Message on a Bottle - Innovative and Creative Packaging Trends

We routinely like to fill you in on some of the most unique and innovative trends in the packaging world - and this week is no different. With tech advancements, the sky really has become the limit. When it comes to creative packaging trends, one vodka company really has stepped it up.

Dutch distillery Medea Vodka, which introduced programmable LED strips on its bottles to the world in 2010, has exceeded expectations yet again. It has recently announced the release of a mobile app which uses Bluetooth technology to assign personalized message right to those LED strips - making it easy to send a message ON a bottle.

Don’t want to personalize - that’s okay. The bottles come pre-programed with six different phrases, including Happy Birthday, Thank You and Congratulations.

Want to know more? Check out this great article all about this recent announcement from Marketing Land: http://marketingland.com/vodka-brand-creates-mobile-app-program-personalized-led-messages-bottles-122806.

Want to see the bottle in action - check out this how-to-program video to see just how different that creative packaging is: http://medeavodka.com/how-to-program/.

When it comes to creative packaging trends, some really are out there - and that means you have to step it up to compete.

Packaging Technologies Inc. can help. Our design and development team can take your ideas, couple them with the latest packaging trends, and come up with a design that hits all the targets. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Custom Packaging Helps Smaller Brands See Rise in Market Share

North Americans like their libations. This is nothing new. What is new is the fact that now, more than ever before, smaller brands of beer, wine and spirits are outpacing bigger brands and claiming a bigger share of the alcohol market.

According to a recent Technomic article, “Many of the categories and brands that dominate the industry are being challenged. The trend creates increased competition for shelf space in bars and at retail and for consumer dollars in 2015. The monster categories such as light beer and vodka are feeling the heat from the likes of craft beer and bourbon, and the legacy brands are increasingly pitted against upstarts in the battle for operator attention and consumer occasions."

You can read more about this here: 

https://www.technomic.com/Pressroom/Releases/dynRelease_Detail.php?rUID=350.

So, what are customers looking for, besides great taste or something different, when they head in for their libations? What turns their head on store shelves, and what makes them pick one brand over all others? The job of enticement falls to your packaging. Your product packaging is your voice on LCBO and Beer Store shelves. It is what needs to connect with the customer, pique their interest and entice them to purchase.

When it comes to custom packaging, what does the trick?

-         Eco-friendly packaging. These days, far more consumers are conscious about the impacts packaging will have earth-wise, and so many will choose an eco-friendly packaged product over one that is not so earth conscious. Make sure that you keep this in mind when designing custom packaging, going for a smaller footprint and less waste.

-         Innovation. So many companies are trying to one-up their competitors with innovation. A box that is a box is great, but if a box is a box, a nightlight, and a kitchen sink all-in-one, that’s even better. But seriously, innovation can lead to sales. Check this out for great beer packaging innovation out of Papua New Guinea: http://ptibox.com/creative-packaging-genius-the-multi-purpose-package/.

-         Emotional connection. When you create an emotional connection with consumers, a bond is built. When customers feel something at the shelf, this can quickly translate to sales - and loyalty! How do you create that connection? A great design is a good place to start. Follow that great design with colour that considers colour psychology - you can read all about this here: http://ptibox.com/creative-packaging-the-psychology-of-colour/. Make sure to boost that design with high-quality printing and manufacturing that works to bring your packaging to a new level.

Customers know what they want, but they also like new things. It is this desire for something new that has led to such huge market gains being made by smaller brands.

Want to grab your own piece of the pie? Contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today to get a custom packaging strategy in place. 1-800-303-5883.

Lowe’s Introduces Personal 3D Printing

When it comes to product packaging, keeping up with the latest innovations and packaging trends is critical - we all know this. Relying solely on methods that worked 10 years ago may cause you to lose out to the completion or get lost on the shelf. Staying informed and knowing exactly what improvements and advances have occurred is a great way to remain relevant.

Lowe’s Innovation Lab, the innovation hub of Lowe’s Companies, has recognized this, and recently introduced 3D printing in one of its California locations. With this technology, customers can recreate items using 3D printing, customizing colour, shape and size - and create various products including smaller items such as light switch plates, door handles or cabinet knobs or larger pieces such as out of production antique home accents.

Read more about this amazing technology and how Lowe’s is leading the way here: http://www.cnbc.com/2015/04/28/lowes-brings-3-d-printing-to-home-improvement.html.

3D printing has been around for a while, but it has really started gaining momentum and notoriety over the last few years. Want to know more about 3D printing and to check out a great video which explains the entire process? Check out one of our earlier blogs here: http://ptibox.com/printing-revolution-series-1-3d-printing/.

So, is 3D printing the only way to go now? Of course not. This trend is growing, but it isn’t the only one. Innovations in the printing world are occurring on a regular basis, and advancements in colour application, eco-friendly manufacturing and end product, and higher-quality inks and papers mean that whatever your packaging needs, these can now be met!

If you want to know more about the latest packaging trends, including 3D printing, please call Packaging Technologies Inc. We’ve got your printing needs covered: 1-800-303-5883.

New Retail Trends Make the Shopper the Designer

People like choices. The ability to choose is what drives competition on the shelf, and consumers take a lot into consideration when making a choice in store - even if unconsciously. Some stores are taking this new retail trend even further, giving shoppers limitless choices - and people are jumping at the opportunity to choose.

One such company is Nordstrom. Earlier this year, the retailer partnered with Shoes of Prey to give shoppers the ability to design their own shoes. Would-be designers can choose colour, fabric and style to design a shoe that is unique and personalized. This emphasizes the trend of personalization, customization and small batch instead of volume producing.

You can read more about this partnership and new retail trend here: https://www.shoesofprey.com/style-help/1554829244/nordstrom-announcement.

Why is this just happening now? Where it didn’t make sense before as volume drove pricing, companies are now realizing that the customization trend is here and in some cases shoppers are willing to pay more for this experience as they see it has greater personal value.

What does this mean in the packaging world? Packaging should reflect that personalization trend. A great example of this is Coke’s marketing strategy with the many names printed on cans. Sure, Nordstrom is really taking the personalization to a new level - one that may not be realistic for most brands - but that doesn’t mean personalization is completely off the table. Even offering a few different styles of packaging gives the consumer the chance to make a choice based on personal preference - and it helps you stand out on the shelf.

When it comes to new retail trends, personalization and customization looks like one that is here to stay.

For more about starting a custom packaging campaign that takes personalization into account, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Product Packaging Design to Capture Greater Market Share

LCBO sales have grown over the last few years, and with the recent changes to beer and wine sales forthcoming, those sales are posed to grow even more.

A recent Metro News article, “Craft cider and spirits lead the way as LCBO tops $5B in sales,” highlights just how high those sales have climbed, and which products are leading the way.

According to the article, “Ontarians bought more booze in the previous fiscal year than ever before, with sales at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario topping $5 billion for the first time. The growth was fuelled in part by local products, with sales of craft cider nearly doubling to $4 million, sales of craft spirits rising more than 50 per cent to $6.7 million and sales of craft beer rising by about 35 per cent to $68.3 million.”

Check out the full Metro News article here: http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/1388518/craft-cider-and-spirits-lead-the-way-as-lcbo-tops-5b-in-sales/.

However, cider producers are claiming a disadvantage, one that is caused by strict regulations governing sales. This is because members of the Ontario Craft Cider Association are licensed like wineries, but are denied the VQA designation given to top wineries, and really they are competing not with wines, but with craft beers in the eyes of consumers. Additionally, cider producers are forced to pay a 40% LCBO mark up on beverages sold to restaurants and pubs, a fee which isn’t required of craft breweries.

Read more on this issue from CTV News here: http://barrie.ctvnews.ca/craft-cider-producers-in-ontario-say-regulations-put-them-at-competitive-disadvantage-1.2403113.

So how can cider producers compete, whether at the LCBO, or, if their desires are met, on supermarket shelves? In the end, a number of different things are going to grab a consumer’s attention, one of the most important being product packaging design. A unique, innovative, fresh packaging design can help you stand out amidst the many offerings that pepper those shelves, and can really give you the ability to capture a great market share.

For more about how to develop a product packaging design that speaks volumes, contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today. We’ve got the experience and expertise to carry off a design that really hits the target: 1-800-303-5883.

Is Corrugated Packaging Better Than Plastic?

In the grocery industry, when you are looking to reduce costs, you may choose to consider a number of different factors, and packaging and shipping are usually two of the most important. What you choose to package your goods in, both for sale and for transport, and how you choose to transport those goods, can have a significant impact on your bottom line.

Often one of the most important questions to ask when it comes to packaging and shipping, shipping especially, is ‘is corrugated packaging better than plastic’ - and why? Both options have benefits, not least of which is the fact that both are eco-friendly, but is one really better than the other?

According to a recent study done by the Corrugated Alliance, yes, corrugated packaging is better than reusable plastic containers. The study, which analyzed the total annual costs of shipping onions in corrugated packaging versus reusable plastic containers, found that corrugated packaging saves 10.4% annually.

Here is a summary of the study and how the study reached this number:

-          The test was to analyze the total annual costs to use corrugated containers versus reusable plastic containers (RPCs) to ship 40 million pounds of onions from the Pacific Northwest to Columbus, Ohio - a distance of 3540 kilometres.

-          Since RPCs require back-hauling to return them from the retailer to the next point of use, RPCs incurred over $1 million in costs for shipping, handling, and washing on the return trip. In comparison, corrugated packaging required no return costs, since they don’t actually make a return trip and are recycled at their destination.

-          This resulted in an annual savings of approximately $760,000 US (or 10.4%).

You can check out the study in its entirety here: 

http://www.cccabox.org/pdf/Onion_Case_Study_apr2015.pdf.

Great, that covers shipping, but what about packaging/displaying goods for sale? A study conducted in several European countries found similar results when it came to personal preference when shopping - 85% of consumers asked stated that they would be more likely to buy a product in paper-based containers compared to plastic containers, especially with regard to groceries and fresh produce. This preference seems to have a great deal to do with the fact that natural fibre based paper packaging products such as corrugated align perfectly with expectations for natural, fresh and safe products for purchase at retail.

You can read more about this study here: http://www.cccabox.org/pdf/PR%20YouGov%20Poll%20-%20CCCA.PDF.

Additionally, not only is corrugated packaging more cost effective, it is also safer. A new series of independent studies from the Center for Food Safety at the University of Arkansas’ Department of Food Science found that bacteria adheres and forms biofilms, including Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, on RPCs used to ship fresh produce, meats and eggs. See http://www.cccabox.org/pdf/DR-RICKE-STUDY-press-release.pdf for more on this study.

When it comes to packaging and shipping, corrugated packaging just makes more ‘cents’ - sorry for the pun but it truly does fit here. Not only does it save in transportation costs, it also results in more sales at the retail level and is safer for the consumer.

Packaging Technologies Inc. provides high quality unique corrugated packing that not only saves money - it gets attention. Contact us today at 1-800-303-5883 for more information.

*Image via Adaptalift Hyster

Retail Reinvention: The New Grocery Store

The grocery industry is one that is continually evolving. Every year, a new trend, focus, or outlook for the coming months means big changes for retailers on the ground. This year is no different, and several major grocery retailers are meeting new consumer demand with changes in their stores. One of the most visible changes: the ‘New Grocery Store’ - a reinvention of the total shopping experience.

What is this new grocery store? Well, it isn’t really new, just different - but in a big way with regard to how stores are branding, or rather rebranding, their image.

Sobeys is one such retailer. Their rebranding: The Affordable Better Food Movement. Recognizing the demand for fresher, healthier options, Sobeys has taken that demand and is running with it, not just with their on-the-shelf offerings, but with the whole look and feel of their store.

And these stores are not just for taking home food to cook anymore. Sobeys has introduced ‘Our Kitchen’ - which offers a wide range of ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat meals. According to Senior VP of Merchandising and Commercial Programs at Sobeys, Mary Dalimonte, this new ‘grocerant’ concept “will continue to challenge traditional ‘eating-out’ and redefine what it means to shop and eat at your local grocery store.

In a recent CanadianGrocer interview, Farm Boy’s CEO Jeff York agreed, and he sees the ‘grocerant’ as an important avenue in his stores as well: “We feel it’s a lot easier to get a sales increase taking sales away from restaurants than Walmart,” says York. He sees Farm Boy’s kitchen offerings as a way to tap into what people want: there’s no tipping or waiting for their meal to be prepared, and they’re not slaves to the portions a restaurant would serve to them.

So what do we learn from this? Are people going to forego their regular restaurant visits in the hopes of killing two birds with one stone at the grocery store? Probably not, but it does mean far more competition for those products listed on the shelf. With a focus on certain products, others seemingly get lost when customers are racing down the aisle. Unique, eye-catching, custom packaging now plays an even greater role in consumer purchasing behaviour. To get noticed your product has to stand out.

It also needs to hit those targets that Sobeys and Farm Boy are running with. Buzz words like fresh, healthy, or quick, as well as packaging that is eco-friendly, are things that speak to customers - you need to harness the power of these things.

At PTI, we stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry, and deliver an end product that uses these trends to their fullest potential, thus translating to sales on the store floor. For a complete redesign or just a pick-me-up for your packaging, we’ve got you covered. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Custom Packaging Trends: Multi-Sensory Sensation

When it comes to custom packaging trends, multi-sensory packaging is a trend that seems to be sweeping the nation. Across North America, brands are looking to their packaging as a way in which to garner consumer attention and drive sales in store.

Here is a great example. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch introduced their tequila flavoured beer, Oculto. In an effort to entice, they included labelling which features pressure sensitive labels with mask motif and tactile ink typefaces. The reverse of the label also incorporates a thermochromics ink, which changes colour in response to variations in the temperature of the beer. Read more about it here: http://www.foodbev.com/news/anheuser-busch-inbev-adopts-multi-sensory-label-for-oculto-tequila-beer/.

According to VP of Marketing Jorn Socquet, “Oculto packaging is an innovation in itself. It brings to life a look that is premium, seductive and energetic. It features a multi-sensory experience, including multiple crown graphics, tactile printing and black-light inks.” Anheuser-Busch joins a slew of other brands taking their packaging to the next level.

What is the key takeaway here? Differentiation. Anything that helps you stand out in the crowd - and let’s face it, those shelves can feel pretty crowded - is a good thing. Presenting a fresh, innovative look, one that is designed to create a buzz and capture the attention of consumers, is great.

Is multi-sensory the only way to go? Sure, it is a fantastic approach, one we love, but there are other ways.

-         Innovation. A package that does more than just house a product, whether it acts as a platform for serving, can be reused, etc., seems to be one of the most popular custom packaging trends for 2015.

-         Authenticity. People seem to be really interested in more natural, raw packaging featuring a more authentic look. This means a more minimalist approach with a fresher, ‘less is more’ design.

-         Quality. Quality never seems to lose traction, and when your packaging is your voice, this is important. People equate quality with class, and so when you are using high quality inks and processes that ensure top-quality end product.

Custom packaging trends are changing all the time, and to stay competitive you have to stay up-to-date. Packaging Technologies Inc. can help you design and create a package that hits the target. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883.

Spinning Straw into Gold: Wheat Straw Paper Saving Forests?

When it comes to paper packaging, eco-friendly has become a trend that, for good reason, seems to be taking over. Consumers are far more aware of the environmental impacts of their purchases, opting more often for earth conscious packaging over plastic and non-recyclable materials. Manufacturers across North American are amending their processes to reduce their footprints, and improving the way things are done from the design stage through to final delivery.

As part of this drive for eco-friendly packaging, innovators are attempting to refine the process even further, looking for alternatives to reduce the overall impact. One such alternative? Wheat straw paper.

What is wheat straw paper? It is paper created using the straw left over after the food grain harvest is complete. This leftover straw, known as ‘agricultural residue,’ is typically disposed of by burning. 

However, when wheat straw paper is produced, instead of being disposed of, this material is used for that production, a potentially massive resource considering the 20 million acres of wheat grown in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Making paper with trees produces twice the ecological footprint compared to wheat straw - a major reason why this trend is set to make a massive impact over the next few years in North America.

Is this new technology? Not at all. Several other countries have been using straw to create paper for hundreds of years. In fact, 8-10% of the world’s paper is made from ‘agri-fibres,’ and China and India produce 20% of their paper using wheat straw, rice straw and sugar cane stocks. It has had a much slower uptake in North America though, but seems to finally be receiving the recognition it deserves.

So, is wheat straw paper saving forests? If it means less trees cut down, then yes, definitely. Is it the only way to do so? Of course not. Wheat straw paper manufacturing is still a niche market, so when you are looking to reduce your own footprint, here are some things to think about when sourcing a product packaging manufacturer:

-          Use of flexo water based inks

-          100% of waste paper trim recycled, and pallet reconfiguration to reduce transportation waste

-          Adherence to government regulations regarding BOD and suspended solids (well below those standards is ever better)

-          Design techniques that pay attention to minimizing material and maximizing structural support

-          Corrugated board material that is 100% renewable, recyclable and bio-degradable.

Every little bit counts, so making a conscious effort to find a manufacturer with a commitment to sustainability means you will also be doing your part.

Packaging Technologies Inc. is committed to sustainability, from the design stage right through to final delivery. Call us today for more information: 1-800-303-5883. 

Consumer Behaviour: Nielson Poll on Craft Purchasing Habits

We’ve spoken a lot on the topic of craft beer over the last few months, especially since the government announced their plans to increase exposure of craft brews in the LCBO. Over the last few years in particular, craft beer sales have surged in the province, and beer-drinkers are, now more than ever, opting more often for smaller local breweries for a taste of something different. 

Back in July, Nielsen released the results of a poll that examined consumer behaviour and purchasing habits with regard to craft beer. The results are pretty impressive. Here are just a few highlights from the poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 drinkers:

-         How many drink craft beer, and how often? 58% percent of those surveyed drink craft beer at least once per week. More than 25% drink craft beer several times per week, whereas the other 42% were identified as ‘less-than-weekly’ drinkers.

-         Does ‘craft’ matter? 30 percent of craft beer drinkers associate the word ‘quality’ with ‘craft.’

-          52% of respondents who drink beer said local production is at least ‘somewhat important’ when deciding which craft beers to purchase. This is compared to only 23% of those respondents who said being locally made mattered when they purchased spirits.

-         44% of regular craft beer drinkers reported drinking more craft beer than they did last year.

-         What prompts their purchasing decision? When choosing which craft beer to buy, 99% of respondents said flavour was important; 94% said freshness was important and 79% said aroma was a factor.

-         What to drink: When making a purchasing decision on-premise, 73% of craft beer drinkers surveyed said getting the beer on draft was important. 71% of drinkers said price was a factor; 67% cited local production as being important and 64% said product familiarity was important.

-         On average, craft beer drinkers purchase 3.6 brands per month, according to the survey. 15% of respondents also said they purchase 10 or more brands per month.

You can read more about the poll here: http://www.brewbound.com/news/2015/nielsen-poll-examines-craft-purchasing-habits?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=4baadd9b26-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-4baadd9b26-168857761.

So, when it comes to craft beer and consumer behaviour, what do these results mean? Firstly, competition is rising, and with more breweries opening up and more craft brew being purchased and consumed, buyers are becoming more selective. They know what they like and why they like it, but they are also willing to try new brands.

How to compete: aside from taste, your brand packaging is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to influencing consumer behaviour. As mentioned, drinkers are willing to try something new, and if your packaging is unique, engaging and eye-catching, people will be more likely to pick your brand over your competitor’s.  Your packaging carries your distinct message that sets you apart from your competition.

At PTI, we have experience designing and manufacturing custom packing for craft beer - packaging that grabs attention and influences consumer behaviour. We can help you compete. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883. 

CSDs Innovate with Product Packaging to Appeal to Consumers

It is no secret that the carbonated soft drink (CSD) market has experienced a major increase in the competition they face compared to a decade ago. Instead of continuing to hold their spot uncontested, CSD brands are having to reinvent, refresh and even rebrand their products in an effort to combat the pressure coming from their shelf-sharing counterparts.

This decline comes thanks to a number of different factors, not least of which is the focus on health which is driving customers away from the artificial sweeteners and high sugar content of many CSDs. Instead, many consumers are making the switch to the various other items on offer, most commonly smoothies, enhanced water beverages and non-dairy drinks.

Check out this great article from Beverage Industry to get an in depth look at some of the challenges and concepts some brands are facing: http://www.bevindustry.com/articles/88340-csds-innovate-with-packaging-to-appeal-to-consumers.

What can be done? The article notes that one reason for this decline is a generational shift which has caused “a change in the age entry point. Because the category is not getting the same penetration as in years past, it has affected its growth and engagement… this just means brand owners must utilize the correct messaging to appeal to consumers.” Keeping up with generational demands can mean a better market share than if this gap is ignored.

Product packaging is also key. Providing a number of different options, including offering smaller servings, appeals to both the health aspect and the small treat aspect, and this can appeal to a vast number of consumers. For example, as the article notes “Smaller servings, for example, can simultaneously boost margins while also giving consumers choices in terms of regulating intake and providing portion control.”

If you operate in the CSD market, you have your work cut out for you, but that doesn’t mean it is a losing battle - far from it! It just means you may need to take some extra steps to recapture your share of the pie. Call Packaging Technologies Inc. today for more info: 1-800-303-5883. 

Back to Basics: What Makes a Great Supplier?

For many customers, when dealing with a supplier, there are simple things that can cause a lot of upset. On the flip side, there are also a few simple things that make a supplier great. Often what makes a great supplier even better is a great customer - and I was reminded of that fact earlier this week while talking with one of our great customers.

I know this is a very different perspective as we so commonly focus on the efforts of the supplier to cement great relationships with customers to maintain and grow their business. Often the customer is considered to be in the position of power and can be as demanding or unconcerned with their supplier as they wish. However, this customer expressed to me that the importance of the relationship they build with their suppliers is second only in priority to the relationship they build with their own customers. This approach is an important part of their strategic business plan as they recognize that they rely on quality and dependable suppliers for products and services to create their exceptional products. 

Quality, competitive pricing, and on time delivery are just a few ways that suppliers can impact your business positively or negatively.

Here are some of the ideas you can use to build a strong and loyal relationship with your supplier.

1.     Visit your supplier’s facility. Meet the team that will service your account and gain an understanding of their business.

2.     Keep your supplier in the loop with the changes you are making in your company or changes in your marketplace that may affect a change in your requirements from them.

3.     Understand lead times and work with them to plan schedules to eliminate last minute rushes. Some rushes are unavoidable and a great supplier will be able to perform for you in those instances. Planning and good communication help to avoid unnecessary crises.

4.     Engage your supplier by including them in start-up meetings for your company’s new projects that involve their product and service. Many times they bring valuable information that can save you money and time in development.

5.     Maintain great credit with your supplier.

6.     Develop relationships. If you’re extremely satisfied with your supplier, recommend them when you have the opportunity. In turn, you will find your supplier recommending you.

Being a great customer is not difficult. Setting out your expectations clearly, treating your supplier with respect, fairness and appreciation for the vital role they play in your business, leads to loyal suppliers that will go the extra mile for you every time!

PTI is committed to building the strongest, most productive relationships possible. Check out our video to see just how we do it:

Want to work well with your supplier and get the most out of the relationship?

Call Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883.

Innovative Packaging Trends 2015: The Subscription Snack Box

The consumer packaged goods industry is one that has long been adapting to change in the marketplace. Mobile shopping has had an impact, although not as significant for grocery, but newest on the scene is a player that can seemingly hold its own: the subscription snack box is quickly becoming the sampling way of the future.

A subscription box is a package of retail products sent directly to a customer on a reoccurring basis, and subscription box e-commerce based business is a rapidly growing market. New companies are popping up every day selling all kinds of different products to customers who subscribe to their service - everything from all natural food products to fancy cured meats to dog treats and toys. 

How big a market are we talking? It has been estimated that there are 400 to 600 different kinds of subscription boxes available to consumers in the United States alone and more overseas ranging from $10 to $100. Even retailers like Amazon.com, CVS Pharmacy, Freshpair, and Lancôme use subscription commerce. According to Forbes, Birchbox, which is arguably the most recognizable service and valued at a reported $485 million in April 2014, led the subscription box trend with its 2010 launch. Since that time, others have jumped on the bandwagon to try and get a piece of the subscription pie.

The ability to try a whole bunch of new products, products conveniently delivered right to the door, gives customers a new level of convenience. So why does this matter for retailers? What is this subscription service really good for? Arguably the biggest boon for companies taking advantage is the increased brand awareness and the development of brand loyalty, especially for newer companies.

Other extras: customers often receive discounts on products by buying them through subscription boxes. Customers enjoy the surprise of discovering and trying new products or receiving their favourite products with such convenience. Again, both of these contribute to overall brand perception and brand loyalty.

For retailers, there are two things to consider when it comes to joining the subscription snack box team though: the costs of packaging and shipping can be high and your product packaging needs to speak for itself. Subscription businesses have to maximize their packaging to ensure that their package is arriving intact, that it reinforces their brand, and is cost effective to ship. These can be overcome with a design that accomplishes all without sacrificing one.

Want to take advantage of everything this growing trend has to offer? A bit of upfront planning can save a ton down the road, and help you achieve maximum results.

Packaging Technologies Inc. has you covered. Call us today for all your packaging needs: 1-800-303-5883. 

Drone Beer Delivery - The Future of Beer Sales?

A recent video posted by Granville Island Brewery had tongues wagging in the beer industry. The local brewery introduced its “newest” mode for delivering beer to help ensure the freshest experience ever: beer drone delivery.  Is this the wave of the future for beer sales?

Check out the video:

Quite appropriately, the video followed on the heels of a Globe and Mail article discussing the upcoming introduction of drone delivery to Amazon’s delivery repertoire. And although the video was obviously an April Fool’s prank done very well, it does actually have relevance when it comes to the packaging industry. After all, how would within-a-few-hours delivery impact packaging and the role it plays in a company’s overall marketing strategy.

When you sell your product on the shelf, you can take full advantage of the power of custom designed product packaging which considers the latest trends and innovations in the industry. A strong brand image works wonders when customers are making purchasing decisions, and making use of things like colour psychology and neuromarketing can yield major results. This is all good when that package is on the shelf - but what about when it is in the air?

Online shopping is a great example of the best way to attack this challenge, and those companies that take advantage of every opportunity are the ones who will see a better bottom line. Those companies that see the potential in packaging are the ones that know that the number of people seeing a box in transit through the postal service is huge, and thus represents a lot of exposure. A plain box won’t get the same attention.

Drone delivery, when it finally becomes a reality on a large scale, will mean the same thing. Taking your advertising to the skies will no longer mean a banner pulled behind a plane - your own custom packaging will achieve it all on its own.

For more about custom packaging that gets the attention it deserves, whether on the shelf, in transit, or, in the future, above our heads, call Packaging Technologies Inc. today: 1-800-303-5883.

Side Launch Featured in Canadian Packaging Magazine

Craft brewing has been on the rise in recent years, and for good reason. These small, local breweries are committed to providing high quality beer in small batches that appeal to a wide variety of clientele. But with this rise comes some stiff competition - and creative thinking goes a long way.

For many craft brewers, providing great beer often means great packaging, and Collingwood’s very own Side Launch Brewing Company is no different. Their craft beer has taken the world by storm, winning two major industry awards in 2014, including the highly coveted Golden Tap Award for best newcomer on the scene.

Not only is their beer taking the world by storm, so too is their packaging. It features a zipper pack carton which turns the case into a tray with ease, transporting the three beers made by the brewer to the customer in top fashion.

Packaging Technologies Inc. is proud to be the creator and manufacturer of this innovative packaging design, and we could not be happier for the success of this local brewer. Congrats to Side Launch Brewing Company on such a strong start in the craft brewery world, and all the best in the future - we’re proud to be a part of it!

You can check out the entire article in the November issue of Canadian Packaging, pages 16 and 17: http://issuu.com/glaciermedia/docs/cpac2014nov01_18de8fc0300256.

For more about how Packaging Technologies Inc. can help you design a creative and unique package to set you apart on the beer sales stage, please call us today at 1-800-303-5883.

*Image courtesy of Canadian Packaging Magazine, November 2014

Creative Packaging Genius: The Multi-Purpose Package

Innovation has come to mean a great many things in the retail packaging industry. Some of the newest, most popular packaging campaigns have featured some pretty out-there ideas - but these ideas seem to be what customers have come to appreciate. Clearly there is something to be said for thinking outside the box!

Check out this great video about the newest packaging idea from Papua New Guinea’s South Pacific Brewery - the Anti-Mozzi SP Lager Box!

By coating the beer case with a special blend of eucalyptus, this case becomes multi-functional as pieces of the box can be torn off and thrown in the fire to keep away those uninvited guests! The beer case just became far more than a case for holding bottles.

And it is about far more than just creative packaging for functionality. According to a recent article on Landa Nano, “figures from the US Energy Administration claim that 32% of all waste in the US comes from packaging.” That is a pretty startling statistic and really helps to explain why sustainability in packaging has become so important, at least from a customer’s point of view.

 Check out the full article here: http://www.landanano.com/blog/printing-multiple-purpose-packaging%E2%80%93geniu - it also features a number of other really innovative and intriguing examples of multi-purpose packaging!

At PTI, we are committed to innovation and design that brings your marketing strategy up a notch. If you are ready to think outside, under and around the box, and are looking for a creative packaging design that hits the high notes, please contact us today by calling 1-800-303-5883. 

Cracking the Code to Consumer Behaviour

It is a constant struggle - a balancing act - trying to determine the reasons behind consumer behaviour and why an individual buys what they buy and building a marketing strategy to match. The truth is, many consumers are not always aware of their reasons for certain purchases. Sure, some purchases are made for logical reasons, price as an example, but other times these actions are unconscious and the result of more base instincts and subconscious cues. Sometimes, what a customer says they want and what they really want can differ dramatically - and therein lies the challenge. Figuring out the behaviour and influencing factors is the key to cracking the code to consumer behaviour.

Ok, so where do you start, and how can you then work on those subconscious cues as well as the conscious ones? The answer lies in our frontal lobe - the part of the brain that deals with making logical decisions and higher mental processes. Emotional response, problem solving, and planning are all managed here. But wait - the subconscious comes from the limbic system - so how do we target both? And when did packaging become about biology?

Emotion is key in the marketing game. When you can create an emotional connection for the customer, their behaviour will be impacted. Take this great WestJet advertisement - think about how it impacted the company’s brand image: 

By pulling on the heart strings, a deeper level of connection is made and customers remember that connection.

Another increasingly popular method for explaining consumer behaviour is through neuromarketing, a new field of marketing research that is making waves as far as exploring and understanding why people purchase what they do. Things like eye tracking (to measure eye activity) and facial coding (measuring facial expressions) are just two of the neuromarketing methods being utilized.

Want to know more about the psychology of the supermarket? Check out this great article from Nunwood: http://www.nunwood.com/the-psychology-of-the-supermarket/.  In it, the author goes into great detail about what impacts and influences consumer behaviour, looking at everything discussed here and more. It is really worth a look if you are looking for further clarification on any of the above mentioned points.

Mastering consumer behaviour is becoming increasingly difficult, but our knowledge of the psychology of the supermarket has also grown. Harnessing the power of colour psychology or neuromarketing is a great way to keep that competitive edge.

For more about consumer behaviour and how to target with your packaging, please call Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Market Share Gains by Private Label Brands

In the past, private label brands were often situated at an unfair disadvantage as far as brand perception, often mistaken to be of lesser quality thanks in part to a lower price. However, private label brands have since come to outpace national brands and are now giving these big brands a run for their money.

Today, these are most often referred to as store brands, and they have become vital to the grocery retailer’s growth. They are also a key component in the growth of customer loyalty since they are exclusive to that retailer and the customer will return to buy the store brand product again and again.

So what led to this change? Price is no longer the deciding factor - although of course it does have an impact. Instead, brand trust has come to represent a great deal of the switchover sales. Trust and brand perception have grown steadily, and this is especially true when it comes to millennial shoppers, those born, typically, between 1980 and 2000. Why is this the case? Often it has a lot to do with innovation. According to a recent report from market research done by Mintel, 42% of millennial shoppers see private label brands (store brands) as more innovative than big brand products. When searching for value for their money, coupled with great quality, millennials tends to see store brands as having more to offer.

On the other hand, according to the study, shoppers in the baby boom generation tend to remain more loyal to bigger brands, mainly due to earlier private label experiences (when many stores were still ironing out the kinks) and an historic sense of brand loyalty developed over several years.

So, armed with this knowledge, what then do we know about what customers are looking for when it comes to private label brands? What catches the eye and incites an individual to purchase?

• Promotion of store brands needs to be comparable to the national brands, especially when it comes to point of purchase displays (these displays still carry a lot of weight no matter the shopper’s age). 
• Clean labels with easy to read type for ingredients and product claims - this has a lot to do with brand transparency and helps to build that trust we mentioned earlier.
• Simple focussed messaging, clean images and colourful graphics have replaced cluttered, scattered messaging.
• Functionality is key when it comes to innovation. A package that can do more than just house a product on the shelf will always stand out.
• Sustainability is also crucial. Packaging with a focus on the environment has become far more attractive and can mean big gains as far as sales.

So, how does your packaging stack up? Whether you are a store brand or a national brand, packaging has a lot to do with your sales - are you competing at the highest level?

For more about gains being made by some private label brands, and how you can compete, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Sunny Product Marketing: Can the Weather Predict Sales?

Weather determines what people all over the globe wear, what they eat, where they go, what they do, even what and when they purchase. Weather plays a significant role in the marketplace and marketers today are using big weather data to manage these opportunities to increase sales.

Studying the weather is not new. Insurance companies and farmers have been using almanacs since Robert B. Thomas published the first one back in 1792, watching the weather forecast to predict weather catastrophes and favourable crops.

According to CBC radio host Terry O’Reily, “Predicting the weather plays an enormous role in the world of advertising and marketing, too. Weather determines what products sell and which don't, and it influences our moods when it comes to spending money. Even a one-degree shift in the temperature has dramatic effects on the sales of dozens of products.”

What are your consumers’ behaviors during certain weather conditions and/or times of the year? It's a valuable question for all businesses to ask. Seasonal business is one consideration but weather is extremely localized and marketers conduct extensive research and closely monitor weather predictions in order to optimize their product offerings to meet the fluctuating demands of their consumers. 

Want to know more about how the weather can be used to impact your product marketing? Check out the entire article here: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/how-weather-affects-marketing-1.2801774.

For more about what impacts your product marketing, and how to harness these things, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883. 

Big Changes to Beer Sales and Retailing in Ontario

Over the past few months, beer sales and retailing have experienced a number of significant changes in the province. These have impacted a number of different individuals and organizations, and have given some the chance for some great opportunities for future sales. Here are some of the biggest changes coming for beer sales in Ontario.

The biggest change comes in the form of better availability. Ontario has finally taken notice of the demand for greater access, and by the Christmas season this year over 450 supermarkets in the province will feature brews on the shelf. This means that customers will be able to add beer to their shopping list with ease. That being said, sales have been restricted to 6-packs only, and only to a maximum of $1 million in sales/year.  Additionally, the beer must be sold in a separate section and only during the same hours operated by the Beer Store. Also, as mentioned, 450 supermarkets will get the chance to add to their sales, but with over 1500 grocers in Ontario, many won’t make the cut. Many won’t be given the license to sell.

Want to know more? You can read all about this landmark Ontario decision here: http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2015/04/expanding-beer-retailing-in-ontario.html.

Another big change will come for Ontario craft brewers.  A recent announcement made by Kathleen Wynne found craft brewers with many more options for their own beer sales. According to the announcement, the Ontario government says “it will make beers from smaller brewers more available and visible in Beer Store locations with improved placement and an increase to 20 per cent from 7 per cent of all shelf space and marketing.”

Why is this move great, not only for Ontario craft brewers, but the economy as a whole? More jobs and thus a more stable economy, especially in smaller communities where craft breweries often get their start. These craft breweries often employ anywhere from 3 to 100 people - making them an important economic resource for many Ontario locales.

Find out more about why Ontario craft brewers are celebrating this change for their own beer sales in the province here: http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/press-releases/ocb_press_OCB-Embraces-Beer-Retailing-Changes.php.

For more on both of these exciting changes, check out this great article from the Toronto Star - it covers both: http://www.thestar.com/business/2015/04/16/grocers-restaurants-craft-brewers-toast-beer-store-changes.html.

For more about how to compete in this increasingly competitive beer sales market, Packaging Technologies Inc. has you covered. Our creative, innovative, custom beer packaging can help you compete no matter what shelves your product is stocked on. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883. 

PTI Wins Gold PAC Award with Innovative Steam Whistle Stein Pack

The entire team at Packaging Technologies Inc. is extremely proud to announce that we took gold at this year’s 2015 PAC Global Leadership Awards in the Corrugated Containers - Structural Enhanced category.

The winning package design? Our Oktoberfest beer stein packaging for Steam Whistle Brewery.

Check out more about the specifics here: http://www.pac.ca/2015-pac-leadership-competition-award-winners.html.

This win was also featured in Canadian Packaging Magazine’s April edition. Read the full article on page 4 here: http://www.canadianpackaging.com/digital-edition/.

At Packaging Technologies Inc., we are continually striving for excellence, and our work with Steam Whistle is just one example of this commitment. We have the knowledge and experience to garner the attention your packaging needs.

Enhance your marketing strategy with a custom packaging design that gets noticed. Call award winner Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Retail Trends: Online vs. Bricks and Mortar Forecast

Retails trends and the competition between online sales verses brick and mortar sales continue to be a hot topic throughout the entire retail sector. The move to downsize large locations continues to be undertaken by many brick and mortar retailers, as well as an increase in online offerings to compete with those retailers taking over the online scene.  On the other hand, the fact that consumers seem to refuse to give up their desire to shop in-store at a physical location has other, previously online-only, retailers setting up shop on the ground.

The majority of retail sales are still happening offline and the forecast suggests that although online sales will continue to increase, the likelihood of them taking over is slim, at least for the foreseeable future.

Check out this great article from the Globe and Mail, “Retail Reboot: How E-commerce is Forcing an Industry Transformation”: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/retail-reboot-how-e-commerce-is-forcing-an-industry-transformation/article21602870/?page=all. In it, the author presents a startling number of both direct and indirect impacts of online shopping, both to the online sector itself and to brick and mortar locations. Clearly e-commerce is changing the retail landscape.

Here is a great graph from the above mentioned article that shows just how much of an impact online sales are having in Canada:

As mentioned, in 2014, several big name online only stores, including Amazon, set up physical retail stores. This is in direct opposition to those stores making the move to smaller locations, but for the online-only retailers, the need came as a result of the desire of shoppers for the in-store experience and therefore validates the need for physical stores. For these stores, new marketing strategies with things like point of purchase displays and creative packaging have become a new challenge.

This is all part of another growing retail trend - omni-channel retailing, or simply put, the creation of a seamless customer experience across all channels. Creating a positive in-store experience can lead to further online sales thanks to a heightened brand awareness and increased customer loyalty - and vice versa.

With competition in no short supply, garnering attention on the shelf has become even more crucial. Creative, unique and intelligent customer packaging can get your product noticed - another growing trend within the retail industry. This is also vital when it comes to shipping - a boring brown box catches no attention, whereas one that is branded well is seen by a significant number as it makes its way to the final destination and reinforces your brand to the receiver. For those stores now having to revamp their typical strategies as a result of their move to brick and mortar, displays are becoming a new, yet very effective, tool.

For more about the major changes going on in the retail landscape and how you can continue to compete, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Generation Gap: Retail Trends for 2015

It is 2015, and the impact of the generation gap on retail trends is not a new topic of conversation. That being said, for many brands and retailers alike, recognizing that different age groups benefit from different marketing tactics is proving harder to harness than many would like.

Each age group has certain characteristics that impact their buying behaviour and the purchases they intend to make over the coming months. These are just a few of the characteristics marketers are using to influence their strategies when it comes to Boomers in particular:

• Boomers are wealthier than previous generations.
• They are more concerned with youth and vitality.
• Most have some form of formal exercise in their schedule.
• Expect to take 4-5 trips in 2015.
• Boomers are downsizing in the real estate market. Purchasing condos with amenities within walking distance.
• Reviving the at-home dinner party, with more entertaining.
• Enjoying wine in a bigger way.

Still having a hard time recognizing how exactly you can take this information and apply it to your marketing strategy? Check out this great article from Magic Online, “4 Ways to Market to Baby Boomers in 2015”: http://magicblog.magiconline.com/content/4-ways-to-market-baby-boomers-2015.

Top 4 Ways:

1. Know that baby boomers are tech savvy - the all-to-common assumption that age denotes level of tech knowledge is a wasted opportunity.
2. Target without alienating other consumer groups - you can’t always please everyone at once, but that doesn’t mean segregating and separating your strategy to cut out various groups. 
3. Recognize that transparency and trust are everything - as shoppers get older, no matter the age range, loyalty changes - but transparency is a crucial way at maintaining a hold on that loyalty.
4. Don’t market to baby boomers as if they’re old - this one pretty much speaks for itself - no one likes this!

As far as retail trends for 2015 go, recognizing generation gaps is crucial for success.

For more about retail trends and how to implement them when it comes to your packaging strategy, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883.