The Conversations, Trends, and Projects That Made Our Year
Curious about the biggest trends and moments that shaped 2024? From viral consumer habits to industry innovations, our year-in-review dives into the stories that kept us inspired—and what they mean for the future.
OUR THINKING
The World Through Our Lens
It’s all about perspective. Our team has thoughts on CPG branding, strategy, design, packaging, prototyping, sustainability, design trends, and just about everything else impacting our industry. Want a fresh POV in your inbox? Subscribe for updates (and follow us on social!).
‘Tis Always the Season
Growing up, our Christmas stockings were a treasure trove of candy, but what I anticipated most was the early LifeSavers Sweet Storybook.
Better For You, Better For Us
What is unique about better-for-you products and the perceptions around them is that they have collapsed the distinctions between healthy diets and eco-friendly responsibility.
What’s Next for Grooming?
When it comes to the future, the brand that will truly disrupt the male grooming category is the one that will own these conversations and bolster the breadth and availability of information men are seeking-or don’t know they’re seeking- beyond the clichés of sex and sports.
Turning a New Leaf
As more and more states legalize cannabis, similar opportunities exist for the brands that want to sell the increasingly diverse range of cannabis products.
Dispatches from the Future of Food
If there was a period of “Enlightenment” for food, it could be marked by the year 2020. Specialty food manufacturers are driving change so quickly that national CPGs are scrambling to keep up.
3 Ways Brands Fail Men… and How to Solve Them
The male grooming category is awash in a sea of sameness. Men recognize these products are intended for them, but what is less clear is the distinct benefit of one product over another.
Branding’s New Wave
How can a brand move beyond the gleaming cans of black and silver and present products that engage directly with contemporary male consumers?
Healthy, Healthier, Healthiest
When it comes to healthy-looking packaging expressions in food and beverage categories, there are strategic design codes that signal consumers you’re “in-the-health-game.”
Nurturing a Creative Environment
Creative and innovative work environments do not just happen overnight. While there is no standard or one-size-fits all approach for every company, the key ingredients are arguably the same.
Don’t Sugarcoat It: Confectionery in the 21st Century
The product does not define the brand; instead, it’s the brand that defines the product.
Navigating Seasonal Strategies
Doing something once is easy. Doing it again and again at a specific standard is something else altogether. That is why a true seasonal strategy is critical.
Brandemonium 2019
At the Brandemonium 2019 conference, I gained key insights into the next generation of talent. But how do we identify ‘the right talent?’