With today’s innovations, influential product design translates to dollar signs, especially in the ever-changing food and beverage industry. Consumers no longer shop solely in person or at local supermarkets and, with the broad competition on the market, must be reached exclusively through chosen concepts and aspects of a brand’s product packaging.
Innovative packaging communicates to potential customers the quality, safety, and value of its contents. Here are a few essential characteristics of food packaging design to know about.
Compliance With Food Packaging Regulations
Protecting the customer experience is one facet of an effective product packaging strategy. Manufacturers must complete this mandatory safeguarding through compliance with global regulatory systems. Besides standard preservation sealing and general safety requirements, items packaged for direct sale to consumers must have identifiable labels with the name of the food product and a full list of ingredients.
Content facts labeling is a best practice that provides protection for those with food allergies or intolerances. As a distinctive packaging feature, the main objective is to increase consumer confidence in the products they buy from grocery stores or ecommerce storefronts. Keep this regulatory messaging of health and safety clear, concise, and straight to the point for relevant recognition.
Transparency: An Honest Sneak Peek of Contents
Out of the various essential characteristics of food packaging design on our list, transparency reigns supreme. Humans are inherently tactile creatures, which means we like to touch, smell, taste, or see products before purchasing. This approach can be tricky in the context of food product marketing design. How can you create unique and honest selling propositions?
Remember, the goal of food or beverage packaging design is to appeal to the customer and convey what’s inside. Therefore, if the packaging has an eye-catching image of the food, the picture should display the exact product as naturally as possible. A clear-cut approach helps maintain the integrity of your product without misleading consumers about their purchase. Transparent packaging and unambiguous advertising prevent disappointing customer experiences.
Practicality: Optimal Form and Function
Above all, practicality is integral to food packaging design. Any package should be functional and user-friendly, with contents that perfectly match the selected container that holds it. The details of the design matter, but aesthetically pleasing packaging will not score extra points with consumers if the package isn’t easily usable or doesn’t fulfill its intended purpose.
Consider various packaging materials and shapes to achieve the optimal fit of form and function. The right custom design protects products and customers without causing harm to the environment or business goals. No need to overcomplicate the matter—simply stay true to the brand to represent the company, generate positive perceptions, build consumer buzz, and instill trust and loyalty.
