6 Cardboard Display Lessons We Learned from Brewery Industry

The brewery industry is full of competition, but one thing that sets successful brands apart is their ability to create memorable, eye-catching displays. In the highly competitive world of retail, the right cardboard display can elevate a brand’s presence, drive sales, and leave a lasting impression on consumers. Using Cardboard Display from Brewery Industry is quite a challenge.

At Packwins, we’ve had the privilege of working with several breweries, helping them design custom cardboard displays that perfectly match their brand identity and product offerings. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to creating effective retail displays for breweries. In this post, we’ll share six key lessons we’ve learned about using cardboard displays in the brewery industry.

1. Strong Branding is Essential for Impact

When it comes to selling beer, branding plays a huge role in consumer decision-making. People don’t just buy beer; they buy into the brand experience—whether it’s a craft beer’s story, a local brewery’s heritage, or a larger brewery’s global presence. The first thing we learned is that a display should always prioritize strong branding to stand out in crowded retail environments.

What We Learned:

• Bold Graphics and Logos Matter: Clear, large logos and bold graphic designs catch shoppers’ attention quickly. Consumers should be able to identify your brand from a distance.
• Brand Storytelling: Use your display to tell a story—whether it’s about the brewing process, the ingredients, or the brewery’s values. This creates an emotional connection with customers and sets your brand apart from others.

Tip for Breweries:

Ensure that the design elements on your cardboard display—such as your logo, colors, and messaging—are consistent with your overall brand identity. Consider using your display to tell the story behind your beers, as this can help consumers make a more personal connection.

2. Incorporate Functionality for Easy Interaction

While aesthetics are important, we also discovered that consumers love displays that offer a functional, hands-on experience. In the brewery industry, where tasting and trying new products is a big part of the experience, a cardboard display can also double as a convenient product holder.

What We Learned:

• Convenience Drives Sales: A well-designed display should make it easy for customers to interact with your products. For example, a display designed to hold six-packs or bottles allows customers to quickly grab their favorite beer without any hassle.
• Accessibility is Key: Consumers appreciate displays that are easy to approach and navigate, so they’re more likely to make a purchase.

Tip for Breweries:

Design your display with functionality in mind. Consider the product’s size, the height of the display, and how easy it is for shoppers to access the beer. Displays that are easy to browse and handle are more likely to drive consumer engagement.

3. Use Color to Capture Attention

Color plays an essential role in drawing attention to your display. During our work with the brewery industry, we learned that the right colors can make a huge difference in how a display is perceived. Bright, bold colors can make a display stand out, but the colors need to align with your brand image and product.

What We Learned:

• Vibrant Colors Work: High-impact colors like deep reds, greens, or golds can evoke different emotions in consumers. A craft brewery might use earthy tones to reflect its natural, artisan approach, while a larger beer brand might use bold, vibrant colors to stand out on the shelf.
• Keep the Brand in Mind: The colors you choose for your display should reflect the overall mood and identity of your brand. The display should evoke the same feelings that your beer does—whether that’s fun, sophisticated, bold, or refreshing.

Tip for Breweries:

Think about the emotions you want your consumers to feel when they see your display. Use color psychology to align your display’s colors with the mood and messaging of your beer, helping to attract the right audience.

4. Size and Stability are Crucial for High-Traffic Areas

Another lesson we learned working with breweries is that the size and stability of the display can make or break its effectiveness—especially in busy retail environments. Cardboard displays need to be able to hold up under heavy foot traffic and potential knocks.

What We Learned:

• Balance Size and Strength: While larger displays are more visible, they must also be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the products they’re holding. A small display might work in a boutique or high-end store, but a larger, more stable display might be needed in a grocery store or liquor store with higher foot traffic.
• Durability Matters: Cardboard displays need to be made from high-quality, durable materials to withstand handling and exposure to different environmental conditions, such as humidity or varying temperatures.

Tip for Breweries:

Ensure your cardboard displays are both large enough to capture attention and sturdy enough to hold multiple products. Choose high-quality materials that can support the weight of the bottles or cans and maintain their structure over time.

5. Seasonality and Promotions Drive Purchases

The brewery industry thrives on seasonal promotions and limited-time offers, such as summer ales, holiday specials, or limited-edition brews. We learned that these promotions can be a major driver of sales, and your cardboard displays need to reflect that urgency and excitement.

What We Learned:

• Seasonal Messaging Sells: Whether it’s a special winter beer or a seasonal favorite, limited-edition brews often draw in customers looking for something unique. Displays that highlight these promotions can increase consumer interest and drive sales.
• Promotions Require Eye-Catching Design: Using bold text and vibrant designs that highlight the promotion will create a sense of urgency and excitement around your product.

Tip for Breweries:

Incorporate seasonal messaging and bold promotional details into your cardboard display designs. Highlight limited-time offers and seasonal brews prominently to tap into consumer excitement.

6. Sustainability Resonates with Consumers

Sustainability is a growing priority in the beverage industry, and it’s especially relevant in the brewery sector. We learned that consumers are more likely to engage with and purchase from brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices, including packaging and retail displays. If you have urgent order, you could refer to local suppliers like Display2Go.

What We Learned:

• Eco-Friendly Displays Matter: Many breweries are turning to sustainable materials for their packaging and displays. Consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly drawn to brands that take environmental concerns seriously.
• Cardboard’s Natural Sustainability: Using recyclable or compostable cardboard displays can help reinforce your brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Tip for Breweries:

Consider using recyclable or sustainably sourced cardboard for your displays. Highlight your eco-friendly initiatives to appeal to conscious consumers who care about the environment.

Conclusion

Working with the brewery industry has taught us valuable lessons about designing impactful, functional, and durable cardboard displays. From emphasizing strong branding to creating interactive, sustainable displays, these six lessons can help you design displays that resonate with your customers, drive sales, and build brand loyalty.

Whether you’re promoting a seasonal beer, showcasing a craft brew, or designing a display for a larger brewery, understanding these insights will help you create displays that stand out and capture attention. At Packwins, we specialize in custom cardboard displays that are built to meet the unique needs of the brewery industry—let us help you design a display that drives results.