Beer + artisanal craftsmanship + great design. What’s not to love about craft beer?
Show me an consumer category dominated by large corporations, and I’ll show you a craft revolution waiting to happen. After decades of the world beer market being owned by the big, global brewers, the last ten years-or-so has seen the re-emergence of a dynamic industry of craft brewers. The trend has been a boon for beer lovers, design studios and branding agencies.
I recently came across a Craft Beer Trend Report from Indianapolis based CODO Design who specialise in F&B branding and especially branding and packaging for craft breweries. If I’m being critical the report is probably a little light on science and depth, but that would be missing the point. And besides, there’s nothing quite like beer to soften a critique. These guys clearly have a passion for and expertise in the brand space of craft beer and that alone is worth saluting.
In their own words; “Along with a host of new branding trends, there are several major currents that are impacting the industry and driving these aesthetics themselves. Lager, cannabis, Walmart, the word “craft”—we have a lot to discuss…”
The major trends they’ve identified for 2018 include:
COLOR FOR SKU DIFFERENTIATION
Green is for IPA. Brown is for porter.
DENSE & THICKLY-ILLUSTRATED
Lush and detailed
BRIGHT WHITE
Sparse suggests design, indeed perhaps fierce intent
FULL PHOTOS
ABV / IBU / DPI
MURDERED OUT
Just like witches at black masses
THROWBACKS
All analog. All day.
CODO Design is a branding and web design firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 2009, partners Isaac Arthur and Cody Fague have focused on the food & beverage industry, with an emphasis on craft breweries, bars, restaurants and food artisans. You can check their site and the full trend report here.
Pics vis Codo Design