Kokanee Beverage Packaging Design
After going through an extensive RFP process in which Jump dedicated over 200 hours to defining and visualizing the brand characteristics, we were selected by Labatt to redesign and revitalize its Kokanee brand. The objective was to recapture the attention of consumers in Western Canada who had let their loyalty drift over the last two years. The discount segment and numerous microbrew options had eroded Kokanee’s market share and some attention was needed to bring this prominent brand back to a growth position. The Kokanee packaging had not seen change since 2002 and it no longer adequately conveyed the characteristics of its distinct position as B.C.’s ‘Glacier Beer’. The goal given to Jump was to make the most refreshing packaging possible within the context of the ‘mountain playground’ that the brand is synonymous with.
Taking the learning from the initial brand definition exercises, Jump embarked on the identity overhaul, starting with the Kokanee logo. We began exploring ways to evolve the design and bring an energy to it that would work with a new backdrop. It was important to retain the iconic ‘K’ that had worked so well as a moniker for the brand in the past. When the final wordmark arose, it was clear we had a winner. The new logo is bold and striking without sacrificing approachability. Its contemporary styling and upward angle give it energy while the equity of the Kokanee ‘K’ has been retained in a cleaner format.
Our next task was to design a bottle, can and carton that would deliver the highest level of refreshment and compliment the new logo. Working collaboratively with Labatt, we developed a broad range of concepts from revolutionary to evolutionary. The design that emerged employs a lower elevation mountain image that is more attainable and relevant to consumers as a ‘winter playground’. We introduced a more vibrant blue that embodies the essence of ‘glacier fresh’ and incorporated the sun into the design to capture the feeling of a cold, crisp B.C. mountain day that the core consumer can relate to. The blowing snow off the mountain slope brings another element of energy to the packaging as it drifts over the new Kokanee wordmark.
After research produced some of the highest scores in the company’s recent history, the new packaging was launched in Western Canada on May 25th. It will be making its way across the country to Ontario in early June. Labatt is expecting to see a spike in market share with the new and improved Kokanee packaging and the brand is now perfectly positioned for the mass exposure it will be receiving at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
Richard Fortin, Brand Manager, Labatt Breweries of Canada
Thirsty for more? Take a look at our Bucanero Max packaging design, our Cristal packaging design, or our Maleta Winery packaging design.
