The Baltija Chocolate Collection, named after the Baltic Sea, is a testament to the sea's tranquility and diversity. The sea, bordering eight distinct countries, serves as the primary inspiration for this project. The packaging design features a lighthouse as a unifying symbol, reflecting the sea's calm and identity-less nature. The deep greenish-blue color palette further enhances the sea-inspired theme, lending a vibrant and luxurious feel to the packaging.
What sets the Baltija Chocolate Collection apart is its timeless design. The packaging does not favor any specific country bordering the Baltic Sea, reflecting the uniqueness of each. The design incorporates classic Victorian style illustrations, full of dynamic and wavy forms that mimic the sea's movement and volatility. The background features a unique sea scenery with a lighthouse in the foreground, tying the entire design together.
The packaging was realized using offset printing technology, enriched with matte varnish and copper foil elements. All boxes and envelopes were made from paper, further reducing plastic usage. The design team, led by Creative Director Motiejus Gaigalas and Head of Design Vytenis Petrusevicius, created three separate packages for this product line, each offering a distinct visual experience.
The design process began in January 2020 and concluded in May 2020. The project's success hinged on identifying the product's consumer base. Research revealed that the product was often purchased as a souvenir from the Baltic region. This insight guided the design to focus more on communicating the Baltic Sea's essence rather than the box contents. The result is a timeless and luxurious packaging design that stands out in the confectionery packaging landscape of the Baltic region.
The Baltija Chocolate Collection faced several challenges, including finding a unifying symbol for the Baltic region and determining the target audience. The design had to be subtle yet luxurious, timeless, and distinct from the competition. Despite these challenges, the design emerged victorious, winning the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that exhibit outstanding expertise and innovation.
In conclusion, the Baltija Chocolate Collection is more than just confectionery packaging. It is a gift from the countries located near the Baltic Sea, a timeless and luxurious token that encapsulates the region's essence. The deep greenish-blue color, Victorian style design, and copper details make this packaging premium, ensuring it stands out in the confectionery packaging landscape.
Project Designers: Motiejus Gaigalas
Image Credits: Photography: Motiejus Gaigalas, Zydrunas Slajus
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Motiejus Gaigalas
Head Of Design: Vytenis Petrusevicius
Graphic Design: Vytenis Petrusevicius, Zydrunas Slajus
Illustrator: Zydrunas Slajus
Project Name: Baltija
Project Client: Motiejus Gaigalas