The convenience based packaging segment has grown in popularity over the past few years offering products that can be used on the go or offered in single serve containers. McDonald’s recently introduced some new packaging for their latest line of Premium McWraps. The new wrap packaging is currently being tested in west coast McDonald locations but will eventually be available nationwide. Several flavor combinations of the fresh wraps are available including “Sweet Chili Chicken” and “Chicken and Bacon” all created with a variety of fresh vegetables.

Check out the new convenience packaging that was introduced with their new wrap line. Each wrap is packaged in a long rectangular paperboard outer container printed with either a white, green or orange background. A center tear away strip was inserted that wraps around the entire container. When the strip is torn away, the top half of the container can be removed and the wrap may be eaten. What is nice about the packaging is that the bottom section of the container holds the wrap intact while the consumer easily eats it with one hand. High quality graphics of fresh vegetables are printed on the container to highlight that all the wraps are made fresh. The president of the Greater Bay area McDonalds commented, “We know people today are looking for freshly prepared meal options that are not only convenient, but taste great.”

Check out another product that also has convenience based packaging in our previous blog, “Dissolvable Convenience Packaging Hits the Market.”

Many global brands packaging design varies slightly depending on the country. Frito-Lay chip brand, “Doritos,” has recently re-vamped their packaging and marketing campaign to be consistent globally. The new campaign created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners is called “For the Bold” associating the chips with fun and exciting choices. For example, one of their TV commercials involves a young valet who is inspired to take a car for a joy with a police officer ride after eating “Doritos." Check out the commercial by clicking on the photo below!

The top photo shows the old packaging on the left and the new global packaging on the right. Notice that the bags have been made slightly wider but maintain the solid background color. The logo has been switched from the “sound wave” graphic to a black geometric triangle that is created around the word “Doritos.” Also, notice that the variety text size has been decreased and moved to the right section of the bag (ex: nacho cheese in bag above). Finally, the chip graphics have been decreased from three chips to two and have a more detailed high definition look. The new “Doritos” global packaging is now available for purchase in the 37 countries around the world that sells the chip brand.

Check out some retro packaging also released by Doritos in our previous blog, “Retro Packaging Comeback.”

Remember when we blogged about the 2012 Design Firm Makeover Challenge sponsored by Package Design magazine? Four design firms faced off to redesign packaging for Klara’s Gourmet Cookies. The competition came down to a close race between two firms but in the end Pulp + Wire was named the winner. Their packaging design was definitely creative, using paperboard folding boxes on a whole new level. Each of the smaller boxes, as seen in the photo above, unfolds in a blossom fashion almost mimicking the art of origami. The larger boxes also use intricate designs and detailed cutouts to create a unique decorative look.

The cookie company was so pleased with the redesign that co-owner Jefferson D. Diller stated, “Ultimately, our goal is to roll out new packaging for the Fancy Food Show food show next June.” All firms did a great job with their redesigns and we look forward to another spirited competition in 2013! 

Remember when we blogged about hot sauce products with interesting packaging back in October? Along my travels I came across another company with some awesome hot sauce labels that also give back to charity! The company is called Mic’s Chilli and they are based out of a small county in Ireland. The labels that drew my interest are for the four products in their Inferno line: “Inferno Sauce,” “Inferno Sauce Junior,” “Inferno Sauce Lite,” and “Inferno Sauce Extreme.”

The inspiration for the label art came from the Central American country of Belize where the company creator spent some time. Spanish is one of the major languages spoken in Belize and the traditional Spanish holiday “The Day of the Dead” is also celebrated. The holiday is a remembrance celebration for the souls that have passed away. Remembrance celebrations include dinners, parties, parades and of course an abundance of the traditional “sugar sculls” used to honor the dead on this holiday.  

Check out the labels for these four products in the photo above and notice how they have drawn inspiration from the traditional Spanish holiday by incorporating the skull characters into the artwork. Also, notice that they have utilized custom die cuts for both the main label and the tamper seal for an interesting label look. In addition, the company donates a total of 20% of their annual profits to various charities including Barnardos Children’s Charity and UNICEF Ireland!

For more information on this hot sauce company with an interesting background and a philanthropic philosophy, check out their website!