DesignRepublic

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a new company established in Belgium created by two entrepreneurs who have experience in B2B and B2C food. I am responsible for communication and marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DesignRepublic?

Design Republic has extensive experience in the field and works not only for big brands but also for newcomers with the same enthusiasm. This is what convinced us to choose Design Republic.

What were your goals for this project?

The first mission was to position our new range of products in relation to the competition. The second was to work on a name and a brand universe. Finally, Design Republic's mission was to offer us packaging consistent with our values, potential customers and distribution networks.

SOLUTION

How did you select DesignRepublic?

We contacted a few agencies with which we discussed our project. We chose the agency that seemed to best understand our goals and for an affordable budget. Their experience in food was important to us.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We first had a first exchange by videoconference. Then, it was important to have a face-to-face discussion with the two managers of the agency, Francis and Murtaza, to be sure that we agreed on the objectives and the mission. Design Republic gave us a first presentation with two very different proposals. We were able to discuss it very openly and make our observations. On this basis, the agency continued its work to develop the successful proposal. We were able to openly discuss again and make our remarks. With our agreement, Design Republic moved on to finalizing the logo, general design, product photography to deliver the films for printing.

What was the team composition?

We had as contact Francis as responsible for follow-up. Murtaza took care of the creative part and Evelien did the execution.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We were very happy with the results. The logo design makes the product easy to understand. Consumers also understand that this is a product for mass distribution stores.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We were able to exchange easily by video conference, Whatsapp, e-mail, ..

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We liked the fact that they don't differentiate between a large and a small client. We were made comfortable very quickly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only improvement is to work a little faster. The start was a bit slow.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Bidon coffee & bicycle We are owners of an espresso bar & cycling shop in Gent

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DesignRepublic?

We are launching a new coffee product - a coldbrew black coffee and a flat with with oatmilk in a can 

What were your goals for this project?

A coldbrew in a can helps to reduce the workload in summer times for the coffeebars (80% of summer drinks are iced coffee And that is a lot of work to make) and we also would like to sell in retail as a coffee in a can is Not yet in Supermarket in Belgium today.

SOLUTION

How did you select DesignRepublic?

We were looking for an agency that is specialized in branding, packaging & retail.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They create the brand, and the first packaging of the 2 cans. They help us with the idea of the website and e commerce.

What was the team composition?

The 2 owners of the company : Murtaza & Francis and than they work with freelance and fix team creative directors to make different options of the cans.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project is not finished yet but we are very very happy with our co working with them. We are now in the finetuning phase.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Perfect! We meet 2 times in real And had 3 Google Meet online and both works perfectly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The way they work with an international and diverse team is impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No not really.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am one of the founders of TIQAH, a strategy and research company. We work exclusively with consumers who have a migration background, in order to connect them with European brands. Over the years we've learned that there are many opportunities for brands that reach out.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DesignRepublic?

With TIQAH we developed a new brand, By Oummi. This brand is here to gather foodies and halal consumers around the same dining table. We want to create a brand that is healthful (Nutriscore A & B), authentic (recipes created by traditional mom's) and yet accessible for the non ethnic consumer.

We had developed all the brand assets of By Oummi, the ID, the marketing plan,.. except for the suiting branding. So we reached out the Design Republic to create our packaging, that matched our values: authentic, premium quality and accessible at the same time.

What were your goals for this project?

We didn't want just 'a halal brand', only for one target group. Because our main goal is to unite people around the same interests, values, beliefs. And food is a suiting category to do so. Therefore, we wanted our brand to become the "bridge builder'. This had to be translated in many aspect of our brand, of which the packaging was one.

SOLUTION

How did you select DesignRepublic?

Well, I've always loved the new ELVEA branding and the authenticity of the brand that it radiates. So I did some research on the design agency of ELVEA. That's how I discovered Design Republic. And then I contacted the marketing manager of ELVEA for some information and he was full of praise.

We didn't do any effort to set up a pitch call, we went straight for DP. Next to that and also an important decisive factor, is the fact that Murtaza has a Turkish background, which could only be an added value for our brand and our project.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We first organised a get-to-know each other meeting. Because our brand didn't exist at that time, so we wanted to make sure that DP trusted us and our ability of developing a new brand. So we took the time to answer to all their questions and to reassure them. Not that they had any doubts, but still.

Than we met at their office for a kick-off meeting and brainstorm about the branding. Secondly we organized a kick-off meeting with all the partners and agencies of By Oummi, where we introduced one and other and exchanged ideas on the brand and the marketing. This was very helpful too. That's all DP needed to get to started.

In the beginning we had weekly meetings, in order to follow the project very closely and to make sure all the information is given.

What was the team composition?

We work mainly with Nathalie & Murtaza. They are in very close contact with us, which is very important for the process of the project. And which only contributes to the trust in DP.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our brand is exactly what we dreamed of: an authentic and qualitative image, thanks to the excellent packaging design. We are more than satisfied, and so are our clients (the retailers selling the brand) and the end consumers. We are very proud to see our products in the shelves, because it radiates all we ever wanted.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective! As said before: we organized weekly meetings to catch up and evaluate the progress, we are in close contact with Nathalie & Murtaza. Until now, this works very effectively for us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Firstly, their knowhow and their brand portfolio. Murtaza is very straight forward thinker and very pragmatic as well, exactly what we need in our partners! We must say that, next to the design, DP also advises us on the brand identity and has already given many important and valuable feedback on many other aspects. So you pay the design, but you get so much value for money!

They've helped us put out fires several times, when the retailer had last-minute adjustments. Without any complaints, DP helped us out. This is in today's busy world and with the project-management -tools hard to find.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly, I don't believe there are improvements needed. We couldn't find any better agency. They understood our needs, delivered splendid work, and believed in our small brand. We must say that we've already recommended DP to one of our clients, who was looking for a reliable and experienced packaging design. And happy to see that our clients chose DP to work with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Holy Berry is a Belgium based company that imports and develops products based on the increasingly popular Açai berry. My name is Margaux Bonte and I am the head of marketing and CRM within this company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DesignRepublic?

For the rebranding of our 2 core products.

What were your goals for this project?

To redesign and optimise the current packaging.

SOLUTION

How did you select DesignRepublic?

We got in contact with design republic via another company (Bamboo Granola)

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They reviewed the overall branding of the company and the current products and proposed some "design routes". When we decided to go for one certain type of branding, they organised a photo shoot, made a brand book and designed the packaging.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with the manager and a second designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Very fluent and high quality service. Design republic thinks along, further than their scope of practice, to ensure optimal results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very efficient communication between us and the bureau. They reacted quickly and to the point, which indicates that there is also good communication internally within Design republic.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We love the quality of their work, flexibility, and the extent in which they think together with their costumers.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No improvements.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

frOui is a company offering natural beverage and food targetting families.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DesignRepublic?

Branding identity and design of the packaging.

What were your goals for this project?

Having a complete branding for the Organic market, a brand identity and fixing the definitive name.

SOLUTION

How did you select DesignRepublic?

From friends

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Branding, Packaging design and Advertisement in Marketing and Communication. They advised us on the name of the product, the positionning etc.

What was the team composition?

Murtaza, the founder and Kelly from the design team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our design is an outcome

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Good. It took only 4weeks for the end result.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their capacity to achieve with a short briefing and the creativity was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The knowledge of the Organic sector.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I have founded a natural food company centered on pulses, for selling B2B2C.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DesignRepublic?

Pulses, ie beans, are not viewed as particularly appealing so they had to create branding on the packaging and for the website and social media that would drive food appeal and interrupt the shopper at shelf by being different.

What were your goals for this project?

3SKUs ready to present to customers within 3 months of working together (front and back of pack)

SOLUTION

How did you select DesignRepublic?

I knew they had done another natural Foods brand startup where I really admired the design and the clear brand architecture.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Packaging front and back, visuals plus copy. Elements for marketing, like for website.

What was the team composition?

I worked mostly with their art director but also their co-founders

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The packaging they designed was spot on, it jumps at shelf, its appealing, it's a bit tongue in cheek. Also, they really get that shopper marketing drills down on the ability to sell and so knew that this was the ultimate purpose not just to look pretty.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective! And they were broadly supportive in related areas too, like finding suppliers

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to follow a brief and amazing creativity impresses us. their additional help to a resource strapped startup

Are there any areas for improvement?

No