Part of developing a coffee brand, is creating a coffee packaging design that is eye-catching, unique and practical. It's not an easy task and it often requires the help of a professional coffee packaging designer.
When it comes to coffee packaging design, there are a few things you need to take into account in order to create a successful design.
In this article we'll discuss the role packaging plays in branding, what you need to know about graphic design, and how to design packaging that is both practical and attractive to customers.
Coffee Packaging Design
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Packaging and Labelling 101
When we refer to coffee packaging we are also usually talking about labels.
The two go hand in hand, with the former being the physical packaging and latter providing important product information.
Coffee packaging should do several things: keep your beans fresh, show off your brand, and make an impact on potential customers.
As any coffee roaster will tell you, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to packaging your coffee.
From the type of material you use to how you store your beans, every decision can affect the quality of your coffee.
When it comes to materials, there are a few different options. The most common type of coffee packaging is a foil-lined bag.
These bags offer a good amount of protection from light and oxygen, two elements that can quickly degrade coffee.
Some roasters also use vacuum-sealed bags, which offer an even higher level of protection.
These bags are great for long-term storage, but they can be more expensive and difficult to seal properly.
Another option is a tin. Tins offer excellent protection from light and oxygen, and they can also help keep your coffee beans fresh by absorbing any moisture that might enter the package.
Tins are a great option for small-batch roasters or for those who want to package their coffee in a more unique way.
Coffee packaging should also be designed to showcase your brand.
The Role Packaging Plays in the Coffee Brand
Your coffee packaging design is one of the first things potential customers will see when they encounter your product. It's important to make a good first impression, because it can be the deciding factor in whether or not someone purchases your coffee.
Your packaging should be consistent with the overall look and feel of your brand.
This means using colors, fonts, and images that are recognizable and that will make your coffee stand out on the shelf.
Your packaging should also include important information such as the origin of your beans, the roast date, and brewing instructions.
Including this information on your packaging can help build trust with potential customers and show that you are a knowledgeable and reputable source for coffee.
Graphic Design
If you're not familiar with graphic design, there are a few basics you should know before starting your coffee packaging design.
Graphic design is defined as the art or profession of visual communication that combines images, words, and ideas to convey information to an audience.
In other words, graphic design is all about creating visual solutions to communication problems.
There are four basic elements of graphic design: line, shape, color, and texture.
These elements can be used together to create a variety of looks, depending on the needs of your project.
For example, you might use lines to create a feeling of movement or shapes to suggest a certain form or function.
Color can be used to create moods or feelings, and texture can add visual interest or depth.
Once you have a good understanding of general graphic design principals, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want your packaging to look like.
Do some research on other coffee brands and see what kinds of designs appeal to you. Once you have a general idea of the direction you want to go in, it's time to start thinking about the specifics.
What colors will you use? What fonts will you use? What images will you include?
Answering these questions will help you create a cohesive and visually appealing design.
If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of online resources and tutorials that can teach you the basics of graphic design.
You can also hire a professional designer to create a custom design for your coffee packaging.
DIY Packaging Design
If you're on a tight budget, or if you're just feeling creative, you can design your own coffee packaging.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you go this route. First, make sure your design is clear and easy to read.
Include all of the important information (origin, roast date, etc.) in a place where it will be easy to find.
And second, don't be afraid to experiment. Coffee packaging is a great opportunity to get creative and show off your brand's personality.
Coffee Packaging Design Tips
- Use high-quality materials. Your coffee packaging is the first line of defense against oxygen, light, and moisture.
- Make sure you're using materials that will protect your beans and keep them fresh.
- Keep it simple: When it comes to coffee packaging, less is more. You want your packaging to be eye-catching, but you don't want it to be so busy that it's confusing or difficult to read.
- Include important information: Make sure your packaging includes all of the information potential customers will need to know about your coffee, such as the origin of your beans, the roast date, and brewing instructions.
- Make it cohesive: Your packaging should be consistent with the overall look and feel of your brand. Use colors, fonts, and images that are recognizable and that will make your coffee stand out on the shelf.
- Consider hiring a professional: If you're not sure where to start, or if you want to create a truly unique design, consider hiring a professional graphic designer.
Designing to Target the Customer
Understand your typical customer. Before you start designing your packaging, it's important to have a clear understanding of who your target customer is.
What are their age, gender, and income? What do they like to do in their free time?
Answering these questions will help you create a design that appeals to your target market.
For example, if your target customer is a young professional, you might want to use clean lines and simple colors in your design.
If your target customer is a coffee enthusiast, you might want to use more intricate designs and include detailed information about your beans and brewing methods.
Creating a Design That Stands Out
In a world where consumers are bombarded with hundreds of marketing messages every day, it can be difficult to make your coffee packaging design stand out.
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your design is eye-catching and memorable.
First, use color to your advantage. Bright colors are more likely to catch a customer's eye, so consider using bold hues in your design.
Second, use interesting fonts and imagery. If your packaging is boring or difficult to read, customers will likely move on to something else.
And finally, don't be afraid to experiment. Coffee packaging is a great opportunity to get creative and show off your brand's personality.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a design that reflects your brand and that will appeal to your target market.
What to Include on Labels
Coffee packaging labels should include all of the important information about your coffee, such as the type of beans, the origin, the roast date, and brewing instructions.
Including this information will help customers choose the right coffee for their needs and will also ensure that they can brew it correctly.
When designing labels, be sure to use a font that is easy to read and legible at a distance.
Coffee labels that stand out tend to be those that:
- Include the country of origin.
- Use bright and bold colors.
- Use interesting fonts and imagery.
Include all of the important information about the coffee, such as the type of beans, the origin, the roast date, and brewing instructions.
The roast date and origin are good to include because it helps the customer know how fresh the coffee is and where it came from.
Brewing instructions are also essential, as different brewing methods will result in different flavors.
Including detailed brewing instructions will help customers get the most out of their coffee.
You also want to make sure that your labels are printed on high-quality materials that can withstand the elements.
Examples of Great Coffee Package Designs
Here we'll examine some coffee roasters who are doing an excellent job with their package design. They hit the mark in terms of making their design memorable, using interesting fonts and colors, and including all of the important information about their coffee.
Blue Bottle Coffee
This coffee packaging design by Blue Bottle Coffee is a great example of how to use minimalism to create a clean and sophisticated look.
The blue and white color scheme is simple but elegant, and the lack of clutter ensures that the important information about the coffee is front and center.
This design also includes a QR code, which allows customers to learn more about the coffee with just a few clicks.
This is a great example of how to use technology to enhance your coffee packaging design.
Four Barrel Coffee
This coffee packaging design by Four Barrel Coffee is a great example of how to use humor to create a memorable design.
The illustrations on the bag are funny and whimsical, and the copy is clever and tongue-in-cheek.
This is a great example of how to use humor to connect with your target market and create a design that will be remembered.
Summary
Ultimately, the goal is to create a design that reflects your brand and that will appeal to your target market.
When designing labels, be sure to use a font that is easy to read and legible at a distance. Coffee labels that stand out tend to be those that use bright and bold colors, interesting fonts and imagery, and that include all of the important information about the coffee.
FAQ
What are some tips for designing coffee packaging?
Use color to your advantage, use interesting fonts and imagery, and don't be afraid to experiment.
What is the best packaging for coffee beans?
The best packaging for coffee beans is a resealable bag that is designed to keep the beans fresh.
What are the methods of package design?
There are many methods of package design, but some of the most common are die-cutting, embossing, and foil stamping.
Further Information
Your coffee packaging design should work hand in hand with other elements related to your brand and visual communication. For more information on what to consider we recommend checking out our article on coffee brand design.