Branding is crucial to selling a product. A smart design sells not only the product, but also the company. The story, the idea, the attitude of the business, it's truly impressive if they can be reflected in the branding. Chocolate cafe Cocoa Colony, together with Bravo, a New York and Singapore based creative studio, have made a simple but elegant design that seems both luxurious and classical.

• Cocoa Colony, in collaboration with Bravo studio, has developed a unique brand identity that combines luxury, history, and classic design.
• Their gold color scheme suggests value and luxury, paired with traditional packaging that reinforces the brand's historical narrative and quality.
• This case emphasizes the pivotal role of branding in increasing visibility, fostering loyalty, differentiating from competition, etc.

Golden Branding for Chocolate

Cocoa Colony tells the story of two brothers. Aristocrats from Spain who had fallen on hard times, they went to the Americas searching for gold in the 19th century. A storm stranded them in Ecuador, where they found cocoa plants and built a fortune, all the while spreading the joys of chocolate. Quite a fun historical story, and this history is at the core of Cocoa Colony's branding.

The Cocoa is dubbed Amazonian Gold, and that's reflected in the heavy use of gold colouring.  The promotional chocolates are almost like bricks of gold, like precious bullion. Some of their merchandise is also coloured gold, reflecting the idea of value and luxury. Meanwhile the pale, parchment like wrapper, as well as the wooden boxes seem old fashioned and traditional, further playing into the historical narrative.

The result is branding that's both subtle and vivid, that seems like a luxurious, high quality, classical but not obsolete design, that proudly emphasises the company and the brand as its historical story.

Importance of Branding

Branding is critically important for a multitude of reasons. Here are several key ones:

• Identity and Recognition: A brand is not just a logo or tagline, it's the entire image your company projects to the world. A strong brand can help your business become more recognizable to consumers. It includes visual elements such as logos and color schemes, but it also covers tone of voice, messaging, and even the type of customer service you offer.

• Differentiation: In a crowded market, a strong brand helps you stand out from your competitors. It distinguishes your products and services in the eyes of potential customers, giving them reasons to choose you over your competition.

• Trust and Credibility: Over time, a strong and consistent brand can build trust and credibility. If customers recognize and have positive associations with your brand, they're more likely to choose you over an unfamiliar brand.

• Customer Loyalty: Once customers trust a brand, they are more likely to stay loyal. If they have a good experience with your brand, they're more likely to choose your products or services again in the future.

• Easier Marketing: A clear brand identity can make your marketing efforts more efficient. It gives you a guideline for creating advertisements and promotions that reflect the essence of your business.

• Attracting Talent: A strong brand is not only important for attracting customers, but it also plays a role in attracting and retaining top-tier employees. People want to work for companies that are well-regarded and widely recognized.

• Increased Business Value: Businesses with a strong brand often have higher business value than those without. Strong branding can lead to improved customer perceptions, more customer loyalty, and therefore increased business performance and value.

Takeaway

The Cocoa Colony's branding is a prime example of how storytelling, design, and history can come together to create a compelling and distinct brand identity. The company successfully uses branding to convey an image of luxury and tradition tied to their unique historical narrative, differentiating them in the marketplace and fostering a strong connection with their customers.

Originally seen on: http://weandthecolor.com/cocoa-colony-golden-brand-design/66715