The Power of Package Design for Gourmet and Premium Products

They say we are what we eat. And the fact is, we are increasingly demanding about what we eat. The same goes for what we drink, season our food with, and consume in general.

Individuals are starting to pay more attention to their health and the environment and how they are affected by the products we consume. Many people are returning to traditional values of quality and origin over price and haste.

Premium products are part of a luxury universe that is becoming increasingly accessible to various audiences. Brands, especially in the area of ​​wines and spirits, have realized the added value they can bring to consumers.

In recent years there has been a growth in demand for premium products worldwide.

What is the difference between gourmet and premium products

The term ‘gourmet’ was first used by the Frenchman Jean Savarin. In his book The Physiology of Taste he used this word to designate people with a refined, elegant and refined palette.

Although much time has passed since this book was originally published in 1825, the meaning of gourmet has remained virtually unchanged. Gourmet product brands are representative of sophistication and quality. Making a gourmet product is adding value through the texture, ingredients, taste or presentation, differentiating it from the more generic products on the shelf.

The term ‘premium‘ is used to describe quality products with some added innovation factor. In addition to being more expensive than conventional products, they are rare and part of a brand’s history, providing a novel experience for those who consume them.

What do customers look for in gourmet and premium products

It all started with the sophistication of alcoholic beverages. There was a need to increase the range of products and to offer something special and differentiated to consumers. This change involved changes to production and branding systems.

According the CEO of Moët & Chandon, “People look for 3 things in premium products”. The first is authenticity, the second is the association of a luxurious lifestyle and, finally, the sense of a unique experience.

Consumers are willing to spend more on products that can make them better, healthier, more unique, or more efficient. This drives demand for products that we perceive to enable us to become better versions of ourselves. Such is the case with products of organic origin and conscious production.

Are gourmet foods just a passing fad?

According to an analysis of the global market in the wine sector, this trend is here to stay.

A Portuguese study by the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro says that “in value, it is expected that both production and consumption (of superior wines) will increase.”

This is largely due to the “gourmetization” of wines, which is becoming increasingly present in the global market.

Our Work with Premium Products: Package Design for Gallo

We would like to highlight the design project that we were challenged with by Gallo, a hallmark Portuguese olive oil brand.

Quality is a central value of Gallo, whose olive oil is a staple in every Portuguese kitchen. That’s why they launched the Gallo Cider Vinegar product line, made with natural, authentic, and versatile flavors. By offering a new range of premium products, they can offer an elevated dining experience and make gourmet products more accessible to their audience. This new product line showcases the brand’s dedication to keep up with consumer trends and needs.

The design challenge was to create a new image for this range of cider vinegars: original, balsamic and bio.

Because of the strong brand’s strong ethos and recognition in the Portuguese market, we maintained classic logo, bottle and signature and only made changes to the label and graphics. The goal was to communicate the naturalness and lightness of this gourmet range.

Through the use of engraved illustrations, we highlighted the main ingredient: the apple. With the handmade texture of the label paper, we reinforced the naturalness of the range. And, through the rustic typography and colors, we underlined the authenticity of these gourmet products.

Each product was assigned a unique color that corresponds to the characteristics of the vinegar. In the Original, a light blue is used to represent the freshness of the product. The warm tones used for the wood-aged Balsamic convey its intensity and rich character. In Bio, green creates an organic and sustainable atmosphere that communicates its organic origin.

The Power of Package Design for Gourmet Products

Design is crucial to visually distinguish gourmet products from their conventional counterparts. Gourmet package design is not just about making a product look fancier, but connecting with an audience who values the integrity of the product inside.

Want to see more of our gourmet product package design? Gallo Organic Olive Oil