Food presentation is everything. If something doesn’t look appetizing at a restaurant we are hesitant to try it. The opposite is true, too. Have you ever been out to eat and had someone ask you what you ordered because it looks so good or vice versa? The same goes for the labels and packaging that food comes in.
We encounter hundreds of labels every day and have to decide what brand we prefer. Many times our decisions are based on the ingredients of the product, but consumers are becoming ever more conscious of what brands they support and now take into account the values of the company. The bottom line, however, can come down to the design of the label and packaging. These are the food label trends that dominated 2018 and our predictions on what we might see in 2019.
Labels Answer Questions and Solve Problems
A trend in 2018 that we expect to see continue into 2019 is adding key ingredients and differentiators to the front. If you have reworked a recipe to have less sugar and more fiber or whole grains, let consumers know by displaying that information in a noticeable way on the front of your label. A great example of this is Kashi’s GOLEAN cereal. The front clearly displays how much protein, fiber, and whole grains are in each serving.
Many brands do this. The small print and oftentimes overcrowded labels can be hard to understand sometimes, especially when customers are on the go at the store. By taking the most important parts of your product and displaying that information on the front can help set your product apart and show the buyer why your product is the best choice.
Gluten-free food is a need for a growing population of people who are gluten sensitive. The same goes for dairy and sugar. You can save a buyer’s time and help them choose your product by prominently displaying this information.
Food Labels Can Boost Sales
The food industry is a highly competitive market and there are hundreds of competing products. Don’t get us wrong, a label isn’t the only thing that makes a company successful, but as we mentioned in our last blog, Why Product Labels Are Still Relevant In A Digital World, labels are an extension of your brand and sales team!
To boost sales, make sure your label is innovative and captures the essence of your brand. From online sales to in-person sales, creative labels can help get your goods off the shelves or out of storage. Your label should excite consumers about the product and your company. If you’ve had the same design or label for 30 years, it might be time to consider rebranding. If you’re hesitant on the concept of rebranding, read up on Apple’s evolution over the years.
Below are general tips to stay competitive in 2019:
- If you find your product is falling behind, conduct market research to see what your competitors are using as far as packaging and labels go.
- If you rebrand or create a limited edition label, consider incorporating Pantone’s color of the year 2019, Living Coral
- Invest in quality labels that reflect your company and your product
Learn more about our labels and request a quick quote to not only keep up with your competitors but to get ahead of them too.
