Revolutionizing Gingerbread Packaging: A Finnish Success Story

PACKLAB's Innovative Design Boosts Kanniston Leipomo's Sales by 700%

Responding to Kanniston Leipomo's request for a unique packaging design for their premium gingerbread cookies, PACKLAB embarked on a journey to create a packaging experience that would redefine Scandinavian Christmas traditions. The design team delved into the stakeholders' behavior within the bakery, distribution chain, retail environments, and explored Scandinavian seasonal home experiences. This comprehensive research led to a blend of tradition and innovation, resulting in a packaging design that was both familiar and novel.

The new packaging design incorporated the old Scandinavian tradition of three pieces of gingerbread bringing good luck and heart-shaped pieces emphasizing the affectionate characteristics of the season. These elements were communicated graphically through five different, yet similar variants of packaging. The design was not just about aesthetics; it was about creating an experience that resonated with the customers and the season.

PACKLAB's innovative approach did not stop at the packaging design. The team also worked closely with Kanniston to optimize their packing and production methods. They developed a bespoke internationalization workshop to explore product and service diversification within the business. This holistic approach to design and business strategy was a key factor in the project's success.

The impact of PACKLAB's design was immediate and significant. Demand for the gingerbread cookies increased by over 700%, and projected sales figures were up by 400% 12 months after the launch. The bakery's management reported that the redesigned product "sells three times more than any other product in our bakery". The sales team echoed this sentiment, stating, "Quite simply, production can't meet demand."

The success of the new product and packaging design was not just reflected in the sales figures. The design also received considerable organic PR and collected a host of awards for design and innovation around the world. The design was awarded the Golden A' Packaging Design Award in 2014, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.

In conclusion, PACKLAB's innovative packaging design for Kanniston Leipomo's gingerbread cookies is a testament to the power of design in transforming a product's appeal and driving sales. It is a shining example of how design can be a game-changer in the competitive world of retail, proving that sometimes, it's the packaging that makes the product.