Shave ice, Kakigori, ice shave(if you’re from Big Island), snow ice. Whatever you call it, it’s simple and delicious. As a kid, it was always a treat whenever we would get to have some shave ice. Some would have Li Hing Moi powder on it, others would have ice cream stashed inside but back then the common factor other than the ice was the classic paper or styrofoam cup. Fast forward to today and shave ice businesses are taking things up a notch from all-natural ingredients to sustainable packaging.
If you're familiar with my work then you know I am no stranger to designing packaging for companies. In the past, I've done designs for skin care lines, surf products, and lifestyle brands. Packaging design is crucial in captivating consumers' attention and evoking the company's essence and what it represents. In this post, we will look at shave ice companies and their packaging, and at the end, we’ll come up with one of our own.
Matsumoto Shave Ice has been in business for the longest time out of the ones on this list. With over 70 years on the north shore of Oahu, they opt for the classic Hawaii shave ice bowl and sometimes even the paper cone letting the bright colors of the shave ice do the heavy lifting. If it ain't broke right.
They came onto the scene in the 2010s started by an entrepreneur and sold to its current owner. It still uses the original whimsical branding created by its founder that makes the consumer feel the spirit of shave ice in a fun and photogenic way. Drawing inspo from what was trendy during that time; minimalism, handle-bar mustaches, and suspenders, this classic 2010s hipster vibe gives a perfect dose of nostalgia. With that in mind, the packaging was easy to make and perfect for the booming Instagram era with a logo that has proven to stand the test of time. With all the posts and mustache stickers, marketing took care of itself.
Tege Tege Shave Ice
Owned and operated by a Japanese duo offering shave ice done the Japanese way called Kakigori, this small truck sold out every day they were open. I had the opportunity to partner with Tege Tege, as you can see in the picture above, on the plastic cup. We opted for a clean and simple custom font with lots of open space in order for the beautiful shaved ice to do the talking. Unfortunately, the pandemic took them back to Japan and they did not return. All they needed though were those years they were in business that made them legendary.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
With a growing global emphasis on sustainability, product packaging has also seen a shift towards eco-friendly materials and practices. From biodegradable containers to recyclable paper straws, companies are prioritizing environmental consciousness in their design choices. This not only aligns with Hawaii's commitment to preserving its natural beauty but also appeals to consumers who value eco-conscious products.
Now, let's take what we've learned from these examples and design one of our own.
Using some cues from the companies above, we've come up with something modern yet nostalgic.
The color scheme is eye-catching but not assaulting. The typeface is fun, classic, and clean giving it a duality of familiar but fresh. Easily printed on merch, signage, and, packaging. We also illustrated an icon that opens up the possibilities for using it in many ways in packaging and marketing materials.Â
What do you think, did we nail it?
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