Everything You Need to Know About Working with a CPG Packaging Design Agency

Good, solid, well-designed food packaging leaves an impression. Done well, it not only stands out on the shelf but it communicates a story, reinforces consumer trust, delivers key information about the product and meets all legal and industry requirements. But startups in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry may struggle with how to get started.

While CPG package design may not be the first thing on the to-do list when starting up a CPG brand, it is certainly something that requires a good amount of attention and understanding. After all, it will need to comply with FDA regulations before it can go on the shelf so at a very basic level, you need to understand what those are.

However, once your product gets on the shelf, you want customers to be the ones who pull it off the shelf – and purchase. So how do you make that happen? Working with a CPG packaging design agency, like High-Proof Creative, is a good starting point. We have a lot of experience as a food packaging agency so we already know all the ins and outs. But there are other benefits we bring to the table too.

Offer Competitive Analysis & Expert Insights

When your product is on the shelf, it won’t be alone. It’ll be competing with whatever other food and CPG products that are in the same category and along the same grocery store aisle. Understanding what other products will be on that shelf is an important place to start when designing the first thing consumers will see: packaging.

A good competitive analysis will not only turn up the types of products available and each of their individual claims and stories. It will also identify color palettes for these products, fonts that are already in use and the logo designs that are already on the shelf. Ultimately, it paints a picture of what the shelf looks like.

With the picture in mind, it’s time to strategize how new packaging on that shelf can stand out and catch consumers’ eyes. Choosing a color palette and design that doesn’t blend in with the surroundings. In fact, it shouldn’t blend at all; it should break through and grab all the attention.

Understand the Latest Food Packaging Trends

Knowing what exists on the shelf is important but design trends can shift and evolve quickly. An experienced team can analyze the current market and explore what’s up and coming. Being ahead of the curve will help a package design – which could take months to show up on a shelf – to look relevant and modern.

By examining packaging beyond the initial CPG category and combing trends across industries, a well-informed design team can develop a beautiful but innovative packaging that meets the current needs of the category while leaning into the future of the industry.

Throughout the food and beverage industries, our team has successfully delivered award-winning designs that meet current needs and look sleek, modern and progressive. They edge out the competition with something that feels more prepared for what’s to come.

Meet the Goals of the Product & Brand

Any business that’s poured blood, sweat and tears into developing a new product and getting it to a point where it’s ready for mass production has a goal to reach. That goal should be represented by the design of the packaging and match with the brand’s overall mission.

An experienced design team can translate those goals and the identity of the brand into packaging that stands out and leads packaging trends. It can be a tricky balance to meet but it’s something that needs to be considered with the development of the product and the packaging.

At High-Proof Creative, we often lead with learning about the brand before moving forward with any other services. With a solid and thorough understanding of the company we’re working with as well as the goals of the product, we can deliver an aesthetic that is striking but fitting.

Know the World of Food & Beverage Regulations

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food ingredients, food manufacturing and food packaging. From the materials used in the packaging process to the messaging on the exterior, the federal agency’s regulations are specific but they can also be complicated.

Nutrition facts, best by dates, net quantity and additives – among other regulations – are required on a food CPG package. However, the format of these requirements may change depending on the size or shape of the package. It helps to have an expert who can navigate the many twists and turns of each separate requirement.

After everything seems to be in compliance, it’s time to submit the packaging for FDA approval. This can also be a difficult process that needs a lot of attention but also a lot of patience. Having a team with extensive experience in federal regulation compliance can be a lifesaver.

Consult on Distribution, Co-Packaging & More

Breaking into the CPG industry with a brand new product is more than just packaging. Of course, the design is key but it means nothing if the product never gets on the shelf. There’s a maze of distribution channels, retailer relationships, co-packaging deals, sales assets and so much more.

As veterans in this space, we’ve seen it all and we can help lead the way from product concept to grocery store shelf. In harmony with our packaging design services, we can build the connections and vehicles needed to deliver that product where it needs to go.

Overall, launching a new food CPG product and generating a packaging design that sells is possible but it just needs the right pieces to fall into place. Knowing what those pieces are and where they go – that’s the trick.

As a CPG packaging design agency, High-Proof Creative has the know-how, skill and experience to make that happen. Give us a holler today and set up a consultation so we can get started designing for your CPG food packaging. And ask about our agency CPG marketing packages too.