Mirzam: Monsters Collection Apoti Chocolate

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Chocolate-makers from the UAE (Dubai) contacted us to create a branding for handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolate. From the naming and identity to the product design and packaging, we designed each element with a fascinating story around the whole concept. We created the brand based on journeys through the ancient Orient along long-forgotten ocean routes and pathways. A journey from one country to another, meeting monsters and mythical characters.

Dimensions & Packaging

Width 31 mm x Depth 1 mm x Height 61 mm

Tags

chocolate, packaging, packaging design, fiction, monsters, sea, trade, the Orient, Arabic

Production Technology

The technology used for this project was making stencil-like design for the sleeve of the chocolate packaging, thus making the monsters illustrations on the actual surface of the packaging visible from the window. The material used for packaging design is paper.

Design Challenge

The project had a central goal of storytelling and conveying the message and experience to the consumer. In this case, the central challenge was telling a deep story in a complete form, which however is hard to do on a small, flat packaging. Thus, we came up with a sliding-sleeve technology that helps the storytelling process. Hence, with the monsters illustrations on the actual surface of the packaging visible from the window and the interactive sleeve unveiling a new reality,the emotional message behind the packaging is perfectly conveyed.

Research

The research was a central stage when developing the project, as the team dived deep into Arabic story-telling especially connected with sea and sea trade. Thus, the naming Mirzam was developed which is the Beta star of Canis Major, the greater of Orion’s canine companions. During the era of the Spice Route, Mirzam was one of the primary stars, by which sailors would navigate. As such it is representing the romance and adventure of bygone days – an era that we celebrate at Mirzam Chocolate. Further, as a result of a research the brand concept and story was developed.

Inspiration

The central story that inspired to design the packaging of the chocolate is the Arabic fictional story. The packaging line for Mirzam Monsters Collection is our interpretation of those tales told by the Arab merchants to scare off their competitors from entering the sea trade, about mythical monsters, who blocked their passage and tried to sink and swallow their vessel with spices.

Project Duration

January-September 2015, Yerevan, Armenia

Operation Flow

The idea was to express destruction of the myth with an interactive packaging design. On the sliding sleeve, the monsters are clearly seen, as the merchants’ stories visualization. When you remove the sleeve, you uncover a new reality – where the shine of stars and ocean planktons create an impression of the fantastic mythical beasts. This mythical journey follows you even when you unwrap the bar and see the sea wave patterns on the chocolate which sums up the Mirzam Chocolate adventure.

Patents

Copyrights belong to Mirzam Chocolate Makers

Image Credits

All Photo Credits to Bacbkone Branding