Learning from Similarities, Differences, and Trends in the Spirits Industry
Whether you are a bourbon or a vodka distillery company, you know your product well. Better than anyone else, or at least that is the goal. But it’s also important to understand what is working across the aisle. Distilleries are growing businesses everywhere you look.
Perhaps something that works well for one could work well for the other. Or maybe you can find unique and tangible differences to capitalize upon.
At Ashtonne Packaging, we take pride in our expertise in crafting tailored packaging solutions for the spirits industry. Whether you're a distillery focused on bourbon or vodka, your packaging is a key part of your brand's identity, attracting customers and telling your story.
There is no one way to do anything, especially when it comes to packaging, branding and marketing. “Tried and true” can certainly inform your decisions, but it’s important to have a creative packaging partner to help you think outside of the box.
Here are a few typical approaches to spirits packaging, brand merchandising, and marketing that inspire the creativity that helps us win for our customers and can help you win for your brand.
Bottle Design: Traditional vs. Modern
Ashtonne Packaging is not a bottler. But we have learned what matters to your customers from the bottle that they choose.
Vodka is often associated with sleek, modern, and minimalist styles. Similarly, packaging efforts should tend toward showcasing the purity of the spirit. On the other hand, bourbon packaging often celebrates tradition and craftsmanship. The packaging and brand merchandising should accentuate this rich and sturdy heritage.
Labeling: Clean vs. Detailed
Of course, there are many exceptions to how a spirits product is labeled. That’s in the “spirit” of differentiation. Still, comparatively speaking, Vodka does well with colors like silver, white, and other metallic tones for a sleek, premium look.
Bourbon labels are often rich in detail. Earth tones, gold accents, and wood imagery are commonly used to evoke the warmth and complexity of bourbon. This should carry over to the packaging as well.
Again, these are tried and true, traditional methods. At Ashtonne Packaging, we learn from these models but always bring a unique, fresh and creative approach! We’ll make it better! Strategy will play a huge role in the look of your label, and there are many ways to make yours deliver the brand you are shooting for.
Merchandising: Vodka’s Simplicity vs. Bourbon’s Robustness
Gift packs or branded merchandising combo packs can set your brand apart. Build upon loyalty and generate new customers, too. We like to package vodka with branded glassware such as Highball or Martini Glasses or a Chilled Bottle Holder.
Bourbon is more traditional and speaks to those who appreciate craftsmanship. Consider branded merchandise gift packs, including leather coasters, a branded flask, or even a wooden box inspired by the bourbon barrel.
Marketing: Limited Editions
Supply and demand is always a factor. You must have enough to satisfy the masses. But sometimes, the fewer you make of any one thing, the more desirable it may be.
Elevate Your Spirits with Ashtonne Packaging
Whether you’re crafting a vodka with a modern edge or a bourbon steeped in tradition, the right packaging is crucial to making your brand memorable, regardless of if you are a start-up, small or large business.
From a new idea to the next expansion, Ashtonne Packaging has been helping both large and small businesses launch new products and expand product lines with product packaging and display strategy, design, and development for over 15 years, focusing our efforts to allow your products to stand out in the competitive ecommerce market.
For more information and a friendly conversation about what you might need to improve your product packaging and display in the distiller's industry, call Ashtonne Packaging at 877-832-7720 or contact us here, and let’s set a time to talk. We look forward to it.
