You realize these tasty snack-treats known as Manomasa? Those saved for particular events or BBQs with mates, and solely accessible from the “posher” supermarkets? It is in all probability due to the premium providing and somewhat severe packaging – to not point out the muted tones and grown-up illustrations that describe precisely what high-end flavours is likely to be ready inside.
Regardless of all this, the favored tortillas have simply undergone a giant model refresh, due to Derek&Eric, the London-based design company based by Alex Stewart, Adam Swan, and Jon Gibbs. It is solely while you see the brand new identification and packaging that you just realise simply how a lot an replace was wanted.
Since its launch, Manomasa (“Mano” is Spanish for hand, and “Masa” is the maise dough used to make conventional tortilla chips) may need constructed a small however devoted following (myself included), but it surely has struggled to shake off its popularity as a healthful, “farm shop-esque” snack model discovered solely in premium retailers. Its father or mother firm, Valeo Meals UK, needed to interrupt out of this area of interest and fling itself into the mainstream. The way it achieved that started with a evaluation of its technique.
Derek&Eric went again to fundamentals, specializing in what impressed the product within the first place: making the model’s look match the way it tastes, whereas additionally drawing on influences from Latin America – its vitality, ardour, color and heat. It saved the prevailing format of the packaging, with the emblem entrance and centre, in addition to the colorful show of components and the cream background, however gave all of it a vigorous Latin American really feel.
What meaning is a glow-up based on the tagline “Snacks With Spirit”. The palette, as you’d anticipate, is now satisfyingly vibrant, with splashes of teal, scorching pink, vibrant orange, acid inexperienced, and glad yellow that immediately level out the totally different flavours. Yellow is pineapple and habanero chilli, by the best way. We’re undecided how that lands, however we’re desperate to strive it.
Derek&Eric additionally added a brand new icon that includes two dancers. Caught mid-dance, they convey a way of rhythm that provides life and motion throughout all platforms. Accompanying supplies for social media, recipe books, packaging, and supply bins with branded tape full the refresh – all with their very own glad drama. There are even vinyl data and poster designs, that are hopefully up for grabs. (Derek & Eric, for those who’re studying this… inform us learn how to get our palms on them!)
However, other than the product packaging itself, it is the supply vehicles which might be the perfect of all. Towards an exquisite blue backdrop, illustrations adorn the floor… the 2 dancing mascots seem alongside the brand new brand in handwritten kind. On the truck’s rear doorways sits a menu, as if it have been one thing out of Jon Favreau’s 2014 movie Chef. I can virtually hear the Latin vibes.
It appears we’re not the one ones to understand this overhaul: the undertaking gained Gold on the FAB Awards. Congratulations to all concerned. I am off to Waitrose to search out that pineapple flavour.
