Beer can with orange coral trout fish on the front and coral.

Your new product label - is it worth the investment?

Shelves in shops are busy places. How you package, label and present your product plays a pivotal role in standing out from the crowd and shaping your brand’s credibility. It’s more than ticking the boxes of legal requirements. Packaging is a powerful tool for communication and differentiation. It has the potential to captivate consumers, evoke emotions and ultimately influence their perception of your brand and product.

Let’s face it, first impressions matter. Product labelling is often the first tangible interaction consumers have with a product. A well-designed label can instantly capture attention, create intrigue and convey professionalism. Conversely, a poorly designed or unappealing label may raise doubts about your brand’s commitment to quality and won’t get consumers over the line.

It’s not only about the consumers. Labels and brands need to appeal to the person deciding whether to stock your product on their shop shelves. They are building their own brand, and your product needs to fit into the look and feel of the store competitively.

Your product label reflects your brand’s values and identity. It allows you to tell your story and establish an emotional connection with consumers. Thoughtful packaging that aligns with your brand’s values and resonates with the target audience demonstrates authenticity and builds trust.

Moreover, packaging quality directly impacts consumers’ perception of product quality. A sturdy, well-made package, and aesthetically pleasing suggests that your brand prioritises attention to detail and values customer experience. On the other hand, flimsy, unappealing packaging may raise concerns about the product’s reliability, leading to doubts about quality and credibility.

We need our labels to communicate important information about the product, such as ingredients, usage instructions and certifications. These elements can create a lot of clutter. Still, a well-designed label can meet the labelling requirements while assuring consumers that the brand is trustworthy and committed to providing relevant details.

In the age of sustainability, consumers of all ages value eco-friendly packaging. Brands that adopt sustainable packaging practices contribute to environmental preservation and gain sales by showcasing their commitment to social responsibility.

There is no doubt that packaging and labelling is a significant cost when creating your new product, but what is the price of a mediocre design and its impact on brand credibility? Your label is a gateway to consumer perception, establishing trust, authenticity and product quality. Brands that invest in thoughtful, well-designed and sustainable packaging can elevate their credibility, differentiate themselves from competitors and foster long-term customer loyalty. As the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but, let’s be real, it’s undeniable that consumers do.

Author: Sylvia Vella

Sylvia has been working closely with the team at Finlay's Brewing Co and Sun City Produce to illustrate and design their product labels and congratulates both businesses on their continued success.