Tried&True Design

28/01/2025

DEUTZ

The brief from Pernod Ricard for Deutz was to evolve their existing range of packaging, modernising it to retain relevance and enhance shelf stand-out, whilst still retaining brand recognition. It was really important the changes made were subtle enough that there was no confusion for shoppers during the change. The brand mark was strengthened for greater standout and label details refined and embellished to give it a fresher more premium look. We updated the stocks, textures and print finishes to elevate its appearance and give it a truly premium look and feel.

11/11/2024

MUNCH’N

A clear, yet challenging brief for Munch’n – ‘Create a brand using just one word that can be used across a portfolio of berry products exported globally (primarily to Asia)’. The primary vehicle for the brand was small fruit punnets where the visibility of the actual berries was vital, so the brand had to be extremely noticeable in a small space but not so dominant that the product was hidden.

Munch’n man was initially sold in as a rough visual but we immediately saw the potential for the loosely drawn character. The challenge was making such a simple character visually engaging while ensuring the packaging delivered in-store. Luckily no one else was doing anything remotely similar and soon after launch consumers started taking playful snaps of themselves interacting with the packaging just because they liked it.

07/11/2024

Making the complex simple through brand.
Blueprint Global is a logistics company that specialises in chilled freight. The logo is made up of five containers, representing five core segments of the business (air, sea, land, cross-trade & rail), coming together to form the chilled logo, which then becomes a communications device across all their touch points.
Give us a call today to find out how we can get your brand to work harder for real, meaningful results.

https://www.triedandtruedesign.co.nz/

07/11/2024

WOODSTOCK

Woodstock Bourbon was struggling with an identity crisis. Even though it was made with true Kentucky Bourbon, it lacked authenticity & credibility.

We developed a stronger, more iconic brand mark that locked-up with key elements illustrating Woodstock’s genuine heritage. Telling the brand’s story through layering and detail of handcrafted aged typography, messaging and imagery.

05/11/2024

03/11/2024

THE POWER OF BRAND STRATEGY
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Why it’s non-negotiable for business longevity
In a world that’s moving faster than we can think, brands are often swept up in the lure of quick wins—viral moments, flash sales, or campaigns that ignite briefly before fizzling out. But here’s the truth : if you’re serious about thriving, rather than merely surviving, you need something much deeper. A brand strategy isn’t just a corporate accessory; it’s the DNA of your business’s future.

A brand strategy is not a logo or a tagline. It’s not a marketing trick. It’s a belief system—a way of thinking, behaving, and connecting that sets your business apart in an overcrowded, noisy marketplace.

At Tried&True, we know that without a brand strategy, your business is navigating without a compass. Here’s why this is the core of your business’s success.

1. Brand strategy : more than just marketing
A brand strategy isn’t marketing. Marketing is what you do. Brand strategy is who you are. It transcends the tactical, the promotional. It’s the blueprint that gives meaning to every action you take. A brand strategy cuts through the superficial noise and gets to the heart of what makes your business tick—your values, your voice, your position in the world.

When your strategy is clear, every campaign, every post, every interaction becomes intentional. You’re no longer shouting into the void; you’re building something that lasts.

2. Visibility in a sea of sameness
Let’s face it—competition is brutal. Everyone’s vying for attention, and if you don’t stand for something unique, you disappear. But a well-crafted brand strategy allows your business to claim its space with precision and confidence.

A brand that knows itself, knows its audience. It doesn’t just sell a product or service; it offers a story people can relate to, something they want to be a part of. You become more than a company—you become an experience, a belief system, a movement. And in a crowded market, people don’t just choose products or services—they choose identities.

3. Short-term gains vs. long-term growth
Brands built on quick wins are often fleeting. They light up for a moment but have no staying power. A long-term brand strategy, on the other hand, is an investment in your business’s future. It’s the difference between fireworks and a lighthouse. The fireworks grab attention—but the lighthouse is what guides people back, time and time again.

Short-term tactics may offer a sugar rush of visibility. But real growth? That comes from consistent, thoughtful brand building. You’re not looking for attention; you’re building loyalty.

4. Building trust and loyalty
Loyalty isn’t transactional. It’s emotional. And it’s impossible to build without clarity. Customers want to buy into brands that they trust, brands that stand for something. A solid brand strategy gives them that confidence—it’s the promise that you’ll deliver on what you say you will, every time.

When your brand is grounded in a well-defined strategy, your audience know who you are, what you stand for, and why they should choose you. Loyalty doesn’t come from a one-off interaction. It’s built through consistent, meaningful interactions that reflect a unified story.

5. The cost of a fuzzy brand
Without a clear strategy, your business risks becoming background noise—indistinguishable from the rest. Inconsistent messaging and scattered efforts lead to confusion, both internally and externally. A brand without direction is a brand on life support—constantly chasing trends instead of setting them.

The most dangerous thing you can do is become reactive, constantly shifting with the tides of the marketplace, without a firm foundation to stand on. And once you lose that core, it’s nearly impossible to regain.

The takeaway
At Tried&True, we see brand strategy as more than essential—it’s existential. A strong brand strategy isn’t just something nice to have; it’s your lifeline. It’s what keeps you relevant, relatable, and resilient in the face of shifting markets. Without it, you’re just another name. With it, you’re the name everyone remembers.

29/10/2024

CHURCH ROAD SINGLE VINEYARD

Church Road Winery were introducing a new range to their portfolio to showcase the quality and winemaking credentials of the Hawkes Bay and Church Road team, led by Chris Scott. The range was to be a premium offer, positioned between their Grand Reserve Range and Tom.

Our design was built on the essence of simplicity being the ultimate in sophistication. Taking the traditional and contemporary aspects of Church Road, we created a label to reflect the single source of this super premium wine. The distinct shaped label created a strong visual difference to competitor brands and gave an elevated point of difference within the Church Road portfolio, it’s recognised at a glance and visually owns the space.

20/10/2024

ARE YOU BRAND READY?
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We live in a world where change isn’t just happening—it’s relentless. And brands, like the businesses behind them, need to be prepared for whatever comes next. A great product or service is no longer enough. Your brand is the glue that holds it all together, the magnet that makes your business not just relevant, but irresistible. So, are you brand ready?

Time for a Brand Check-Up
We need to think of a brand being alive. It’s not some static logo or tagline—it’s a living, breathing force that shapes how people see you and connects them to your business. But here’s the reality: too many businesses let their brands gather dust, letting them slip out of touch. And if your brand isn’t working for you, it’s working against you.

How do you know if it’s time for a refresh? Ask yourself :

Does your brand reflect who you are today? – Businesses change (like we all do). You evolve, your offerings grow, you break into new markets. But has your brand kept up? It should be a mirror to who you are right now, not who you were five years ago.

Is your brand distinctive? – In today’s noisy marketplace, blending in is su***de. If your brand doesn’t stand out, it’s not standing a chance. The best brands don’t just sit there—they shout. They’re unmistakable.

Is your brand future-proof? – A great brand isn’t just about today—it’s got to be ready for tomorrow. Can it adapt as consumer expectations shift? Can it grow with the times?

Does your brand fit your future? – As you grow, what you offer might change. But is your brand still in sync with that? Too often, businesses expand but their brand doesn’t. It causes confusion, dilutes your strength, and leaves customers scratching their heads. Keep your brand aligned with where you’re headed.

The Power of a Brand Refresh
Refreshing your brand doesn’t mean throwing out everything and starting from scratch. It’s about taking what’s working, fixing what’s not, and sharpening your focus. The most successful brands manage to balance heritage and innovation. They hold onto what makes them special, but they’re never afraid to embrace change.

Look at the brands that dominate. Apple, Nike, Unilever—they’ve mastered the art of staying relevant. Their identities, messaging, and tone of voice evolve in tune with their audience. They don’t follow trends for the sake of it—they lead with purpose.

Refreshing your brand is about being ready for the future, not chasing the latest fad.

Why Brands Matter More Than Ever
We live in a world where products are copied, prices are slashed, and everything can be undercut. What makes you different? IT’S YOUR BRAND. That’s your secret weapon. A strong brand builds loyalty, creates trust, and, most importantly, forges emotional connections. People don’t just buy products—they buy into brands they believe in.

So, where does your brand stand today? Is it still striking a chord with your audience? Is it aligned with your ambitions? More importantly—is it future-ready?

Time to Get Serious About Your Brand
The power of a brand is easy to overlook—until it’s too late. The brands that win are the ones that constantly challenge themselves. They ask the tough questions : Are we leading or following? Is our brand telling the right story? Is it doing everything it can to move us forward?

The brands that stand out are proactive, not reactive. They don’t wait for the competition to change the game—they’re the ones changing it.

So, is your brand ready? Ready to evolve? Ready to inspire? If there’s even a flicker of doubt, now’s the time to act. A great brand isn’t just for today. It’s the key to tomorrow.

The brands that thrive are those that know their most valuable asset is the story they tell. And they never stop refining that story.

Let’s talk about how we can help you get your brand ready for what’s next.