Starbucks has once again kicked off the holiday season with four new festive cup designs. This year they surprised us with a magenta accent, which “lifts the traditional holiday colors and makes the red even look brighter,” said Kristy Cameron, Starbucks’ creative director.
Image Courtesy of Starbucks Stories & News
Today we’ll share some key strategies to help brands quickly produce holiday packaging designs without compromising on quality and appeal.
Five Strategies to Quickly Turn Around Packaging Designs
- Stay Agile and Flexible
To meet the evolving demands of the market, brands need to be agile and flexible in their approach to packaging design. This involves having a streamlined process in place, where feedback can be incorporated quickly. By fostering a culture of adaptability, brands can ensure their holiday packaging designs remain relevant and appealing to consumers.
- Monitor Consumer Trends.
Keeping a close eye on emerging consumer trends is crucial for designing packaging that resonates with target audiences. By analyzing market insights (like Pantone Color of the Year) and consumer behavior data, brands can gain valuable insights into what attracts consumers during the holiday season. Whether it's incorporating eco-friendly materials, minimalist designs, or vibrant colors, aligning packaging with current trends can enhance brand appeal and drive sales.
Image Courtesy of Starbucks Stories & News
- Collaborate with Suppliers.
Establishing strong partnerships with reliable suppliers can expedite the production process and ensure timely delivery of holiday packaging. By maintaining open communication and a collaborative approach, brands can work closely with suppliers to overcome any potential challenges and streamline the production timeline. This collaboration can ultimately lead to the successful execution of holiday packaging designs that meet both quality and time requirements.
- Prioritize Brand Consistency.
While adapting to seasonal trends is essential, maintaining brand consistency is equally crucial. Brands should strive to infuse their unique identity and messaging into their holiday packaging designs, ensuring that consumers can easily recognize and connect with their products. By striking the right balance between seasonal appeal and brand identity, brands can foster long-term customer loyalty and trust.
- Test and Iterate.
Before finalizing holiday packaging designs, it’s important to conduct thorough testing and gather feedback from focus groups or target consumers. By incorporating their insights and preferences, brands can refine their packaging designs to better meet consumer expectations and preferences. This iterative process not only ensures high-quality packaging but also helps in creating a more engaging and memorable holiday experience for consumers.
Digital Color = Packaging in a Fraction of the Time
Leveraging digital color for specification, communication, and approval is the easiest way for brands to get to market fast while still maintaining brand integrity. By embracing a digital color workflow, brands can effectively captivate their target audience, stand out amidst the bustling holiday marketplace, and leave a lasting impression on consumers during the festive season.
Elevate Your Packaging Game
To learn more about digital color and the benefits for brands and global suppliers, check out our Digital Color Technology Connects Packaging Tasks blog.
For tips to align the people, processes, and technology within your packaging supply chain, download your free copy of How to Get Color Right on Brand Packaging.
To see how your brand colors will look on different packaging substrates before you even request a sample from your supplier, request a free Color Assessment Profile. Regularly $499, this report will tell you whether CMYK is accurate enough for your pack type.
