Skip to content

Press Release

Zona Branding and Packaging

A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Advertising, Marketing and Communication Design

22 April 2026

Zona Branding and Packaging by Cansu Dagbagli Ferreira
Zona Branding and Packaging by Cansu Dagbagli Ferreira
Zona Branding and Packaging by Cansu Dagbagli Ferreira
Zona Branding and Packaging by Cansu Dagbagli Ferreira
Zona Branding and Packaging by Cansu Dagbagli Ferreira

Cansu Dagbagli Ferreira · CLIENT: Cansu Ferreira

Zona is the first hard seltzer of Angola, bridging local heritage with a contemporary aesthetic, featuring a brand identity inspired by the Huambo springs and the Okavango River. The design centers on a contemporary, bold aesthetic that uses monochromatic fruit based palettes and geometric icons to draw focus. A custom logotype incorporates a hidden water splash, symbolizing the essence of life and flow of the rivers. By combining vibrant colors with a clean, white based layout, Zona offers a fresh, uplifting visual experience that celebrates its origins through a young, design forward lens.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
Zona is the first hard seltzer brand of Angola, bridging local heritage with a contemporary aesthetic. The identity is defined by a "flow" concept, utilizing a hidden water splash symbol within the logotype. Each flavor is identified by a unique geometric icon and a monochromatic palette derived from the fruit's internal and external colors. This system creates a high-impact, clean look that communicates premium quality while remaining approachable and energetic for a young demographic.
Dimensions & Packaging
Aluminium 330 ml drink cans
Tags
drink, alcohol, colorful, cocktail, angola, fruits
Production Technology
Design printed directly on the cans with Pantone system inks.
Design Challenge
The primary challenge was introducing an entirely new product category: Hard Seltzer to a market while ensuring it felt authentically Angolan without relying on visual clichés. Balancing the constructive narrative of the brand's mission with the functional requirements of beverage packaging was critical. We overcame this by using the river metaphor, a symbol of life and unity, to create a sophisticated logotype and icon system that feels both globally competitive and deeply rooted in the local landscape of Huambo.
Project Duration
6 months, Angola, USA and France
Operation Flow
The design process utilized a "Diverge and Converge" methodology to translate ecological concepts into a modern branding system. Initial sketches explored fluid river patterns, which were then refined into precise geometric symbols using Adobe Illustrator. A dual-tone color strategy was developed to ensure flavor distinction and shelf-standout. High-fidelity 3D renders were created in Adobe Dimension/Photoshop to simulate light-play on the metallic cans and test the visibility of the textured "a" logotype in real-world environments.
Research
Type: Market and Cultural Ethnographic Research. Objectives: To establish the first hard seltzer identity in the Angolan market. Methodology: Analysis of local fruit profiles and water-source symbolism. Tools: Color theory mapping and competitive visual audits. Participants: Local youth and community stakeholders. Results: Identified a gap for a wellness-oriented, low-alcohol beverage with local roots. Insights: Users preferred minimalist, non-busy designs that emphasize "freshness." Impact: The research influenced a visual language that promotes Angolan origins as a mark of premium quality.
Inspiration
The design is inspired by the life-giving springs of Huambo, which feed the Okavango River and sustain a diverse ecosystem. This "spirit of beginnings" and the concept of rivers as connectors served as the foundation for the brand. The geometric icons represent the structured yet fluid nature of water systems. Culturally, the brand draws from the vibrant energy of modern Angola, seeking to create a constructive and uplifting narrative that fosters positive community impact.

Press releases are available in 1 languages.

Email this page to a friend

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Discover A' Design Award, World's Largest Design Accolade.

Learn More