Beverage company Wet Planet Beverage also released an alcoholic flavored water a few years back called DNA. The drinks came packaged in clear glass bottles with the enlarged version of a glow in the dark fingerprint as a backsplash. Whenever you watch crime shows like CSI they always dust for fingerprints with a black light, so using a glow in the dark fingerprint graphic and naming the beverage DNA is a nice correlation.  

Beverage companies cannot seem to sit still when it comes to new and redesigned orange juice packaging. From rebranding to restorations, top companies Tropicana and Minute Maid have been fighting the packaging design battle for years. The most recent slim down from Tropicana may have influenced its competitor, Minute Maid, to release their newest product and packaging to the family. The freshly released juice line is called “Pure Squeezed” and is available in four tasty varieties: No Pulp, No Pulp with calcium and vitamin D; Some Pulp; and Light OJ with calcium and vitamin D.

Minute Maid emphasizes a new product shape and simplistic label in their redesign. The new “Pure Squeezed” bottle is a slender, clear plastic container with front/back adhesive labels and a tamper seal. Shape is one of the top five elements in packaging design, as an interestingly shaped bottle can appeal to new customers and influence product purchasing. Check out our previous blog on Improving Your Label for more information on shape and other packaging design elements. The label for their gallon jug is similar to the label on this new product, but the gallon jugs are a much wider shaped container. When purchasing a bottle of juice, I would tend to choose a slimmer bottle (like Pure Squeezed) over a wider one like the gallons as it will consume less room in my refrigerator. Minute Maid has also saved on overall packaging for the new product by using small adhesive labels as opposed to larger shrink sleeves as seen in the single serve containers above. Though these bottles using shrink sleeves provide plentiful room for graphic design, they also require more raw materials to manufacture and print.

To view their full line of orange juice products and packaging, visit the Minute Maid webpage.  

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month and in celebration companies have started turning out pink product packaging. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and over 1.6 million new cases were diagnosed worldwide in the last year alone! Today at Dion is our Dare to Wear Pink day in celebration of breast Cancer Awareness moth. The company supported the cause by dressing in pink and collecting donations which will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. It was a very fun, festive and pink day here at Dion!

Check out some of the 2011 pink packaging we have spotted only one week into the month! For the month of October, General Mills has partnered with Susan G Komen to launch the Pink Together program. Not only will their product packaging be turned pink for the month but they will also be donating $2.5 million dollars to the charity. Candy retailer M&M’s have also released special packs of pink candies and packaging featuring their feminine Ms. Green character. Jones Soda has always been a company to show their support through their packaging and they have done it again by revealing their pink cream soda bottle. The Breast Cancer Awareness cream soda is being sold in four packs with a pink colored pro snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis on the label.  The soda company will be donating some of the profits to the non-profit organization Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC). B4BC promotes awareness of the deadly cancer as well as early detection/prevention through a healthy and active lifestyle.

Stay tuned through the rest of October for more pink inspired packaging in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

As an avid baseball fan that played softball, sunflower seeds were always present at the ball field. But if you are not a fan of chewing these seeds (as they perpetually get stuck in your teeth) you may be interested in the first ever sunflower seed based drink. Sunrich Naturals is the company who created the sunny drink named SōL. The dairy and gluten free drink simulates other “milk” products such as their lactose free soymilk. Sunrich Naturals says the drink can be enjoyed in cereal, substituted in baking recipes or drank straight from the carton! In addition, sunflower seeds are a superfood providing your body with disease fighting antioxidants and cancer neutralizing phytochemicals; bonus! You can choose from one of three flavors including the original, unsweetened or a sweet vanilla.

The packaging is just as sunny as the seeds themselves, packaged in brightly colored drink cartons. Carton packaging provides a sturdy home for the beverage and a wide canvas for unlimited design possibilities. The SōL drink line is available in three colors corresponding with the three flavors: red for the original, purple for the unsweetened and blue for the vanilla. I love it when companies color code different product flavors as it makes shelf selection significantly easier. Another aspect of the carton design I like is the logo. Instead of designing the logo as a traditional sunflower, they created a modern geometric flower and used the actual graphic of a sunflower as the backsplash. The red, purple and blue colors also provide a nice contrast with the yellow graphics and text for an innovative product that is sure to grab attention on the shelf. 

Attention to all Diet Coke fans, the classic bubbly soft drink is getting a makeover! For the fashion world, the fall season means a change of dress from light summer fabrics to chic warm weather attire. The diet soda has jumped on this fall fashion makeover trend, and although it is not going to be wearing a tweed coat it will be sporting a new modern can design! First launched almost thirty years ago, Diet Coke’s can design has progressed from the first can ever designed (image below) to the newest addition to the product line (above).

The new design sticks with the steel silver background that has been standard for the soda since its second birthday, and will also maintain the traditional black and red color pallet. The text, however, has been switched from a vertical to horizontal orientation and has been magnified. The magnification zooms in so far that all the letters in the name “Diet Coke” do not actually appear on the can! The cursive “D” from the word diet is visible along with the “K” and parts of the “O and E” from the word coke; but that is all! There are also two small versions of the complete title printed on the can in small font on two separate locations. Even if the small titles were not included, I would still without a doubt identify this can as a Diet Coke.

The company has done a fantastic way of branding their diet soda line through keeping traditional colors and fonts through the years. Remember the To Be Continued blog from last Friday? Though the Diet Coke artwork does not stop and continue between more than one can, they create a visually attractive design when placed next to each other as seen in the top photo. I like the pattern that the three cans have created in the top photo, and if I were choosing a soda off the shelf this diet soda can would absolutely catch my eye. The fall 2011 diet soda redesign will only be available through the season, so make sure to pick up one while supplies last!

Check out last years fall fashions for the iconic soda on our Coke Gets Fashionable for Charity blog!  

When you have a lager as old as Budweiser, founded back in 1876, you may notice the packaging has certainly gone through some drastic changes over the years. Prior to 1936, all of Budweiser beer was packaged in glass bottles. After 1936, the company switched up their packaging and introduced the first ever beer can!

The design of the companies first ever beer can looks absolutely nothing like the red and white can we know and love today. Since the first can was released in the midst of World War П, the design was a copper base featuring a logo reminiscent of the air force insignia. Black stripes framed a circular logo encasing a graphic of our national bird, the bald eagle, as a symbol of patriotism. It was not until the mid 1950’s that the can design had changed completely to the classic red and white color pallet. From there until the 1980’s, cans were manufactured as perfect cylinders similar to the shape of a soup can. However, the 1980’s beer cans began to be created with the top sloping inwards to create a comfort drinking lip. Over the years the design orientation has switched between horizontal and vertical. My favorite is when the designs are printed vertically, as I feel they make the can look taller and the logo less squished.

The most recent design, released this summer of 2011, features the most red color saturated can in company history. The Budweiser name has this time been printed vertically in white script against a red shaped bowtie graphic topped with a small golden crown. Fittingly, below the crown and bowtie is the phrase “King of Beers.” Also, for the first time Budweiser has printed their classic banner logo differently than it has been printed in decades (in white, blue and gold ink). On the new cans the logo image is printed faded against the red on the can so it is more of a subtle background pattern instead of an in your face graphic. The subtle red patterned background combined with hints of gold creates in my opinion a very upscale look a beer can.

To read more on this packaging, check out the article from the Dieline.

As food companies discover and utilize different technologies, they are able to add supplemental nutrients to some of our favorite foods. One of the most popular additions I have noticed is the sudden appearance of fiber. The bland substance known to regulate digestion has begun popping up on every food item from bread to dairy and more. Here are some of the most unexpected products with added fiber!

Kellogg’s seems to be a big supporter of the fiber trend because it has several products with lots of added fiber. On the top of my list to try would have to be the Fiber Plus Chocolate Chip Waffles. Chocolate, waffles, and fiber all in one delicious food item sounds perfect to me! What about a Pop Tart? Kellogg’s also has a line of Low Fat Frosted Pop Tarts that have whole grain and added fiber; all from that classic breakfast pastry. Now what if you just wanted to drink your fiber? There is now bottled water on the market called Elevate Natural Fiber Water and each bottle has 12% of your daily requirement for fiber. The fiber waters are available in both Lemon and Orange flavors. Why the sudden trend to add fiber to our food? Adding a healthy ingredient like fiber to a previously not so healthy item like chocolate chip waffles, makes customers more likely to purchase that item.

What other surprising products have you found with added fiber?

A brand called Tango is all the rage over in Britain. Established in the United Kingdom back in the 1950’s, Tango was originally manufactured solely as an orange flavored soda. Since its introduction, however, the company has expanded to create several different varieties including apple, cherry, and other citrus flavors. But if you are looking for the latest innovation in soda market, Tango’s latest product is so delicious you will be foaming at the mouth; literally! The company has created the first ever aerosol canned orange soda foam called Turbo Tango. is advertised as being “nitro-fuelled.”

Popular design firm Blue Marlin aided the company in designing the foam soda canister packaging which is a cross between a soda bottle and a whipped cream canister. Tango’s director of marketing, Jonathan Gatward, comments that the foaming soda is a, “soft drink meets squirty cream.” The goal of the soda was to target teens into purchasing this fun to dispense foaming soft drink, which is the reasoning behind the bold packaging design and advertisements. The foam drink is advertised as being “nitro-fuelled” and the main advertisement features a teenage boy happily enjoying the product to entice the teenage market. Each canister is enclosed in a color splashed shrink sleeve designed with what looks like a black caution tape wrapped around the canister (for an edgy product feel sure to attract teens). I especially love the text that is printed in white along the black tape with phrases such as “Warning: foam explosion 375ml” and of course the phrase “nitro-fuelled.” Turbo Tango is sure to lead the way to other innovative foaming drinks for the future of the beverage market! Dion Label also has the ability to print these types of shrink sleeve packaging. To read more information on shrink technology, check out the Shrink Sleeve market page

Retro design and retro product recipes have recently become incredibly popular in the packaging industry. But with all the cutting edge technology available, why are companies reverting to old packaging and flavors? Well, they are responding and delivering what their customers are asking for!  For example, Frito-Lay has recently started manufacturing their Doritos taco flavored tortilla chips again with the packaging used in the 1960’s due to numerous fans of the original recipe. According to the Dieline, “Numerous impromptu online support groups have sprung up over the years among devoted fans who miss the original Taco Doritos flavor formula.” According to the company, the original flavored chips will become a permanent addition to the product family while the retro packaging will only be available for a limited time.

Global corporation giant P&G has re-introduced the 1950’s inspired Tide detergent label for a limited time. With the spiral design of the retro yellow and orange hues, there is no way you could miss this packaging on the shelf! If you were ever a hostess fan growing up in the 1970’s you will undoubtedly remember Twinkie the Kid or Captain CupCake! Back in March, Hostess released their classic snack cakes with retro packaging designs for about a two month time frame. Even General Mills got into the retro trend earlier in the year when they released limited edition retro cereal boxes of childhood favorites including Cheerios, Trix, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch! Check out the vintage Lucky Charms box below; it’s incredible how graphic design has evolved over the years to create much more realistic images.

After reviewing re-introduced retro packaging, I noticed a few common trends within the design movement. First, most companies have only made their products available for a limited time.

Also, some companies are releasing products that do change the recipes back to the original versions such as the Taco Doritos mentioned above. 7Up, of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, is a terrific example of a company that went retro with both their packaging and recipe. 7Up Retro, similar to the Pepsi Throwback we blogged about, has reverted to their original soda recipe by manufacturing it with only real sugar (as opposed to high fructose corn syrup). If you are a fan of the Celebrity Apprentice, you will remember 7Up Retro from the final challenge in the 2011 season. Contestants were asked to design packaging along with creating a TV spot for the retro soda. Below are the two finalist’s retro designs: the left was designed by John Rich (season winner) with an 80’s feel and the right designed by Marlee Matlin with a 70’s disco feel. Both can designs are available on the 7Up webpage for a limited time. 

If you know of some other retro packaging that has recently hit the market, let us know by leaving a comment!

Orange juice, specifically Tropicana, has been the American breakfast drink of choice for decades. Founded in Florida during 1947, Tropicana is one of the biggest orange juice companies in the U.S and has always been a staple in my family’s fridge. However, over the past few years dieters have been shying away from the drink due to its high sugar content and calorie count. Tropicana responded by introducing their newest addition to the juice family, Trop50, back in 2009. The lower calorie drink was first packaged in a carton (below) similar to the original orange juice but boasted to be half the sugar and calories.

However in 2011, the juice company has introduced some new slim packaging for the skinny orange juice. Trop50 is now packaged in a slim container with front/back labels and a twist off top (top picture). They have also added several new flavors to the line including Farmstand Apple, Pineapple Mango, Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade and Pomegranate Blueberry. Similar to the original Trop50 all new flavors are also half the sugar and calories. Tropicana’s marketing team has also come up with some fantastic commercials and advertising campaigns to help promote the slim juice. I love the entertaining “Girlfriends” commercials featuring singer and actress Jane Krakowski that you can check out at their webpage! They have also brought on E! News celebrity Guliana Rancic to promote the World's Most Fabulous Lemonade Stand event. The event took place on June 10^th in Time Square where visitors could taste samples of the slim juice, meet Guliana and take part in other fun activities (photo below). Trop50 has also partnered with Dress for Success which is a non-profit aiding underprivileged woman to afford professional work attire and promote self confidence. In my opinion, Trop50 has certainly made a name for itself with both its packaging a marketing campaigns.  

Check out another packaging makeover Tropicana went through back in 2009 by clicking here! 

Social media has become an incredibly large part of our lives in the past few years. The most popular source is undeniably Facebook and the social media network has rapidly become part of our everyday lives. People have adapted common phrases such as “liking this” in everyday conversation and have fashioning Facebook inspired Halloween costumes! An Oscar nominated film called The Social Network was even released based on the story of how Facebook was created.

Most recently, I discovered that the social networking site has even dipped its foot into the packaging world! The young California based company, Facedrink, has developed a Facebook inspired energy shot beverage. Small but mighty, the energy shot is a mixture of fruit flavors, taurine (an organic acid), and caffeine manufactured in a 2.5 oz bottle. The company promotes the flavor as “tasting like friendship” as a clever reference to the social media site as well as utilizing the phrase “It Gives You Social Energy” in marketing. Each energy shot is packaged in a deep blue shrink sleeve with simple graphics. The word Facedrink is printed in the classic Facebook white font with the phrase “the social drink” below it in the same font. Below that is a lighter blue box that reads “Add as Friend” as another witty reference to the site. In my opinion, the Facedrink packaging design is simple, clean, and smart.

If you are interested in purchasing this energy shot it can be found on Amazon as well as through their company website.

Whenever I am out to dinner with a group of people, there is always someone who will be ordering a Coke or Diet Coke. The top global soda company Coca-Cola was founded back in 1886 in Atlanta, GA and has gone through numerous packaging changes over the years. In celebration of its 125^th birthday, several commemorative bottles are being put back into manufacturing for retail sale. Here are some of my favorites now available all over the world!

Above is a picture of the first ever Coca-Cola Hutchinson bottle that was the first introduced in 1916. A Hutchinson bottle, often called a “hutch” for short, was the popular glass bottle design during the period of 1880-1920. Though the recreated bottle above has a modern bottle cap, the original bottles had the Hutchinson spring loaded stopper. Notice the cylindrical design of the bottle; you will see that shape change over time into a curvier bottle design.

The US has released a limited edition celebratory six pack (above) where the wrap around labels are printed with a 125^th birthday logo. These bottle designs are what took the place of the “hutch” bottle around the 1920’s and were the standard for Coke for years. I also came across a similar bottle packaging except this bottle is covered with a red shrink sleeve and has a larger version of the 125^th birthday logo (top picture). Even a 100% crystal bottle has been created for retail sale for those looking for a more upscale remembrance of the birthday bash!

Founding city Atlanta also had to take part in the celebration by having a building lighting event for Coke as seen in the picture above. Happy 125^th Birthday Coca-Cola from everyone here at Dion Label! To read an article on the birthday celebration, check out the article from the Brand Packaging website.

A good catch phrase or funny quote on your label can do wonders to help your product stand out on the shelf. Along with a good color pallet and clear design, a witty catchphrase can help make a label be noticeable such as the satirical soda labels blogged about in April. Pearlfisher’s design team is the creative artist behind these cheeky fruit smoothie labels. The Swedish company Froosh, founded back in 2004, prides itself on selling 100% whole fruit blended smoothies. Available in six fun flavors, the smoothies come in strawberry & banana, pineapple, banana & coconut, mango & orange, blueberry & raspberry and goji & acerola! Is anyone else confused by that last flavor combination? A goji berry is also known as a wolfberry and the bright red berry is grown in various parts of China. The acerola is a tropical cherry looking fruit that can be found in the southern U.S. (such as Florida) along with the Caribbean, South America, and other subtropics.

To add a fun twist to the new label design, each flavor has a cheeky phrase printed above the Froosh logo. For example the goji & acerola label has the clever phrase “goji: strange name, super fruit” to play off the unusual fruit names. The strawberry & banana label highlights the health benefits of the beverage with the phrase “no bad stuff. zilch, zero, nada.” I also enjoyed the mango & orange label phrase “in fruit we trust.” The color pallets for each label/ tamper label were chosen wisely to compliment the pigments in the actual smoothie. Also, the Froosh logo redesign was manipulated in a fun cheeky way so that the two O’s resemble a pair of cherries. In addition I appreciate the flavor text being printed on the tamper label as opposed to the larger label as then it would have looked too cluttered.

For more from the creative masters behind this smoothie label design, visit Pearlfisher’s webpage.

Though I am a die heart coffee drinker, I know a lot of people who cannot start their day without a cup of tea. If you are a chai tea fan, then you will definitely want to check out the latest packaging redesign from a fantastic tea microbrewery. Colorado based Third Street has been brewing completely organic chai tea, iced concentrate chai tea, and lemonades since founded in 1995. The microbrewery prides themselves on producing completely organic and fair trade products to their customers. As an added bonus to its eco-friendly customers, Third Street uses sustainable energy to power their plant in the form of wind power, and composts all scrap ingredients.

The designer for the new packaging commented that, “Alas their packaging and their corporate brand ID didn't convey their high quality products which they have been producing for over 15 years.” Hence, designer Sze-Lin Lie created the stunning new packaging as seen in the photo above. Chai tea is a beverage that originally comes from the Indian heritage and is a mix of tea leaves, milk, and various spices. The packaging design reflects the Indian heritage through the detailed art design, vibrant color pallets, and even a world map of India as the backdrop. There are also faint henna designs included on the solid colored areas of the label (red, purple, green, Ect). Henna, a delicate and intricate body art, has been a popular art form for centuries in Indian culture. In fact, Northern India refers to henna as “Bridal Mehndi” because women are given the temporary skin designs on their wedding day as a celebration of meeting their future husband.

To read more about the chai packaging redesign, visit Packaging of the World’s website. And if you are interested in buying these organic chai teas, you can pick one up at your local Whole Foods Market.

If you are looking for a vacation spot that is new, fun, and out of the ordinary then you should visit the “Coca-Cola Zero-Zone!” The man made island raft, off the coast of the vacation spot, was built back in 2010 in the Red Sea by a company out of Israel. To reach the floating island attraction guests may either swim the short 100 meters or take a boat to the party raft. Coke products, served in coke branded cups, are available at poolside stands for visitors along with some fun music and party games galore! When guest visit the floating island raft, they receive what is called a “Benefits Bracelet” that gives them discounts at the local retails shops, food joints, and more around town.

What grabbed Stacy’s attention was the “Pop up Store,” located on the coastal town, where Zero-Zone visitors can use their bracelet to get discounts. The store holds the “Coca-Cola Recycled Collection” which is thousands of retail items created from recycled Coke cans! The store has couture worthy dresses, fashion accessories, handbags, and even furniture for sale all created from recycled cans. Even the walls of the store are lined with crushed recycled coke cans. There are also demonstrations on how cans and bottles are crushed and recycled to educate children on the importance of recycling. What types of recycled packaging goods have you seen for sale on the market? Let us know!

To watch a video about the “Pop up Store” store, check out the link from FoodBev.com, and for more information on the island check out the press release from Ads of the World.

We were always told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and this phrase is more relevant now than ever! Do to the unhealthy eating patterns on the American public, obesity rates have been skyrocketing over the past decade. In fact, obesity has become the number 2 most preventable killer in the U.S. In response to the overweight population, first lady Michele Obama began the “Let’s Move!” campaign encouraging Americans to exercise and eat healthier.

To partner with our first lady’s program, the American Beverage Association has launched the “Clear on Calories” initiative. If you are an avid soda drinker, then you might have noticed the label design on your soda bottle has changed over the past few months. To better inform consumers of the nutritional content in beverages, the number of calories will now be printed on the front of all beverage labels and secondary packaging (cartons, cases, ect). All front calorie markings will be placed in the lower third of the front label, and will be based on the number of servings in the entire bottle. One of the most problematic issues with nutritional information is people overlooking the amount of servings per container. Sure your coke bottle from the vending machine says it has only 100 calories, but it might have as many as 2.5 servings which would increase the total calorie content to 250! Another step to the initiative involves having all company controlled vending machine beverage buttons display the calorie content for each beverage. A TV marketing campaign has also been created to promote the new label packaging. Click on the Youtube image below to watch the video now!

For more information on the Clear on Calories initiative, visit the American Beverage Association webpage or check out the article on FoodBev.com.

My eyes have been peeled for the top trends of 2010 and I have found a front runner. Society has gone nutty for coconut!  Popular coconut products range from beverages, beauty products, and cleaners.  Why the coconut craze?  Studies show that the protein packed fruit is known for being a “healing” fruit for digestion problems and other ailments.  Spirit companies like Bacardi have latched onto the coconut craze, as we saw in our blog about Bacardi’s Rock Coconut redesign. A particularly trendy coconut beverage is O.N.E. Coconut Water. Athletes and trainers alike rave about the hydration benefits from the fruity water, beating out other sugar filled sports drinks. 

Beauty companies small and large have also jumped on the coconut band wagon, offering an abundance of creams, moisturizers and shampoos infused with coconut oil. Do you like the coconut flavor but do not like cooking with the actual fruit?  Companies have developed other cooking products infused with coconut including coconut flour and vinegar! Coconuts may even be the future of eco friendly packaging due to the durable coconut husk shell. Imagine getting your next eBay purchase in a coconut skin container?  From drinks to packaging, the coconut craze has certainly made an impact in 2010!

Along with the rest of corporate America, I sometimes find myself needing an afternoon pick me up.  Caffeinated or sugary drinks can cause my body to crash an hour later, but browsing the web today I found a new energy product promising no crashes!  Rain Nutrition has designed a line called Rush Energy Drinks, along with a full like of nutraceutical supplements.  Rush is different from other energy drinks in that it is all natural and made with the oil from pressed seeds.

Aside from the health benefits, the packaging has made a name for Rain by winning the Design Distinction category of the I.D. 2010 Annual Design Review. The design is modern and simple.  I love the way the silver can almost disappears and the bright blue water image pops off the can.  The can is creative enough to sell an energy drink to the public, yet the packaging is clean enough to mesh with other nutraceutical lines. All other products in the line including Soul, Pure, and Thrive share the signature look in a variety of hues. 

For over forty years, the American Package Design Awards have showcased excellence in the graphic design world.  The contest is here again! Entries can be submitted for three main categories; Package Design, Special Features, and In-Store Graphics.  The 18 sub categories range from Health and Beauty, Sustainable Packaging, and Store Logos. If you are a graphic designer wishing to submit your work, you can download the entry form at www.GDUSA.com or send your entry to the mailing address on the website.  Submissions are due by December 10, 2010 and all entries must be of products sold in stores between January 1, 2009-December 31, 2010. Best of luck to all entries and check back later in the year for our winners announcement blog!

Past winners have included Kit Kat Seasonal by Vertis Creative for Food & Beverage (top), and Juicy Couture by Elizabeth Arden for Health and Beauty (bottom).

For another consecutive year Dion Label Printing has exhibited at the Natural Products Expo East Tradeshow.  From October 14-16^th Dion exhibited in booth #3233 held in the Boston Convention Center.  Though only 1,300 exhibitors, 200 less than last year, exhibited, the show maintained its popularity with over 20,000 attendees.  Visitors were especially interested in Dion’s pressure sensitive label options, shrink sleeves and labeling equipment. To request samples or additional information, click this link! Next year’s Expo East will wave farewell to Boston and return to Baltimore, Maryland from September 21^st- 24^th  2011. 

For the full article and recap of Expo East 2010 visit their homepage.

Prepare to be taken 20,000 leagues under the sea by the winning Wine Category bottle at the 2010 Clear Choice Awards.  The Tentacle is a strikingly dark bottle with a beautifully designed center art piece.  Designer John Schall designed an eight legged octopus which is printed to look like it’s wrapped around the bottle.  The silk screened design is printed on a lighter weight eco-friendly bottle, while still maintaining an elegant look.

The Tentacle is a clear standout to me in the wine design category, due to its elegant appearance.  Each tentacle has a gentle curl at the end, which is mirrored in the curly script writing on the bottle.  The colorings also blend well together with the deep colored backing and the off-white octopus coloring. The octopus almost appears to be floating in the ocean. Between the excellent tasting Syrah blend wine, and the elegant bottle design The Tentacle is a clear winner for the Clear Choice Awards.

After 10 long years, Smirnoff Ice drinkers can now search the shelves for a newly designed package.  Australian based design firm, The Creative Method, was hired to bring the drink packaging into the 21^st century. What changes can we expect to the widely loved bottle?  The drink will now be sold in a can version as opposed to the older glass bottle (below) and will have a more contemporary design.  The design is meant to increase masculinity of the drink to appeal to men, due to it being considered a “woman’s” drink in the past like other fruity drinks.  Flavors have been changed to bold names like Double Black, Wild Lime, and Raw Berry.  Creative Method wants the drink to stand out on the shelves and increase the quality of the packaging design.

Being an occasional Smirnoff indulger, and a major klutz, I am keen on the drink being offered in cans.  No more broken bottles and messy clean ups! I also like that they have kept the pentagon shaped label consistent, yet updated the artwork.  Keeping the traditional shape lets me know it is still the Smirnoff we know and love.  The carrying case is also more modern, now sleek fitting boxes as opposed to the traditional six pack with a carrying handle. Full article courtesy of Brand Magazine Online.

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will be hosting the 25^th annual Expo East from Thursday, October 14^th- Saturday, October 16^th.  Come visit Dion Label Printing, at booth #3233, along with manufactures of natural, organic and healthy products.  We are excited to show off our eco friendly materials, water soluble adhesives, and soy based inks.  We are excited to see what innovative products and packaging other companies are coming out with.  For more information visit ExpoEast.com

Coors Light has come out with their newest packaging design just in time for Monday night football season.  Ball Corporation welcomes the Coors Light Silver Bullet pint, a portable and bold looking beer bottle design.  Not only is the bottle light weight, resealable and unbreakable, but it is also recyclable!  Coming in 12 oz. and 16 oz, the bottles will be sold in 9 and 24 packs at all beer distributors. Coinciding with the rest of the Coors Light line, the bottle still had the same logo and “Cold as the Rockies” coolness indicator so you know your beer is perfectly cold. To kick off the September 2010 sale, quarterback Ron Jaworski has started “Pass the Pint” benefit on Facebook.  For every pint you “pass” to a friend, meals will be donated to the food bank, Second Harvest.

Finally, we have the answer to many of the problems with regular glass beer bottles!  For example, the unbreakable design will prevent a shattered glass mess and others from getting cut on said glass.  What is great about the resealable lid is that the bottle is now portable.  You can drink part of your beer, store it in your bag without worry of spillage and have the rest later.  Ball Corporation has come up with the hot must-have item for the NFL season!

Matt Braun and Chris Mufalli have created a buzz amongst beer and music enthusiasts alike.  Ever turn your soda pop bottle into a musical instrument by blowing across the top to create that classic sound?  Tuned Pale Ale is specially designed for that very purpose!  The easy to grip neck makes music playing simple and the label is designed to show the note you are playing.  A vertical music staff runs up the right side of the pale blue label, starting at an “A” at the bottom and working its way up the scale to a “G” at the top.  Measure out 3 bottles with A, B and C and you could rock out to Hot Cross Buns!  Ribbing on the side of the glass bottle allows it to be played as a Guiro would be with the bottles cap, and the case itself can be flipped over and played as a drum!  The text on the label is also creatively designed by turning the “d” and “p” in Tuned Pale into music notes. Matt and Chris sure have hit a high note with this musical beverage. 

Blidholm Vagnemark Design has gone for the gold with the introduction of their new mulled wine bottle.  Located in Stockholm, Sweden the well established company is known for their individual expression, and luxurious quality mulled wines.  Mulled wine is generally red wine mixed with a variety of spices and served warm around the holidays/ winter months (think of mulled cider). The top designer has come out with eight limited edition signature bottles for the Blossa Glogg mulled wine collection.  2010’s bottle is a luxurious gold bottle embossed with their signature script writing.  The year is printed in large lettering as the bottles focus and the 2010 bottle is printed with an X representing the Roman numeral for ’10.

After seeing the entire line of limited edition wine bottles, the Blossa Glogg 2010 gold bottle stands out the most.  In my eyes, gold signifies an expensive item that would infer luxury to its buyer.  The gold also fits in nicely with the upcoming holiday season linking with the silver and gold’s often found during Christmas.  Coloring the stopper gold also differs from the rest of the line and creates a more streamline bottle as opposed to the cork stoppers.  Blossa Glogg gets a gold star in my book for their new limited mulled wine bottle.

Over the last year or so it has been hard to miss PepsiCo’s revamp of its sports drink brand Gatorade. The G Series campaign has built upon the rebranding by extending the product line to powders and ready-to-drink formulations tailored to pre-, during, and post-workout sessions. After exclusive use in professional locker rooms, the company is now releasing the G Series Pro to the public through retailers such as GNC and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Take a look at this video showing the evolution of Gatorade. My favorite part of the TV advertising campaigns has been the effective use of color. Dulling the action to black and white while highlighting the color of the drink gives the product extra attention. The clip also shows the product placement during professional games which may seem subtle, but the fans idolizing the professional athletes are keenly aware of the products they use.

For more on the G Series and G Series Pro, click here!

The founders of Activate drinks were tired of taking daily supplements in giant pill or unappealing powder form—something we can all mostly likely identify with. Through research they found that vitamins and other nutrients lose their potency as they sit in water, making vitamin-enriched waters less effective. So they developed this clever bottle that stores its nutrients in the cap until it is mixed just before drinking. The naturally sweetened drink contains only 5 calories and is available in a variety of flavors with different health benefits—vitamin, immunity, energy, antioxidant and workout.

We’ve scoured all of our resources to bring you the best of World Cup-inspired and commemorative products and packaging! I’ll even be worldlier in using the term football. Here they are:

The “Hospitality Pack” contains the most important item for football fans: their tickets. Capturing the essence of anticipation, the slider pack provides a clever and playful opening experience, creating intrigue and a sense of novelty to complement the exciting nature of receiving World Cup tickets. With the games officially now underway, the high quality format of the Burgopak design further encourages fans to retain the pack, lending itself as a keep-safe of World Cup memorabilia.

Gillette’s World Cup-inspired shaving gel and antiperspirant and deodorant cans creatively resemble a football and shows off their sponsorship.

These bracelets were made by over 400 women in South Africa for fans of the Dutch team. The orange color is the national color for the Netherlands and the assortment of colors represents the South African flag.

SAB Miller developed a can that could also function as a cup.

Special World Cup Packaging for Carlsberg beer featuring England’s team manager Fabio Capello and team players David James, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Jermaine Defoe.

England’s team received more support when Umbro commissioned the painting of the players’ numbers in their hometowns, even for manager Capello in Italy.

Coca-Cola’s commemorative cans feature French players in celebration and come in a box with a CD from K’Naan.

Miller Light cans are laser-etched with famous players captured doing their signature moves.

Please share if you’ve come across other promotional or commemorative products or packaging!

The DuPont Award winners for 2010 were just announced at the end of May, continuing the virtual forum format from last year. The winners proved breakthroughs in packaging with innovative developments, cost/waste reduction and improved sustainability. Diamond winners proved excellence in all three areas while Gold winners demonstrated excellence in two criteria. Silver winners were selected for their breakthrough innovation, and notable honorees were given recognition for innovative problem solving. 

Only two submissions were given the prestigious honor of a Diamond DuPont award: the GREENBOX reusable thermal management system, a sustainably-produced container used to transport sensitive medical supplies, as well as Exal Corporation’s “Coil to Can” (C2C) recyclable aluminum bottle.

To see all of the award-winning packaging innovators, click here.

Sustainability is a frequent topic on Dion’s blog. However we rarely look at the pressure that may be behind a company’s decision to implement sustainable efforts. This article from Brand Packaging takes a look at a few companies that have been targeted by green activists. When I say “activist” you may think of wild paint-throwing PETA rallies. But beyond the grassroots approaches, the strategy explained in the article that I found interesting is that activists may choose far more business-like tactics. Many have a voice because they are actual shareholders in the corporations they are trying to sway. By rallying votes on issues at shareholder meetings, activists are able to not only voice their concerns, but actually be heard by executives as their percentage of votes on an issue increases. To see how their influence has translated into more eco-friendly practices at some of the best known companies in the world, click here!

Stacy made a stop into a Starbucks recently and returned to the office with some intriguing packaging. The small brown bag that held her lemon pound cake read:

This may be no surprise to you because this initiative was announced last summer. But it’s great to know that such an eco-conscious company is thinking just as much about their customers’ health. The bag itself is made from 100% unbleached paper with 20% post-consumer material. It’s a component of Starbucks’ Shared Planet “Environmental Stewardship” ensuring the company acts responsibly. The company releases an annual Global Responsibility Report analyzing their sustainability goals. One of the loftiest:

It is our goal that by 2015, 100 percent of our cups will be reusable or recyclable, and we will significantly reduce our environmental footprint through energy and water conservation, recycling, and green construction.

That would be pretty impressive if it’s attained. Other sustainability programs announced just since January include a campaign encouraging customers to bring in reusable tumblers rather than cups, donations to protect forests when using the Conservation International Starbucks Card and working with municipal governments in their recycling programs.

To read more about how Starbucks works toward a better future, click here.

While the eco-friendly movement continues to grow, there’s no denying there are still quite a few non-believers out there. It’s often difficult to envision how green efforts really help the environment, but as we like to say at Dion, “We cannot change this world in one day, but day by day we can help change this world for the better.”

A recent article in CRM Magazine mentions a few companies that agree. From Proctor & Gamble to Wal-mart, these companies have undertaken sustainability efforts that have resulted in significant environmental savings. Clearly they did not back down on the challenges that developing eco-friendly initiatives created for their businesses. These companies have collectively built and financed solar power buildings, reduced packaging waste, recycled materials and rainwater, and reduced electricity usage. For all of the details and to get inspired, click here, and here to see why Dion is “Proud to be Green”.

A while back we wrote about technology that converts chicken feathers into flower pots. Sustainability in terms of turning waste into a resource for a new product, especially for products that are not simply commodities, is incredibly impressive. The example we just came across is the Java-Log. The company takes the used coffee grounds from manufacturers, retailers, homes, companies, etc. to create wood-burning logs.

Rod Sprule, the inventor, realized the energy potential of coffee grounds and developed the concept from there. The company claims that their product diverts 12 million pounds of coffee grounds from landfills per year. I can’t claim to be an expert at how hazardous coffee grounds are for the environment, but slowing down the growth rate of already overfilled landfills is an easy concept to grasp. Beyond the recycled production, the Java-Log itself emits up to 78% less carbon monoxide and up to 66% less creosote than cordwood fires. It was named one of Time Magazine’s “Coolest Inventions of 2003.” More recently, Java-Logs’s eco-friendliness gained the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s (CSIA) Accepted Product status. While we love the normal scent of wood burning in a fireplace, we can’t help wondering/hoping if the log gives off a coffee aroma?

It hasn’t been very long since the last rebranding, but clearly PepsiCo found the need to give Sierra Mist a facelift. The latest design incorporates the font from the old design with some of the branding elements of the original design (seen below). The packaging is far less ambiguous, showing off the lemon and lime elements and eliminating the fuzzy text. What do you think of the latest design?

Do you hate the taste of coffee or are you trying to break a soda habit, but just can’t seem to do without the caffeine boost? Well we came across a product that will be right up your alley. Avitae is simply purified water with the added bonus of 45 mg of caffeine. I like the unique shape of the bottle and the choice of a shrink sleeve label; the futuristic look compliments the unique product. The product’s taste fulfills the expectations anyone would have for water: healthy, pure and refreshing. But it also gives you the energy boost you’d be missing with regular water.

This product has potential significance in the realm of exercise as well. Recent research has shown that taking in some caffeine before working out has benefits; this article explains that it actually reduces pain, causing you to push yourself a bit harder during your fitness routine. And perhaps it will eliminate my pain of seeing people with a heart-stopping energy drink in hand at the gym.

It’s me avitae. That’s ah-vee-tay.

I’m made of nothing more than purified water and natural caffeine. I don’t have colors, flavors or any of those not-found-in-nature ingredients. So, if you’ve been living in the wasteland between boring bottled water and man I know this diet soda is bad for me and leaves a funny aftertaste, then I might come as a welcome change.

I’m caffeinated water

The latest issue of Brand Packaging analyzed the effects of the recession. It’s a situation that has affected everyone, but rather than simply blaming our troubles on the current economic situation and giving up, we can look at how to learn, move on, and hopefully grow instead. The article compares coping with the recession to coping with loss, and how this influences consumer purchasing patterns:

Anger/Denial: At first consumers indulged in small luxuries that wouldn’t have major short-term consequences. Brands and even private labels that benefited were the ones that proved their value was worth the added cost. Others were ones with traditional/nostalgic value that consumers could take comfort in.

Bargaining/Depression: When consumers really started to feel the economic downturn, they shifted towards more thrifty habits. As a rudimentary example: even though people still dined out at restaurants, they chose less-expensive options (i.e. a pizza for the group rather than individual prime ribs. Trust me, I’ve seen this happen!).

Acceptance: At the end of the day, the major effect of the recession on consumer attitudes is a shift of the paradigm from a mindset of "what I want is what I need" to one of "what I need is what I want."

So here are Brand Packaging’s words of wisdom:

1. Don’t try to sell consumers what they don’t really need;
2. But, at the same time, don’t forget that behind every basic need lies an aspiration.
3. Use playfulness and familiarity to earn the right to engage with consumers.
4. Respect consumers by making clear, believable claims and making your portfolio easy to understand and navigate.
5. Give consumers a sense of control in the way they choose to interact with you.
6. Use packaging to give a fair picture of what is inside the pack, but don’t lose an opportunity to tell a compelling story.  

We featured Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle when they first announced its development. As one of the major sponsors of the Winter Olympics, the innovative PlantBottle packaging will be highlighted throughout this year’s games in Vancouver. True to form, Coca-Cola is also currently retailing Olympic-themed cans for the event as well.

"Our PlantBottle will be in the spotlight for the Olympic Games, introducing this innovative packaging to a global audience," says Nikos Koumettis, president Coca-Cola Canada. "The Coca-Cola Company has become the first to market with a recyclable PET plastic bottle made partially from plants, and we are excited that Canada is part of this major step in our journey towards sustainable packaging."

Private labels have been giving national brands a run for their money, and recent trends have shown that beyond price-consciousness, consumers also increasingly associate private labels with quality. So are they going to drive out some of the beloved and established national brands? Brand Packaging puts the two head-to-head in the categories that drive their sales: packaging design, company history, packaging structure, and philanthropy.

Who came out on top? Take a look at the full article here!

Marketers are constantly scrambling for design solutions that stand out, communicate credibility, convey value, resonate with consumers, compel purchase and promote loyalty. Finding these solutions, however, is not easy.

One way to know what's happening broadly with consumer brands and packaging is to attend industry-specific events and shows. In the United States, some of the most important consumer products shows include the Food Marketing Institute Show (FMI), Natural Products Expo, Fancy Food Show, Boston Seafood Show, Dairy-Deli-Bake, All Candy Expo, Toy Fair, International Home + Housewares Show, National Hardware Show, Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, New York International Gift Fair, International Beauty Show (IBS) and Cosmoprof. While there are countless others, attending these will give you a good idea of what's going on in U.S. retail marketing and packaging design.

For the complete article, click here.

Typically speaking the only significance barcodes have for consumers is product identification and the chorus of beeping sounds at checkout counters. They’ve become a hardly-noticed, but occasionally mimicked symbol in society (you can even click here to turn yourself into a barcode, or here to learn how UPC's work). But with the introduction of programs such as scanning and bagging your own groceries as you shop, consumers may be more apt to look at barcodes . And one company in Japan is showing how to have a little bit of fun with packaging barcodes. We’ve seen the trend popping up on a few products in foreign markets, but has anyone found examples here in the U.S.?

2009 marked the first full year for Dion’s blog, so we decided to take a moment to reflect on some of its highlights. With almost 200 entries this year we had a lot of options for choosing our favorites! Here are the top blogs we selected:

Products we’ve blogged about and tried:

"Neuro Brand Beverages": Stacy and I were lucky enough to receive samples all the way from the west coast of this product line. We loved everything from the product itself to the unique bottle design.

Colgate Wisp Blogs: Stacy likes these blogs, because not only were she and Karly able to write about these new products, but they also took the time to try them and decide how the design of the product actually had a functional purpose: the cool blue dot in the middle held the brush-able tasty liquid that helped clean our teeth, the fancy swish at the end acted as a toothpick.

• "Colgate Wisps: Hit or Miss?"
• "Brush on the go!"

"The Dear Hunter": This blog was near and dear to my heart not only because I love the design of the case but I’m also a huge fan. I also surprised myself with my respectable amateur photography skills.

Blogs highlighting good causes:

"October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month": Incorporating so many elements related to one important cause made this blog special. Non-profit organizations, products, television, celebrities, and even the world of dance came together to show support for breast cancer awareness.

"Labels Raise Awareness": Provided insight to companies that utilize their labels in raising money (and increasing sales) to help fight a disease. It’s a unique way of using labels. Some tell a story, some have funky shapes and designs… and some help save lives!

Some lighter moments:

"Sunscreen is no laughing matter!": This blog also falls into the above category, but funny man Will Ferrell always brings a little something extra. (You may have recently seen his engagement photo "crash" in the New York Times). They say that getting someone to laugh and then giving them important information helps them to retain the message. Ferrell certainly gets our attention on sun protection.

"Update on Blue Q": Once we quieted our giggles over the new humorous products from Blue Q, we stumbled upon the videos of their sales team and were off again. We’re not sure about you, but the leg lifts get us every time!

The most highlighted rebranding failure of the year:

Tropicana Blogs: The blogs about the whole Tropicana debacle is cool because it shows why packaging is such a key component of selling a product. From a marketer’s point of view, it also explains why so much research needs to go into brand changes to increase (not decrease!) sales.

• "PepsiCo and Carbon Trust Unite"
• "Out with the new, In with the Old?"

What were your favorite moments?

We hate to be pessimistic, but we wanted to give you a chance to say goodbye to some products, companies, stores, etc. that have either already closed or plan to stop production during or before next year. Either way, you won’t be seeing the following in 2010:

• Heading to the Ben & Jerry’s flavor graveyard: Chocolate Almond Nougat (formerly: The Gobfather), Vermont Python, Strawberries & Cream Light, Ginger Snap, and Coconut Almond Fudge Chip
• Max Factor makeup in the U.S.
• Prescriptives skin care and makeup from Estee Lauder
• Kodak Kodachrome film
• Hershey’s Cacao Reserve and Starbucks chocolate
• Nivea’s facial product line
• Kraft’s South Beach Diet frozen entrees
• Pillsbury Perfect Portions biscuits
• Kraft Roka Blue cheese spread
• Aparts and Joose (caffeinated alcoholic beverages) from Anheuser-Busch & Miller
• Harley-Davidson’s Buell Motorcycles
• Abercrombie & Fitch’s brand Ruehl
• Smith 7 Hawken garden stores
• Virgin Megastores
• Circuit City
• Microsoft Money & Encarta
• 300 different coins from the U.S. Mint
• 140 American banks (only 25 closed in 2008)
• GM’s production of the Pontiac brand ended, and Saturn vehicles will end in October
• Speaking of halted vehicle production, Toyota Solara, Dodge Durango, Mercury Sable and Honda S2000 will be no more.
• Magazines: Gourmet, Southern Accents, Metropolitan Home, Vibe, Nickelodeon, Travel & Leisure Golf, National Geographic Adventure, Blender, Domino, and Portfolio
• TV shows (some not so surprising): ER, Guiding Light, MADtv, Monk, According to Jim, Battlestar Galactia , Deal or No Deal, Everybody Hates Chris, Without a Trace
• Retired sports figures: John Madded, Bobby Bowden, Tony Dungy, Alonzo Mourning, Curt Schilling, Oscar De La Hoya, Tedy Bruschi, Lisa Leslie, Amelie Mauresmo

We’re trying to hold in our disappointment for some things on this list, too. Hopefully an upswing in the economy will bring even better things. For the complete list, click here.

As we approach the holidays various companies have begun to sell their products in holiday packaging. Some look more traditional than others, but capitalize on either gifts or everyday items that make consumers’ homes and lives a bit more festive. The two designs we found from Kleenex are very different but appeal to a variety of decorating tastes. The teal oval design has found a place in our office!

In the food and beverage industry, we found special holiday packaging for Stonewall Kitchen’s popular products that eliminate the need to gift wrap and an ornament-shaped bottle design from Coca-Cola. Pangea Organics gives their holiday gift boxes a little something extra: the gift box can be planted to actually grow a tree! Here’s how it works:

"Just soak the box for a day, and plant it in the earth. If everyone plants their holiday gift box and bar soap box this year, collectively, we will have planted 122,000 trees which is equivalent to not driving 30 million miles in one year! Multiply that out by 75 years, the average lifespan of a Spruce, and that’s 2 billion, 250 millions that we’re collectively offsetting!"

Have you come across other stand-out holiday packaging?

The Dieline is a great source for the latest in packaging releases and upcoming designers. The website recently posted their list of 50 favorite liquor packaging designs. With so many innovative packaging concepts it’s no wonder that browsing the liquor selection can be overwhelming. It can create a sensory overload with so many companies vying for consumer attention.  But companies in this industry are producing some wonderful designs. Some of my favorites from this selection come from Hennessey, 267, Patron, Glenrothes, Samurai, Milagro, and several appearances from Absolut. However, one of my picks from Absolut—Absolut Rock—is missing from the list. To check out the rest of the list, click here!

My friends and I have been exchanging Lolita glassware gifts for years, and it’s been great to see the company grow to extend their product offerings. What began as hand-decorated martini glasses eventually broadened to wine, champagne, and shot glasses as well as beer pilsners. Today, you can also find margarita glasses, hot beverage glasses, sundae bowls, ornaments, flasks, and most recently gel candles. The designs cover a broad range of events that inspire the gathering of friends from birthdays and holidays to girls’ nights out and even divorce. You’ll be sure to find a theme appropriate for any personality… even golf-loving men. As an added bonus the glasses come with a drink recipe to fit the theme.

The recent addition of candles to the Lolita line brings another great gift, and it appears as though if properly cleaned the glass can be used after the candle has burned completely. They are currently offered in wine, champagne and martini glasses. For a look at more Lolita gifts, click here!

UPDATE: Last week we wrote a blog about Blue Q products. We recently came across these videos of the Blue Q sales team. They are sure to put a smile on your face! And we're pretty sure we'd buy anything from them!

Beverage manufacturer Steaz has recently announced their line of Zero Calorie Sparkling Green Teas. This is an extension of the company’s sparkling green tea line, and they are the first certified organic, all-natural, calorie-free carbonated drink. Diet soda drinkers should particularly intrigued because this carbonated beverage provides the natural antioxidants of tea rather than the controversial, harmful effects of soda. The teas are sweetened with stevia leaves, a process that took the company several years to refine.

There are no calories, no carbs and no sugar added to Steaz Zero Calorie. Like all Steaz products, the line is certified organic by Quality Assurance International as well as Fair Trade Certified® by TransFair USA. Steaz Zero Calorie is available in four delicious flavors -- Raspberry, Orange, Blueberry Pomegranate and Black Cherry. Steaz Zero Calorie is sold in 12 oz. fully recyclable glass bottles and eye-catching four-packs. Suggested retail pricing for a four-pack is $4.99. It replaces the current line of Diet Steaz Sparkling Green Tea.

From January to June, sales volumes for PepsiCo were estimated to have dropped 17.5 percent. Gatorade lost 4.5 percent of market share for sports drinks, but still dominates with 75% market share. And despite recent weak sales, the rebranding of PepsiCo’s Gatorade sports drink is said to be on target. The company also plans to launch various new brands to appeal to consumers that have shifted away from Gatorade. Leading the rebranding for Gatorade and other PepsiCo beverages is PepsiCo’s Americas Beverages chief Massimo d’Amore who has repackaged approximately 1,000 products. The "G" campaign for Gatorade included a new label with a big letter "G" and a smaller signature lightning bolt. Research by PepsiCo found that the campaign scores high in "the coolness factor." Clearly, PepsiCo foresees this rebranding will be far more successful than the disastrous Tropicana rebranding.

The 2009 Pentawards were recently announced and crowned the Kleenex "Slice of Summer" as Best in Show giving Kimberly-Clark the Diamond Pentaward.

Pentawards is the first and only worldwide competition exclusively devoted to packaging design in all its forms. It is open to everybody in all countries who are associated with the creation and marketing of packaging. The winners will receive bronze, silver, gold, platinum or diamond Pentawards according to the creative quality of their work.

The Platinum Pentaward winners receiving nods as the best packaging for the five major categories are:

• Beverages: Turner Duckworth, London & San Francisco, for Coca Cola Summer 2009.
• Food: Nosigner, Tokyo, for Kanpyo Udon
• Body: Wolff Olins, New York, for Living Proof, No Frizz
• Other Markets: Mouse Graphics, Athens, for Petrocoll, Spatula Putty
• Luxury: Dragon Rouge, Paris, for L’Or de Martell.

For a look at all of the winners, click here! The next competition will open on April 5, 2010.

Here’s great news for lactose-intolerant individuals (of age) out there: a cream-flavored liqueur that is completely lactose and dairy-free. Triibe is the first of its kind in that it is a clear cream liqueur made of organic ingredients including charcoal filtered Irish malt whiskey blended with honey and royal jelly. With flavorful hints of vanilla, caramel and chocolate, this liqueur is currently available in the UK, but can be purchased online and shipped internationally. The bottle design is classic and simplistic, but the opaque bottle blocks the liquid’s clear quality. The product itself is highly unique, but it would be great to see some packaging differences in the future. What are your thoughts?

For Triibe’s official website including cocktail recipes, click here.

Neuro drinks have hit the market in California and are marketed as a celebrity beverage of choice. They are formulated with ingredients to promote various moods and activities (from the neurobliss to neurosporti). This is the latest bottle design, which clearly stands out. The bottle shape is a bit reminiscent of the Mondo fruit drink bottle, with a cap similar to that of a body wash… enough to peak curiosity for an impulse buy.

Neuro drinks are already in over 1,500 retail locations throughout California, making this the most aggressive drink brand launch in the state's history.  The six skus are either "lightly carbonated" or "non-carbonated" nutritional beverages.  If you do not live in California, you can purchase 12-packs of the product online on the company’s website. With the A-list celebrity following of this product, be on the lookout for Neuro--it is hitting the U.K. in October and rolling out throughout the U.S. in 2010.  Neuro is also sponsoring "Perez Hilton Presents" rotating North American music artist tour, bringing the product to cities across the U.S. and Canada this fall.  Check the Neuro website for the Tour Blog to see what is happening (www.drinkneuro.com).

For more images of the bottle design, click here!

Naked Juice has just announced that they will be transitioning to 100% post-consumer recycled PET (RPET) bottles. This will begin with all of the company’s 32 oz. bottles, followed by the rest of the product line in 2010. The "reNEWabottle" will be easily identifiable because as opposed to the old translucent bottle, the new one will be clear (showing off the all-natural juice) and the label indicates that the bottle is 100% recyclable. The environmental impact of this change is significant, and only supports the company’s passion for reducing their environmental footprint:

The initial 32-oz bottle transition reduces virgin plastic consumption by 1 million pounds per year and oil use by 8,192 barrels every year—the equivalent of taking 497 cars off of the road. This is according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics' figures of 2007 Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Travel (average gallons of fuel consumed per vehicle = 692).

When Naked Juice finishes transitioning its entire line, virgin plastic consumption will be reduced by 8.1 million pounds per year, saving 57,000 barrels of oil every year—the equivalent of taking 3,460 cars off of the road.

The Coca-Cola Company is addressing sustainability concerns with the announcement of the PlantBottle^TM, which is said to be more environmentally-friendly than PET bottles. It is made of 30% plant-based materials (sugar cane and molasses) and is fully recyclable. The company hopes to continue to develop the bottles until they are made completely of recyclable and renewable materials. Coca-Cola will first introduce the PlantBottle with Dasani brand water later this year, followed by Vitamin Water in 2010.

Manufacturing the new plastic bottle is more environmentally efficient as well.  A life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the "PlantBottle™" with 30 percent plant-base material reduces carbon emissions by up to 25 percent, compared with petroleum-based PET… unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET.  So, the material in the "PlantBottle™" can be used, recycled and reused again and again.

While this may be a college student’s dream, pouching for beer has spurred varying opinions on several packaging blogs. The pouches, from Beverage Pouch Group, have capacities of 8 oz, 16 oz, or 1.8 liters and have been developed to maintain the product’s carbonation and original taste.

The pros: this is a less expensive, travel-friendly option for beer on-the-go. Smaller breweries will be able to sell their beer to patrons at a lower cost than bottling. The cons: the one-time use packaging is far less eco-friendly than the commonly recycled bottle or can, and the idea of drinking beer from a pouch may have a stigma attached. On the other hand, some may find this concept reminiscent of the days of Capri Sun, but instead filled with their favorite adult drink. What do you think?

You may already be familiar with the cold-activated blue mountains on the label of Coors Light bottles. But the company has also recently introduced this feature on 8-, 10-, 12- and 16-ounce Coors Light and Coors Banquet cans. The confidence of serving a perfectly chilled beer is created by thermochromatic ink. This ink on the bottle labels and aluminium cans is temperature sensitive. In these cases, the ink turns color as it cools, but it can also be activated by heat, based on the desired activation temperature.

Boisset has also introduced a Cooldot® on bottles of their Mommessin Beaujolais Grande Reserve. Best served chilled, the Cooldot® spot changes color when the wine temperature is optimal for serving. The aluminum bottle is also more environmentally friendly than the traditional glass wine bottle. Thermochromic ink can be function and style: it is a way to ensure your product is used at its best and an added feature that, if applicable, will make your product stand out.

Dion Label Printing, Inc. has the capability to print thermochromic inks. To request a quote, click here.

With these difficult economic times, are labels on wine bottles important? As it turns out, they may be more important than ever. Shelves are crowded with increasingly more brands, creating a huge selection for consumers who tend to have low brand loyalty. With so many options, the label and in-store experience are key. For the wine industry, brand awareness is created at the shelf, as opposed to beer and spirits. Only five percent of the over $750 million beverage alcohol media spending was allocated to wine (versus the 65% on beer and 29% on spirits). Which makes sense, because unless the Super Bowl crowd shifts from beer to wine, those big-dollar advertising campaigns really won’t be worth the return!

Reports also show that "Millennial" consumers (aged 21-30) are most attracted by packaging at 26% (versus 15% of the baby boomers). The label is similar to a book cover, and here are some things a good wine label should do:

1. Get attention
2. Inform
3. Connect with the consumer
4. Form an identity for the brand
5. Get the consumer to buy the bottle

With many consumers looking to spend less money, they still demand quality. The bottom line: the product needs to deliver what the label sells.

-May/June 2009 issue of Vineyard & Winery Management

NEW PACKAGING

Propel fitness water is a lightly flavored, non-carbonated water beverage containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and four different B vitamins. It is a product of Gatorade which is marketed by PepsiCo. This low-calorie, nutrient enhanced beverage has only 10 calories. It's designed to help hydrate and nourish the body.

In early 2009, Gatorade changed Propel's bottle design to give it "a fresh new look." Packaging also claims that the new 500 mL bottles contain 33% less plastic and 33% less label than their 500 mL bottle predecessors. This packaging change is the equivalent of taking 6,800 cars off the road per year. Propel's logo remains the same, however, the words "Fitness Water" have been removed from packaging, leaving the only description as "Vitamin Enhanced Water Beverage." The redesign also brings a substitute for Sucrose Syrup in the form of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Not only has the company changed the looked of Propel's packaging, but it also expanded its products using a line-extension strategy by adding a blueberry pomegranate flavor.

OLD PACKAGING

PepsiCo announced last week that they would be introducing their "Eco-Fina" bottle. The nation’s best selling bottled water, Aquafina, will now be packaged in the lightest half liter bottle of any nationally distributed water on the market. The "Eco-Fina" bottle features 50 percent less plastic (weighing in at 10.9 grams); that’s an estimated 75 million pounds of plastic annually that will be eliminated. Aquafina will also be eliminating the cardboard base pads in their 24 pack containers in an attempt to save 20 million pounds of corrugate by 2010. "Eco-Fina" 24 packs should be showing up in grocery stores nationally this month. PepsiCo has been committed to becoming more eco-friendly and this is just another way they have been helping to green the earth. Check out our blog entry about PepsiCo we did back in February about their attempt to help improve the environment.

Organa is the newest carbonated beverage to hit the market. It is made from all natural, organic ingredients and sparkling water. With its sleek clear bottle and eye-catching label you’ll be sure to not miss this drink in the aisles. At the moment Organa comes in three flavors: grapefruit & lemon, elderberry & white tea, and pear & apple.

As stated on lovelypackage.com, "We could use some fancy marketing speak to describe our drink. But we believe that’s not necessary as it’s all in the name. Organa is made from only natural, organic ingredients and sparkling water. We leave the judgement up to the most important person – you. If you enjoy Organa and like your friends to have some good refreshment too – tell them about it. Enjoy cold."

Snapple is getting its most significiant redesign in over 37 years. With a new taste that has reduced calories and a brand new redesign, Snapple is sure to grab your attention. Snapple is promoting their usage of green and black tea leaves in their new formula, which is said to intensify flavors. This new formula uses sugar as the sweetener and reduces calories up to 20 percent in some cases. The new label graphics add for a sleeker appeal for the Snapple bottle and highlight the usage of the tea leaves. "We want to ensure Snapple continues to be the Best Stuff on Earth," said Bryan Mazur, vice president of marketing for Snapple. "These changes to the formula and packaging come with one goal in mind: deliver the same great product, just make it even better." Along with the redesign Snapple is introducing 256 new facts!

My family makes their own wine every autumn. We go out and buy cases upon cases of grapes and put them in this wooden contraption that squeeze the grapes until juice drains out into a barrel. There are no ladies hiking up their skirts to dance to music to mash the grapes with their feet, although just once I would like to try it. I think I would enjoy it. My family takes the grape juice and puts it in barrels for aging. A couple months later, the wine is ready for the holiday season! My uncles and my grandfather all rave about the wine and compare this year's varietal to last year's.

Today I came across Killibinbin Wines, based in Australia. These "killer" wines remind me of my uncles and my grandfather telling any guest that comes into our house at Christmas time just "how good" their wine is. Killibinbin wines were tired of having to tell everyone just how "killer" their wines were and decided to put it right on the label! Each varietal features its own illustration taken from horror flicks and their gruesome killing scenes. These labels are printed on thick, uncoated stock to give the feeling of an old horror movie flyer. These picture wines received the 2007 Graphis International Award (New York). Killibinbin Wines was started in 1997 by Wayne Anderson and Liz Banks. The winery now produces over 5,000 cases and is served in some of finest establishments around the world. For more information, visit Killibinbin Wines.

Have you been looking for a healthier alternative to soda? Flavrz is a concentrated drink designed to be mixed with water that features less then half the sugar and calorie intake of soda or juice. Flavrz is an organic product free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and chemicals. Not only is Flavrz good for you but it is also good for the environment. "Flavrz is eco-friendly. Every bottle of Flavrz drink mix makes between 16 and 96 8oz servings of mixed beverage. This avoids purchasing between 4 and 16 large plastic or glass bottles and saves the materials to make the bottles and energy to transport and recycle them. 5% of profits go to charities that support our planet," as stated on their website.

These concentrated drinks come in three delicious flavors, lemon lime, cherry berry, and tropical. All flavors are made from real fruit juices, organic fruit extracts, and flavorings from real fruits. Sweetened with agave nectar the drinks can range from an intense flavored water to a very lightly flavor depending on your preference. Agave nectar is a Mexican produced sweetener that is high in fructose and sweeter then refined sugars. Agave contains fructans which is speculated to help reduce cholesterol and alter the fat absorption in the intestines. Inulin, another ingredient in agave is believed to help lose weight! So learn more about Flavrz and its ingredients check them out here.

Pantone© Inc, headquartered in Carlstadt, NJ, is best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS). PMS colors are used in several industries such as printing, paint manufacturing, fabric and plastics. In its early years, Pantone manufactured color cards for cosmetic companies. However in 1962, Lawrence Herbert changed the company direction and developed the its first color matching system.

Today, the company's primary product are its Pantone Guides, which consist of color swatches in a flipbook form. These PMS colors allow designers to 'color match' specific colors when a design enters production stage—regardless of the equipment used to produce the color. This system has been widely adopted by graphic designers, reproduction and printing houses for a number of years now. Pantone recommends that PMS Color Guides be purchased annually as their inks become more yellow over time. Color variance also occurs within editions based on the paper stock used (coated, matte or uncoated), while inter-edition color variance occurs when there are changes to the specific paper stock used.

Our internet searches for PMS colors gave us many results and descriptions of what these colors are and how they can be used. But one particular Pantone product caught our eyes... Pantone coffee mugs! Whether you are feeling a little 286 blue today or maybe you are a chirpy 388 yellow, Pantone has a mug for you! For more information on PMS colors, visit Pantone© 

Not only is PepsiCo making a splash with their new packaging but earlier this week PepsiCo and Carbon Trust announced they would be partnering up to certify the carbon footprint of all PepsiCo products. The Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice is the first North American consumer product to receive the Carbon Trust Certification. The Tropicana brand has been on route to this journey over the last several years, they have already reduced the use of secondary packaging by over four percent, they recycle all peels and seeds to make cattle feed, and in 2008 even reduced its plastic usage by 20 percent.

Indra K. Nooyi, chairman and chief executive of PepsiCo, said, "PepsiCo's partnership with the Carbon Trust is a significant step in our environmental sustainability journey. As part of our company-wide Performance with Purpose initiative, we are committed to reducing our overall environmental impact. Understanding what contributes to the carbon footprint of our products is critical to achieving both our sustainability commitments and to driving efficiency gains across our global business."

The Carbon Trust is independent organization established by the UK government to tackle climate change. The Carbon Trust is attempting to turn the nation into a low carbon economy by working with organizations to abide by strict standards to reduce carbon emissions and produce low carbon technologies. The partnership with PepsiCo is one of a kind for North America, and hopefully will gain popularity with the rise of eco-friendly living.

To read more about PepsiCo’s efforts and their relationship with the Carbon Trust find the entire article here.

Brangelina stands for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Bennifer stood for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. So what do we call the pairing of Beer and Coffee? Cofeer? Boffee? Kona Brewing Company recently paired the two and named it "Pipeline Porter."

"Pipeline Porter is smooth and dark with a distinctive roasty aroma and earthy complexity from its diverse blends of premium malted barley. This celebration of malt unites with freshly roasted 100% Kona coffee grown at Cornwell Estate on Hawaii’s Big Island, lending a unique roasted aroma and flavor. A delicate blend of hops rounds out this palate-pleasing brew."

With its use of the freshly grown Kona coffee this porter is one of distinction. Kona Brewing Company isn’t the only brewery pairing beer and coffee, some others include: CB Potts Restaurant & Brewery, Meantime Brewing Co. Limited, and Redhook Ale Brewery, Inc. Learn more about the Pipeline Porter here.

You have seen the ads on television, now it is time for Bud Light to revamp their bottles with their drinkability campaign. In March, Anheuser-Busch will premiere the new line of Bud Light cans and bottles. These bottles will veer away from their distinctive red and blue labels and will switch over to a vibrant blue label. The new label will feature a splash on the lower right hand side along side words such as refreshment and drinkability. The new can will also be a vibrant blue color sporting the word refreshment along the sides. Along with all the changes to the bottles and cans the six- 12-, 24-packs will also see a package redesign.

Why the sudden change? Anheuser-Busch’s vice president of marketing Keith Levy stated, "In tough economic times, we expect consumers to shift alcoholic consumption to the tried and true." Which has seemed to be true, analysts have stated that more people are buying beer then high priced wine and spirits.

Are you an avid Pepsi drinker? If so, you may have noticed the new logo and packaging redesign that has started to be introduced in grocery stores nationally. With its new design PepsiCo hopes to reach out to younger consumers along with livening up the soft-drink industry. "Our new brand identity campaign reflects that optimism like never before - on shelf and in advertising," said Dave Burwick, Pepsi's chief marketing officer. Click here to check out a video of the history of Pepsi design.

Cleavage Creek is a winery dedicated to fighting breast cancer. The 2008 models above all share something in common. Do you know what it is? They are all survivors of breast cancer and are an inspiration to women all over the world. These women give us hope. Their story can be found on the Cleavage Creek website.

Cleavage Creek is located in Napa, California. Owner, Budge Brown, lost his wife of 48 years to breast cancer in 2005. Brown is dedicated to producing world class wines and putting an end to the disease. For every bottle sold, 10% goes to breast cancer research. Since its initial 2007 release, Cleavage Creek has donated more than $37,000 to breast cancer causes. Wines are priced in the $18-50 range. Gift sets are also available. Cleavage Creek wines are distributed nationwide and can also be purchased through its website.