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Consumer Products

Trident Layers Packaging: One Device Imparts Form and Flavor.

May 13, 2013 at 8:25 am by Ted Mininni

In a highly competitive category – that isn’t setting the world on fire sales-wise these days...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Hot New Iron Man 3 Licensed Product: Designer Heels?

May 6, 2013 at 8:56 am by Ted Mininni

We all know that the best licensed products are those that are cleverly conceived and not-so...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

Packaging for Kids' Brands Isn't Kid Stuff Anymore.

April 29, 2013 at 10:00 am by Ted Mininni

Today’s kids are sophisticated, brand-savvy and connected at an early age, thanks to social...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

Ricola’s Music Edition Wrapper: A New Twist on an Old Structure.

April 22, 2013 at 7:49 am by Ted Mininni

Sometimes great package design can derive from the simplest of ideas. Sometimes it’s merely...More

Comments: 1

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Tech Deck: Package Design Architecture Conveys Play Pattern.

April 15, 2013 at 9:38 am by Ted Mininni

Tech Deck fingerboards – working replicas of skateboards bearing the logos of real...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

The Magic Behind the "Secret Handshake" in Licensed Apparel.

April 8, 2013 at 8:57 am by Ted Mininni

It may not be appropriate for all licensed brands, but there’s no denying the desire that can be...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

Establishing Style Guide Guidelines: How Strict is Too Strict?

April 1, 2013 at 9:23 am by Ted Mininni

There’s no denying the value of establishing standardization for a well-designed...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

NBA and Grateful Dead Partner on Co-Branded T-shirt Collection.

March 25, 2013 at 7:43 am by Ted Mininni

For many years, it’s been a trend for Deadheads to show their passion for the band and their...More

Comments: 2

Licensing, Branding, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Viral Pepsi MAX Spot: A Great Ad for the Chevy Camaro.

March 18, 2013 at 8:34 am by Ted Mininni

If you've been reading the Design Force blog over the past few months, it may seem like I'm on a...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

True Innovation Derives From the Individual, Not the Group.

March 11, 2013 at 9:43 am by Ted Mininni

Over the weekend, I read a refreshing article on FastCompany.com that challenges the...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

HEXBUG Warriors: Winning the Product Segmentation Battle.

February 18, 2013 at 8:24 am by Ted Mininni

The product segmentation methodology of every brand's package design system is integral...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

3 Simple Ways to Add Visual Impact to Your Packaging.

February 11, 2013 at 6:47 am by Ted Mininni

I don't think it's possible to overemphasize the need to get brand packaging right. After all...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

The Value of a Licensing Program Style Guide.

February 4, 2013 at 4:41 pm by Ted Mininni

In a conversation I had recently with a prospective client, I was asked what the potential revenue generation would be if they were to invest...More

Comments: 2

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

McDonald's Informs Consumers Through New Global Packaging.

January 28, 2013 at 9:40 am by Ted Mininni

It was announced a couple of weeks ago with considerable buzz that McDonald's is...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

How To Avoid Licensed Property Overexposure.

January 21, 2013 at 9:42 am by Ted Mininni

We’ve all seen this: a successful licensed property ends up on consumer products in every...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

LEGO "Fits" Perfectly with Belkin.

January 14, 2013 at 3:10 pm by Ted Mininni

I've been blogging much lately about the need for licensors to be more selective when pursuing...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products

Does Packaging Rule as the #1 Marketing Tool? Or Not?

January 7, 2013 at 11:05 am by Ted Mininni

Seriously?? Is packaging truly the #1 marketing tool? What about advertising campaigns...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Packaging Shoes for Sneakerheads

December 28, 2012 at 9:22 pm by Ted Mininni

This Christmas, Santa brought my 18 year old son a pair of Air Jordan XI Bred basketball shoes, which are a re-release of the Air Jordan XI's...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Beyonce and Pepsi: A Good Fit... or Not?

December 17, 2012 at 9:45 am by Ted Mininni

According to an article in Forbes last week, Pepsi has agreed to leverage the fame of pop star Beyonce in ads, a Super Bowl halftime show, and...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

Game Changers: 5 Ways to Increase the Value of Packaging.

December 10, 2012 at 10:31 am by Ted Mininni

We all love products that are considered game changers. But, it's tough for marketers to...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Downsized Packaging: The Perils and Possibilities.

December 3, 2012 at 10:57 am by Ted Mininni

The Incredible Shrinking Package! The dread of every package designer! The bane of every brand...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership, Sustainability

5 Segmentation Methodologies for Consumer Product Packaging.

November 26, 2012 at 12:02 pm by Ted Mininni

One of the most important components of a package design system is its segmentation...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Hot for Holiday: Prepare to be Perplexed... and Frustrated!

November 19, 2012 at 11:12 am by Ted Mininni

Come this Friday, we'll all officially be in holiday shopping mode. After all, 'tis the season...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products

Booyakasha! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are Back on TV!

November 5, 2012 at 12:37 pm by Ted Mininni

Classic kids’ entertainment properties are more appealing now than ever. The secret...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Nick's Winx Club: How to Capture and Package Fantasy

October 30, 2012 at 10:22 am by Ted Mininni

Nickelodeon has tapped into something whimsical and wonderful with the Winx Club brand...More

Comments: 1

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Hello Kitty Gets KISSed!

October 22, 2012 at 10:10 am by Ted Mininni

When you think about it: America’s iconic rock band, KISS, has a lot in common with the lifestyle brand Hello Kitty...More

Comments: 1

Licensing, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

Will Wii U Be a Winner?

October 8, 2012 at 1:53 pm by Ted Mininni

The critics are unenthused, but consumers aren’t. Pre-orders on Nintendo’s Wiii U Gaming System are scorching hot. In fact, many retailers’...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Marketing to Baby? How Young is Too Young?

October 1, 2012 at 12:22 pm by Ted Mininni

Quietly last year, the Disney Company began to market to the one youth demographic left to expose its brand to: newborns. New mothers...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

A Blockbuster Film Doesn't Ensure Blockbuster Products

September 24, 2012 at 9:45 am by Ted Mininni

When Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme park ride became a movie sensation, it...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Smart "AR" Strategy: Try Me. Buy Me.

September 17, 2012 at 10:11 am by Ted Mininni

As with any new technology, marketers are grappling with the best way to use AR – augmented reality – to advantage. While it’s cool to point...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

Was Andy Warhol Really Onto Something? Can Packaging Be Art?

September 10, 2012 at 2:28 pm by Ted Mininni

Andy Warhol famously elevated Campbell’s soup cans to pop art. At first, The Campbell Soup...More

Comments: 2

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Can Sharapova's Lips Seal the Deal with Consumers?

September 4, 2012 at 10:55 am by Ted Mininni

I’ve always said that a commodity product branded and packaged in a unique and exciting...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

Forget One-Off Packaging – You Need a Package Design System

August 27, 2012 at 1:22 pm by Ted Mininni

This is a topic that I’ve raised and addressed in the past, but it’s clearly in need of further...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

So, You've Got an Amazing Retro Brand, Huh?

August 20, 2012 at 9:25 am by Ted Mininni

Reintroducing a “retro” brand to the marketplace is cool – but only if it’s given a modern, relevant twist. Otherwise, forget it...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership, Sustainability

Packaging as Part of the Product?

August 13, 2012 at 3:38 pm by Ted Mininni

Once in a while, I come across something so innovative and clever that it makes me wonder why it’s never been done this way before...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership, Sustainability

Are Comic Books Becoming Irrelevant?

August 6, 2012 at 10:40 am by Ted Mininni

No doubt about it. Comic books have been pretty camp since the 1930’s. Reflective of our culture and the times. They’ve been used to...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

Barbie: Still Hot at Age 53

July 30, 2012 at 11:46 am by Ted Mininni

It seems that toymaker Mattel has found the Eternal Fountain of Youth and imbued it in their #1 brand – Barbie. I love what Mattel is doing and I...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

Batman: Still Rising

July 26, 2012 at 7:20 pm by Ted Mininni

The last installment of the three-part Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises”, proved that this superhero’s staying power is real...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Michael Vick: Turning Redemption into Licensing Success?

July 23, 2012 at 11:14 am by Ted Mininni

Let’s face it. Few athletes are as gifted as Michael Vick. Speed, agility, strength, a great arm...More

Comments: 3

Licensing, Branding, Consumer Products

Lego: Heroes in Package Design

July 16, 2012 at 9:35 am by Ted Mininni

The Lego brand always seems to have a knack for tapping into pop culture with the right toys and the right story at the right time. It's a cool...More

Comments: 1

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

Why Retro Brands? Why Now?

July 9, 2012 at 1:34 pm by Ted Mininni

Trendwatching.com for July 2012 focused on the latest consumer trend, what they dub “Newism: why consumers crave the new”. Yet, at the tail...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Nut on a Mission: Superhero Saves Us from Boring Breakfasts!

July 2, 2012 at 9:37 am by Ted Mininni

Just when TV ads have been offering more banality: out pops a new fictional superhero to...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

A Smart Licensing Deal: Icing on the Cake?

June 25, 2012 at 11:22 am by Ted Mininni

What’s the ultimate for an accomplished baker? Not only a successful business, but fame and fortune. Discovery Communications TLC’s Buddy...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Licensing Program Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Annie's Hops into Consumers' Hearts, Minds and Hands.

June 18, 2012 at 9:12 am by Ted Mininni

Not long ago, Annie’s Homegrown was known for one thing: all-natural mac and cheese...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

It's a Bottle First... THEN it's a Penguin.

June 11, 2012 at 12:09 am by Ted Mininni

Score another one for Method. The unorthodox company has a knack for developing memorable consumer products. And what do these...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

A First: Disney Leveraging "Where's My Water" via Licensing.

June 4, 2012 at 12:25 pm by Ted Mininni

Move over Angry Birds and Annoying Orange. Disney is elbowing its way into the licensing arena...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Muppets on Band-Aid: Negative Moments turn Magical.

May 28, 2012 at 8:50 pm by Ted Mininni

Kids cut and scrape themselves. It’s a part of being a kid. But, putting a bandage on a crying...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Package Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

New Kraft ID Gum. A Lifestyle Choice & an Experience for Teens.

May 21, 2012 at 3:30 pm by Ted Mininni

Kraft Foods is launching a possible game changer this summer: ID gum. There’s a lot of buzz...More

Comments: 10

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

Mattel & Crayola Join Forces. Great Idea?

May 14, 2012 at 11:34 am by Ted Mininni

Not all co-branding ventures make sense. The result of ill-advised pairings? Lackluster sales (read: failure)? For success, both brands should be...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

The Avengers: A Total Retail Experience

May 7, 2012 at 11:36 am by Ted Mininni

Marvel Entertainment’s long-anticipated The Avengers movie is finally here. No doubt this super hero mega-romp across the big screen...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing Thought Leadership

Walgreen's Private Label Packaging: Nice!

April 30, 2012 at 10:35 am by Ted Mininni

Packaging consumer products in a wide range of categories always presents challenges. Not only now, but in the future when line extensions...More

Comments: 4

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

Do Licensed Collectibles Run Counter Culture?

April 23, 2012 at 10:07 am by Ted Mininni

After all, we keep hearing how consumers are spending far less discretionary cash and...More

Comments: 1

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Hasbro Licenses a Stroke of Genius

April 16, 2012 at 10:23 am by Ted Mininni

What’s a mom supposed to do when her five year old daughter wants to design her own clothes? Find a way to make it happen, of course. It doesn’t...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Happy 100th Birthday, Oreo!!

April 9, 2012 at 10:18 am by Ted Mininni

Wow. Nabisco’s Oreo brand has been around delighting kids and families for 100 years as of March 2012. Can you believe it? The brand is still...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

Mattel to Release “Hunger Games” Heroine Collectible Doll

April 2, 2012 at 9:08 am by Ted Mininni

We all know the power of pop culture. Hot books have been turned into movie trilogies in the...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Package Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Move Over Boxes, Bottles & Cans: Pouches Have It in the Bag

March 26, 2012 at 9:42 am by Ted Mininni

It’s taken a while to catch on since StarKist introduced tuna in new packaging over a decade ago...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Visual vs Verbal Communication in Packaging

March 19, 2012 at 1:07 pm by Ted Mininni

People are visual. That’s why I think marketers need to find the balance between allocating resources for their verbal and visual marketing...More

Comments: 1

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

The Campbell Soup Company “Grows Up”

March 12, 2012 at 12:44 pm by Ted Mininni

Don’t worry: the iconic red and white soup can raised to the level of art by Andy Warhol isn’t going anywhere. It’s somehow always reassuring...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

New Marvel Licensed Products for... Pets???

March 5, 2012 at 10:49 am by Ted Mininni

Everybody loves superheroes and we all have our favorites. It’s interesting to note that consumers of every age group and demographic wear...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment

How to Evolve from a Toy Company to an Entertainment Brand

February 27, 2012 at 10:42 am by Ted Mininni

It’s no secret to industry insiders that the Hasbro brand has been steadily evolving from a...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Toy Fair ‘12: A Look to the Future and the Past

February 18, 2012 at 12:31 pm by Ted Mininni

I’ve been attending Toy Fair in New York City for the past 25 years. It’s a great place to do business, draw inspiration, confirm trends, and gain...More

Comments: 0

Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

HEXBUG Packaging: a Perfect Specimen

February 13, 2012 at 9:16 am by Ted Mininni

As designers of toy packaging, we always need to visit the retail environment before taking on our next project. Much like “The Strip” in Las Vegas...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products

Good vs. Evil Continues in the World of Lego Video Games

February 6, 2012 at 12:47 pm by Ted Mininni

Clearly Lego understands the power of superheroes. They’re hotter than ever and loved by...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Interactive Package Design Goes Into Orbit

January 30, 2012 at 3:45 pm by Ted Mininni

It’s no secret that consumers love to be able to customize or personalize products. Brands that make this the hallmark of their marketing have...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Marketing Study Shocker: Social Media & QR Codes Don't Sell

January 25, 2012 at 11:24 am by Ted Mininni

“As much as people embrace all things digital, they’re much fussier when they turn into actual...More

Comments: 0

Consumer Products, Market Research, Marketing Thought Leadership

How to Use Packaging Cues to Become a Category Leader

January 23, 2012 at 12:54 pm by Ted Mininni

How can manufacturers market and package a new brand in a saturated consumer product...More

Comments: 5

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

What's New in Toyland? “Amplified Reality”

January 16, 2012 at 5:15 pm by Ted Mininni

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January always generates “oohs and aahs” among industry aficionados and the press. This year is no...More

Comments: 0

Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

Package Imitation: a Sincere Form of Flattery?

January 9, 2012 at 7:23 pm by Ted Mininni

Successful brands should easily be identified by their packaging on crowded retail shelves. Marketers strive to leverage their unique brand assets...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

10 Critical Questions to Answer Before Rethinking Your Packaging

January 3, 2012 at 12:14 pm by Ted Mininni

Marketers of established brands have more to worry about now. The consumer product sector...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Market Research, Marketing Thought Leadership

Moms: Marketers Want Your Babies

December 29, 2011 at 5:47 pm by Ted Mininni

Marketers have long developed strategies and tactics to turn young children into brand-conscious consumers. Kids, exposed to TV and radio...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids, Marketing Thought Leadership

Harley-Davidson Hits the Road

December 27, 2011 at 2:29 pm by Ted Mininni

Of course Harley owners have always hit the road. Their love of freedom and new adventure represented by the open road is legendary...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Is There Any Room for Girls in Lego’s World?

December 19, 2011 at 12:33 pm by Ted Mininni

Danish toy behemoth, Lego, is revered by generations of fans around the globe. It’s no accident. Using Lego building bricks helps kids...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Market Research, Marketing to Kids

Marvel and Monster Jam? 3 Super-Powerful Reasons Why

December 13, 2011 at 6:23 pm by Ted Mininni

We love working with licensed properties. Especially those related to toy and entertainment...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Market Research, Marketing to Kids

Mickey, Minnie & Method

December 5, 2011 at 11:20 am by Ted Mininni

There are some companies that just have a knack for doing the unexpected. Method is one. We’ve always been admirers of Method’s approach...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Looks Like Barbie’s Going Hi-Tech

November 28, 2011 at 3:44 pm by Ted Mininni

Mattel gets it. Yet another generation of young girls is experiencing a special relationship with Barbie. And given the fashionista’s long heritage...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

A Brand with No Name? ...Really?

November 22, 2011 at 9:49 am by Ted Mininni

It’s no secret: many consumers have been suffering from a case of the brand blahs. Not many brands seem to mean what they once did...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Taking Licensed Packaging to the Next Level

November 14, 2011 at 10:30 am by Ted Mininni

Kudos to Disney for doing it right when it comes to licensing its properties. Few characters are as admired as Winnie the Pooh...More

Comments: 1

Licensing, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Market Research

Are We Too Focused on Cutting Costs in Package Design?

November 7, 2011 at 12:35 pm by Ted Mininni

It’s inevitable. In a recessionary economy, cost cutting becomes the first consideration. But I’ve...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Market Research, Marketing Thought Leadership

Future Licensing Opps: Virtual Properties?

October 31, 2011 at 1:52 pm by Ted Mininni

We’ve seen the future. The future is here. New licensing opportunities are increasingly coming from virtual vs real properties...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Apple Retail Stores: The Ultimate Package?

October 24, 2011 at 3:29 pm by Ted Mininni

Everybody who’s ever purchased or received an Apple product as a gift understands the anticipation, the pleasure of opening up the packaging...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Has Advertising Gone to the Dogs?

October 19, 2011 at 11:00 am by Ted Mininni

In their haste to develop striking new advertising, marketers are working overtime to create ground-breaking ads; but might those ads ...More

Comments: 0

Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Are You a Dipper or a Squeezer?

October 18, 2011 at 11:20 am by Ted Mininni

For eons, Heinz had the right idea. The company’s ketchup is a staple in the American diet; a sales superstar and well, why mess with...More

Comments: 0

Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products

A New World at Play: AppMATes Merges the Virtual & Physical

October 10, 2011 at 12:16 pm by Ted Mininni

Are we surprised that kids, the fastest of early adaptors, take to new apps like ducks to...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Smart Licensing: Disney & SpiritHoods Launch “Wearable” Muppets

October 3, 2011 at 11:20 am by Ted Mininni

Sometimes it seems as though kids’ licensed products get into a rut. T-shirts, caps...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Marketing to Kids

Coca-Cola Downsizing?

September 26, 2011 at 10:44 am by Ted Mininni

Americans have been counting calories over the past six years. How do we know? Soda volume has dropped over that time frame...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products

Iconic “I ♥ NY” Goes Prime Time

September 20, 2011 at 12:09 pm by Ted Mininni

An article published in the NY Daily News on September 15th: “‘I Love New York’ iconic tourism logo raking in millions in licensing...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Consumer Products

The NFL Kicks Off This Weekend! Are You Ready for Some... Pepsi?

September 9, 2011 at 1:06 pm by Ted Mininni

According to The Wall Street Journal, the NFL and PepsiCo have extended their sponsorship...More

Comments: 2

Licensing, Consumer Products, Entertainment

Are You Packaging Confusion?

September 6, 2011 at 4:05 pm by Ted Mininni

Not naming any offenders here, but you know who you are. If you’re a brand manager of a consumer product brand...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

YouTube Sensations: Package Structure??

August 23, 2011 at 11:10 am by Ted Mininni

And we thought brand managers and package designers were the only ones who believed in the power of packaging! Not so...More

Comments: 0

Structure Design, Consumer Products, Sustainability

Marvel’s Cooking Up a Great Licensing Deal

August 16, 2011 at 6:22 pm by Ted Mininni

Licensing Biz Magazine recently reported on a licensing deal between Marvel and Williams-Sonoma for a new line of super hero bakeware and...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products, Marketing to Kids

Is There a Next Incarnation of Harry Potter?

August 8, 2011 at 1:52 pm by Ted Mininni

Everybody knows that Harry Potter has been one of the hottest properties around the globe since the first book about the boy wizard debut in 1997...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

6 Package Design Ideas for the “New Reality”

August 2, 2011 at 8:27 pm by Ted Mininni

It’s no secret: consumers are shopping more selectively; reluctant to part with their hard-earned dollars unless we...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Why Most Package Design Refreshes Flop

July 27, 2011 at 5:20 pm by Ted Mininni

Contemporizing packaging is routinely executed by consumer product companies, but the end result is not always good. More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

Packaging Designed in the Context of Retail

July 26, 2011 at 4:52 pm by Ted Mininni

Packaging for consumer products can’t be successfully developed without considering its retail context. After all, it doesn’t exist...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products

Licensing the Gone and the Golden

July 19, 2011 at 2:05 pm by Ted Mininni

Great stars live on in our hearts and psyches forever. Their unique brands occupy a place no one else can ever hold.More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Branding, Consumer Products, Entertainment

What “Ownable” Creative Can Do

July 12, 2011 at 11:29 am by Ted Mininni

Have you ever gone to a store looking for a specific product, not sure which brand to purchase, and noticed that every brand looked alike?More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products, Marketing Thought Leadership

NFL Lockout vs. NFL Licensed Product Sales

July 5, 2011 at 3:37 pm by Ted Mininni

Here we are: the clock’s ticking and still no resolution to the NFL lockout. And the news is bad all the way around. Bad for teams, owners...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products

Licensee/Licensor/Retailer Red Flags

June 21, 2011 at 7:09 pm by Ted Mininni

Licensed products always get into trouble if they’re not performing up to snuff. Even more so now, as retailers push more deeply into...More

Comments: 0

Licensing, Consumer Products

Packaging that Hits it Out of the Park

June 15, 2011 at 9:25 am by Ted Mininni

There are times when a creative promotional packaging idea hits on all cylinders. Pabst Old Style bottled beer just hit one out of the park...More

Comments: 2

Licensing, Branding, Package Design, Structure Design, Consumer Products

Does Your Brand Own a Color?

June 1, 2011 at 9:05 am by Ted Mininni

Stand in an aisle of a store. What is it about packaging that catches your attention? Chances are color attracts you first...More

Comments: 0

Branding, Package Design, Consumer Products