Introduction
The global packaging industry stands at $1.14 trillion in 2024, with custom boxes contributing up to $74 billion by the end of 2023. That shows a huge potential in this market niche. Different design types including custom printed cereal boxes can be adapted to gain potential in this market.
These are the packaging boxes that are used to pack and transfer breakfast cereals. Cereal boxes are made of a variety of materials – including cardboard, recycled paper, or paperboard. However, these cartons are not just containers – they could be your source to elevate the customer’s morning experience. Let’s unwrap why these boxes matter and what are their design considerations.
Why Do Custom Cereal Boxes Matter?
Cereal boxes lining the cereal aisle aren’t just practical vessels for morning fuel – they’re masterful storytellers who can make or break the breakfast experience. Let’s peel back the layers and uncover why these unassuming cardboard companions truly matter:
Brand Impression
First impressions mean everything as people make their first impressions about your brand in 7 seconds. Therefore, a well-designed custom box is your brand’s clever wink to potential buyers. With a striking logo and an alluring color palette, your cereal’s packaging becomes an instant head-turner for customers.
Product Differentiation
But a custom cereal box’s magic extends far beyond its shelf appeal. It is a tool that lets you stand different from competitors. For this, you need to know your customer base. Do they need a sustainable product with recyclable materials? Or do the health nuts need a gluten-free product? Further, features like die-cut windows and embossed logos can also leave a lasting impression.
Client Connection
Speaking of connection, custom boxes have a knack for sparking emotional relationships that linger long after the last crunch. Up to 70% of the clients make a buying decision based on their emotions. Therefore, it is the need of the hour that you connect with your brands at an emotional level. Leverage storytelling, share fun facts, or even introduce recipes to catch your audience base.
Shelf Impact
Since cereal boxes are going to be placed on shelves among hundreds of other products, your box should have a shelf impact. Introduce eye-grabbing designs, and logos, or even craft a personalized message. Once your package stands out, it will convert.
Design Considerations of Custom Cereal Boxes
When it comes to creating a truly captivating cereal box, you need to think out of the box. Why settle for a boring old box when you can tantalize taste buds with a kaleidoscope of designs? Let’s explore some design ideas:
Shape and Size
Let’s start with the silhouette itself. While the classic rectangular form is a time-honored favorite, daring brands can go with customization in terms of shape and size. How about a hexagonal or triangular box? Not only do these unconventional shapes add instant visual intrigue, but they also provide a delightful element of surprise.
Color Schemes
But shape is just the opening act; it’s the vibrant color scheme that truly sets the stage for a show-stopping performance. As a matter of fact, rightfully chosen colors can increase brand recognition by up to 80%. Whether you go for vivacious sunny yellows or juicy berry reds, your hues should be as irresistible as the cereal itself. A fun fact is that yellow and red colors are associated with increasing hunger, so utilize them properly.
Graphics
With the foundation laid, it’s time to decorate your box with a curated collage of typography and graphics. It is important to know that these custom designs should tell your unique story. Use legible, hand-rendered fonts that practically giggle with your younger audience. Any relevant icon, image, or illustration can also enhance the visual attraction.
Material Selection
But design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a multi-sensory experience. That’s where material selection and finishing techniques come into play. Material-wise, you have the following options:
- Cardboard: A timeless design that is classic, sturdy, and easy to print.
- Kraft paper: More earthy and rustic, this material appeals more to health-conscious audiences.
- Eco-friendly options: Biodegradable materials such as plant-based starch can be used to make environmentally friendly packages.
Extra Perks
Of course, no tantalizing design would be complete without a few unexpected flourishes. A die-cut window tempting buyers with a sneak peek of the goods inside, perhaps? Or a built-in handle that adds both convenience and flair? Maybe you’ll opt for the premium touch of foil stamping or the UV highlights.
Consumer Experience with Custom Cereal Boxes
In what way does a custom cereal box engage with your customer and or improve their experience when consuming your cereal? Let’s find out:
- Free of opening struggle: In the morning, for example, people do not want to struggle with a container before they have their coffee. Thus your package should be easy to open. Hence, you are urged to apply some changes introducing such elements as perforated tear strips or more intuitive flap designs. This will help the customer and engage him to easily satisfy his urge.
- Resealable features: Still exploring doesn’t stop there. Sometimes, the customer wants to take a small quantity of cereal and at the same time, wishes to retain some for the next day’s use. This means to address this pain, you need to incorporate a resealable feature. For example, you may try introducing gadgets like zip-locks or tabs permitting you to close something.
- Functionality: Concerning the functionality, it is evident that it should occupy a central position in the package affecting the customer. Does the box contain information such as ingredients, nutrition facts, or allergy warnings? Secondly, you can bring an innovation, for instance, of QR codes. These things will positively connect the audience physically with your box.
Conclusion
The TL;DR is that custom cereal boxes are the type of packages that are used to enwrap cereal breakfasts. They come in various shapes with the most common ones being rectangular and having a lid. These cereal boxes are made of either cardboard or kraft paper. The importance of such boxes is that they can be used to carry your brand message, bring differentiation, and even show shelf impact. Taking care of the client’s experience like shape, color, graphics, as well as material can level up the marketing game of your cereal boxes.
