When consumers visit a grocery market to buy cereal they have many options available. The cereal brands that are able to stand out can get people to notice the cereal they are selling and eventually buy it. Cereal boxes have a vital role to play in marketing the product in the U.S. grocery market landscape.
This is because the packaging will probably be the first interaction that people will be having with your cereal product and it can even convince them to buy it. Packaging has evolved from being a container to protect the product to now being used strategically to market the brand and its products.
The following discusses the evolution of cereal box marketing in the U.S. grocery market:
Protect cereal product
Since the early days the packaging aimed to protect the cereal product from stuff that can negatively impact it like germs, dirt, humidity, etc. The product needs to remain fresh and crisp so that consumers actually want to buy it. Before, the packaging only concentrated on protecting the product and included minimal branding.
Nowadays the packaging still aims to protect the cereal product so that consumers can get it in excellent condition, but the boxes are also used to promote the brand and let people know what it believes in. For instance a brand that is sustainable will choose eco-friendly packaging made with Kraft paper that is of a food-grade quality.
Packaging material used to make the boxes has advanced as well now letting brands get good-quality and food-grade cardboard or paperboard that is of the thickness the brand requires. Brands are also considering sustainable packaging like that made with cardboard or Kraft paper. Biodegradable plastics are even available.
A brand can end up with eco-friendly packaging for the cereal product which is of a high-quality and is food-grade so that the cereal is safe to consume.
Custom packaging solutions
A custom cereal box is being considered as it helps a brand end up with the perfect box suitable for the quantity of cereal that needs to be packaged. A brand does not have to get a huge box or a really small one as a custom box can be made in the perfect dimensions for the product.
The box will be lightweight and also not waste packaging material to make it. The right dimension box can better store in the cereal and will present it to customers in an efficient way.
Detailed guide about the product
The packaging can market the cereal product as it can give people important details about the cereal before they buy it. In fact the cereal product can be shown directly to potential customers through a transparent window on the box so that they can know how it looks.
A brand can include the relevant details on the packaging such as the flavor, quantity, ingredients, nutritional details, etc. of the product so that the packaging design is not confusing. QR codes can also be added which consumers can scan with their smartphone and find out more about the cereal product. Custom cereal boxes are becoming interactive giving customers a fun and exciting experience. These QR codes can lead people to exciting games and contests as well.
Details about the brand even get added on the packaging to help promote it amongst the competition letting people know it exists. This includes information like a company logo, brand color, business contact information, etc.
Promote product amongst competition
The packaging is being used to promote the cereal brand and its products in a grocery store where there is much competition. This happens when the box is prominent and stands out amongst the competition so that it is easily noticed by the target audience.
Colors, images, designs, etc. are being used to do this. You can add those that will help differentiate your brand from the competition and let people know what type of cereal you are selling.
For instance the packaging for kids will include bright colors and have pictures of cartoon characters on it and even games or puzzles. A healthy cereal that diet-conscious adults consume will that have the packaging design that convinces people the cereal will give the benefits it claims. The healthy ingredients can be highlighted on this packaging.
Cereal packaging has evolved and now has become an important part of the marketing efforts of U.S. brands. This may be due to the fact that many brands have realized that packaging has a major role to play in giving consumers a certain impression of a brand.
Strong packaging immediately conveys quality and convinces customers the cereal is a high-quality one. The packaging that is designed in a creative and thoughtful way can stand out and let people notice the product and know what type of cereal is in the box.