Expo West 2023
Design Trend Report: Expo West 2023
3 Key Trends from Expo West 2023 in Anaheim, California
01. Maximalist Design Aesthetic
The Maximalist design trend is an architectural and fashion design trend that is now filtering into packaging design. The Maximalist aesthetic embraces traditional craft and was born out a counter-response to the minimal modernist movement. This style celebrates the ornate, over-the-top and decadent and has been influencing decorative illustrations, challenging colour combinations and swirly fonts.
1. Parch builds their look on artisanal craft - https://drinkparch.com/
2. Forage Kombucha takes cues from floral interior decadence - https://drinkforage.com/
3. Brutal Chocho Chips uses a highly ornate contemporary font
02. Whimsical Surrealism
Food branding often aims to communicate a ‘joyful’ feeling, and this year has seen a range of brands that use a design aesthetic that captures a strong sense of surrealism. From soft pastel colours palettes, to intriguing illustration themes and quirky characters these designs inspire a sense of magic and wonder.
1. Mila Soup Dumplings integrate their product into quirky illustrations - https://thexcj.com/pages/mila-by-xcj
2. Magic Spoon bring us a bold and colourful world of adventure - https://magicspoon.com/
3. Wildwonder invite us to drift away into a world of flavour - https://drinkwildwonder.com/
03. Two Tone Brands
Simplicity has always played an important part in food and drinks packaging design. However, this year has seen this principle taken to an extreme with a range of brands that have been built on single colour and two-tone applications. This bold design approach ensures a bold and clear visual cut-through.
1. Dirtbag Bar focuses on fun typography - https://www.dirtbagbar.com/
2. Acid League uses bold colours to differentiate flavours - https://www.acidleague.com/
3. Kao uses tones of a single colour to create a layered graphic effect - https://drinkkoe.com/
My Question to You…
With so many brands competing to create a meaningful connection with shoppers and with these visual trends in mind, it is worth asking yourself this question…
What does this mean for my brand and the way we tell our own story visually?
If you're curious about how we can contribute to this, let's talk.
Email Graham at graham@billion.studio