Paleteria La Michoacana Paletas

Creative Agency: The Creative Pack
Project Type: Produced, Commercial Work
Client: PLM Brands
Location: USA
Packaging Contents: Agua Fresca Paletas / Popsicle
Packaging Materials: Paper

PLM Brands is a California-based company who produces frozen novelties using traditional Latin American methods and recipes. In mid-2015 they worked closely with The Creative Pack to expand their business by designing a line of frozen Agua Fresca fruit bars, also known as Paletas.

Design Objectives:
- To develop a brand that appeals to a conventional and natural channels
- To design packaging for the launch of a new Paletas range
- To create a bold, impulsive visual aesthetic inspired by Latin American heritage
- To incorporate their existing 'La Michoacana' logomark

The biggest challenge was to communicate to consumers that the ingredients are all-natural without using the usual 'natural' visual cues (ie. minimal, white design or kraft texture). The initial launch included 4 SKUS; Mango, Chili & Lime, Crushed Pineapple & Coconut Water, Watermelon & Lime, and Strawberry Lemonade. With such deliciously innovative flavor combinations, the design deserved a vibrant, energetic look. Therefore, the overarching goal was to create a colorful, hip package design that is reflective of the innovative fruit bar flavors and Latin heritage.

The design aesthetic is influenced by traditional Latin art and design themes - symmetry, pattern, and a strong focal point. In this case, the powerful focal point is the produced title and fruit bar photography. The subtle floral pattern was illustrated exclusively for this packaging and is reminiscent of old world Latin tile work. Paring modern illustrative details with more traditional photographic elements makes for a beautifully eclectic, one-of-a-kind brand that can appeal to a much broader audience.

In turn, La Michoacana's Frozen Agua Fresca Bars packaging really resonates with Southern California consumers and packs a powerful fruity punch in the freezer case. The La Michoacana frozen Agua Fresca fruit bars range even received industry recognition before it officially launched in stores. In early 2016, the range recognized as a GDUSA Award Winner, reiterating the success of the updated La Michoacana branding and packaging.

The entire design process from start to finish took less than 2 months, including a competitor review, design concepts, a photo shoot, and pre-press artworking, which is an impressive feat for such a short timeline. The Creative Pack team prides themselves on creating award-winning packaging and branding while respecting deadlines and staying in budget.

Currently the product is sold locally in Southern California Whole Foods Markets. Watch for it on shelf at new retailers throughout 2016.

What's Unique?
These paletas are the perfect treat for these summers months! What a great way to cool down than with a frozen refreshing dessert. The vibrant, bright, energetic look is very reminiscent the unique Agua Fresca flavors - Mango, Chili & Lime, Crushed Pineapple & Coconut Water, Watermelon & Lime, and Strawberry Lemonade. This box packaging is very unique because of its traditional Latin inspired art and design - symmetry, pattern, color, and strong focal point. The subtle floral pattern was illustrated exclusively for this packaging and is reminiscent of old world Latin tile work. The combination of the modern illustrative details and the more traditional photographic elements make this eclectic, one-of-a-kind brand match its one-of-a-kind packaging.