Bronze Packaging Design · 2022
Gradient Vodka Soda Vodka Soda Packaging
- A' Design Award 2022 Bronze Winner in Packaging Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Gradient Beverages Corp.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,755
- Verification code 0290804E67 · Verify this award
About Gradient Vodka Soda Vodka Soda Packaging
Gradient is a packaging design for a mixed pack of vodka soda drinks. The pack holds six sleek 355 millilitre cans with gradually reducing alcohol strengths of 8, 7, 6, 4, 3 and 2 percent by volume. The cans sit in a single line inside the box, and a dot matrix pattern fades from dark to light across the row. An angled perforation opens the box from the stronger end towards the lighter end, so the cans are taken in that order. The layout encourages moderation across an evening. Three flavours are offered: raspberry lemon, cucumber mint and lime.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Gradient is the world's first alcohol mixed pack to package multiple, gradually reducing alcohol content drinks in one pack – 8%, 7%, 6%, 4%, 3%, 2% alc./vol. The decreasing dot matrix design perfectly matches the gradient dot matrix on the one-of-a-kind six-in-a-line box. This unique concept gives people a fun way to moderate their night, encouraging people to drink less and less so they stay "bright" all night.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 6x Sleek 355 mL cans at 8%, 7%, 6%, 4%, 3%, 2% each available in 3 flavours: Raspberry Lemon, Cucumber Mint, Lime. Angled perforation from front to back to encourage people to start at the stronger end and work their way down.
- Tags
- gradient, moderation, vodka soda, seltzer, gradually reducing,
- Production Technology
- Key to the production of this design was meticulous Pantone matching across mediums to ensure a seamless match between shrink sleeve cans and and 24pt beverage grade box. Alignment of dot matrix grid also took careful planing at all stages of production.
- Design Challenge
- The most difficult aspect of this project was developing a system that would allow each individual can to stand out on their own, yet become part of a greater idea when seen together - which is the key purpose of the product itself. The gradually reducing dot matrix design solved this issue in a way that kept the product bright and appealing.
- Project Duration
- This product was launched in Canada in August 2021, where it has been met with an incredible response. International exports are scheduled to begin late 2022.
- Operation Flow
- Gradient is designed to be enjoyed from the higher alcohol end to the lower alcohol end - the box's unique in-line design and perforated top nudges consumers to drink in the proper order. By starting strong, then drinking less and less through the night, gradient allows you to enjoy a few drinks without letting the night get out of hand. This works because of the way the average human body can process one 355 mL 4% alc drink per hour. Relatively high alcohol is introduced early, then decreased over time maintaining your blood alcohol levels.
- Research
- 52 percent of U.S. consumers are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption. (IWSR) Despite this, over the past two years alcohol sales
have increased by 33% (IBOTTA). This tells us that people are looking for new ways to moderate their consumption. - Inspiration
- Moderation is important, but it isn't easy. Anyone who has woken up regretting how much they consumed the night before knows that the more we drink, the less control we have over our ability to moderate our alcohol intake.
Gradient offers a solution to this "auto pilot" problem by being the world’s first to package multiple, gradually reducing alcoholic beverages in one pack.