If you intend turning your beekeeping business into a thriving business with several colonies of bees, it will mean that you will have to look for new markets beyond your local community of farm stalls and organic food sellers.
You may have to start thinking of selling your produce to a wider market such as grocery stores, supermarket chains, and even health shops. This means that you will probably have to do a complete rethink regarding your label and general packaging design. Its one thing to supply the local mom & pop stores, but it’s a whole different ball game when you get into the big league of supplying large retail chains.
Packaging:
The basic points to consider when deciding on new packaging for you honey is firstly, the container and secondly, the label. Let’s look at about the container for a moment.
These are some of the fundamental points to consider:
• The basic shape of the container, for example, jars or squeeze bottle?.
• Standard shape or novelty design? – For example, in the shape of a beehive or a bear. Just remember, if you choose to go for a completely unique and original packaging design, it might look eye-catching on the supermarket shelves, but it will also cost a whole lot more to commission new molds for this unique packaging to be manufactured.
It may be more prudent, at the beginning stages of your business at any rate, to stick with standard, off the shelf packaging designs. You can always upgrade it with a clever or eye-catching design for your label.
• What will the container be made of? Plastic or glass?.
• Cost of container? What is the price difference per unit between glass and plastic?.
• Size of container (this relates in direct proportion to the weight of the honey inside the container). What sizes are you going to package and market? Have you done any research as to the popular sizes preferred by supermarket customers?.
Once you have decided on the correct container for your honey with the various sizes required, it’s time to look at designing the label.
Labels:
Keep in mind that designing fancy labeling will not cost you any extra. You still have to pay the graphic designer and you still have to pay the printer the same price m- whether your label is poor, or stunning. So you can really go to town with the label as much as you like.
However, there are quite a number of rules and regulations regarding foodstuff labels. Here are a few pointers:
• The label must display the exact weight of the product.
• The label must display a bar code so that the price can be scanned in at point of sale.
• The manufacturer as well as the distributor’s company name and physical address must be printed on the label.
• All ingredients, including preservatives, (if any) must be printed on the label.
• Be sure to mention what type of honey it is, for example “Blue Gum” or “Apple Blossom”. People like to know what main source of nectar the bees used to gather the pollen.
Design tips:
• Print the word “Honey” as boldly as possible on the label.
• Make sure the color as well as the design of the label reflects your company’s logo, colors and branding image.
• Make the label as bold as possible. Labels are usually viewed from a few feet away. Small or cramped information printed all over the place will not stand out and will make it almost illegible from any distance.
Take the time and effort to plan your new packaging carefully as the packaging and the label represents your company to your customers.