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Whether we’re preparing an everyday meal or trying something new, spices have a special place in our kitchens. They enhance our culinary experiences and are central to one of our most fundamental needs and joys. As such, spices are a unique product — they can be a commodity, but also something to splurge on.
With increasing consumer interest in diverse and organic spices, demand for spices only continues to grow. Statista projects revenues in the salt and spices market to reach $48.97 billion by the end of 2024 and grow by 5.77% annually from 2024-2028.
As consumers continue to seek out new options, it will be crucial for spice manufacturers to carve out a space for themselves on the shelf and in the digital marketplace. Effective spice packaging is the primary way to do this. Whether you’re an emerging or established spice manufacturer, here’s what you’ll want to consider to reach a vast sea of consumers and stand out in a competitive market.
Who is your audience?
The spice market includes a wider spectrum of consumers and demographics than some product sectors. Spice consumers span multiple generations and backgrounds, leading to differing needs and expectations. Younger generations may prioritize novel experiences over brand loyalty, for example, drawn to unique spice blends, organic or natural products and ethically sourced ingredients. Older generations may opt for brands they already know and trust.
Getting spice packaging right starts with your target audience and their needs. That may mean your packaging strategy will differ between products within your portfolio. For example, if you produce both basic household staples and novelty spice blends, the packaging should differ to match consumer expectations (and demographics) for each of these categories. Regardless of the product attributes, ensure your spice label design speaks to what the audience values, whether that’s sustainability, clean ingredients or a household name.
You’ll also want to consider where your audiences shop. Millennials and Gen Zers—two of the largest generations of shoppers—do more and more shopping online, meaning your packaging must stand out even on digital shelves. As you design your spice packaging, you’ll want to ensure your spice packaging communicates your product’s values and attributes at a glance and on a screen.
Does your spice label tell your story?
Packaging is a powerful way to communicate your brand values and identity. In other words, it tells a story, and telling one that resonates with consumers is all in the details. Label design and enhancements can help that story unfold. For example, if you want to communicate a sense of luxury and quality for premium spices, you could use elements like foil accents, tactile varnishes and specialty laminates to convey those attributes. If you want to play up organic, sustainability or fair-trade attributes, you could make those more prominent visually, add a tactile finish or use sustainable packaging labels.
Interactive packaging, such as QR codes linking to the brand’s story, sourcing details or recipes, can also engage consumers and build loyalty. Including details on the product's quality, origin and uses helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and remain satisfied with your brand.
Are you fully leveraging your spice packaging real estate?
From your brand’s story to the ingredients list, spice packaging carries a lot of weight in terms of all it needs to convey — and all in a limited space. But, there are nearly endless ways to maximize this real estate, and it all starts with your label. Some spice label design strategies that help you leverage this space include:
- Clear labels: Showcase your product itself and highlight only the most important attributes with text, particularly when paired with a tactile finish.
- Label finishes: Add embossments, varnishes or contrasting areas of your label to capture consumer attention and highlight important product elements.
- Specialty laminates: Level up your label with premium finishes and textures, including linen and ultra soft touch.
- Extended content labels: Include recipes, nutritional information, or bilingual content with additional label panels that don’t detract from the primary label.
Elevate Your Spice Packaging with Belmark
If you’re looking to reach more consumers in the spice industry, Belmark can help you gain a competitive edge. We can help you balance function, product protection and visual appeal, ensuring your products are well-protected yet aligned with consumer values. With no order minimums and industry-leading turnaround times, Belmark is well-equipped to help you grow within the spice industry.
