Symbolic features appearing on beer labels

There are a huge variety of graphic design approaches in use across the beer sector today, and that is one of the main draws of these products. The craft beer movement has brought a vibrant and differentiated attitude to alcohol sales, and brands of all kinds have joined in, searching for effective ways to reach shoppers’ eyes.

Though being unique is a major selling point in beer production, a few common elements may further improve the overall impression created by labels. Brewers can and should stop to consider whether their current designs are reaching customers effectively.

Mark of independence
A recently developed symbol may soon become a major sign of independence within the craft brewing sector. According to The New Food Economy, the Brewers Association has developed a seal to affirm that a company is actually independent. Breweries that are more than one-fourth owned by a larger industrial brewer can’t attain the independent designation.

Shoppers interested in craft beer may be pleased to have this confirmation that the brewers they are supporting are actually small businesses, rather than mere subsidies of larger conglomerates. According to New Food Economy, one of the major trends sweeping the industry in recent years has consisted of acquisitions. With big companies buying local breweries, it can be hard to tell independent breweries from corporate concerns, hence the symbol. The Brewers Association stated that 200 companies have applied for the seal directly following its announcement..

Full lists of ingredients
Another way to implement standardized information into bottle designs may involve including ingredient, nutrition and serving facts, even when such mentions aren’t required by law. According to Food Ingredients First, Diageo, the importer behind Guinness, is pioneering nutrition facts labeling on beer in the Republic of Ireland. The source noted that the conglomerate tried out the idea on a limited basis last year with its Smithwick’s brand.

Proactively disclosing information about ingredients and nutrition in the beer industry is an expansion of the clean label trend that has swept the food sector. The theory is that today’s consumers like making informed decisions about what they eat and drink, and this even expands to items that aren’t considered healthy, beer among them.

Print effectively in-house
Whether brands are interested in proclaiming their independent status or being more forthcoming about their nutritional value, there are a few different approaches to beer labeling that might draw extra attention from curious shoppers. Companies interested in making changes to their products’ appearance can launch in-house label design and printing efforts, but it helps to have a good printer – such as the Afinia A801, available on our U.S. site or Canadian page.